Canadian folk singer-songwriter Cara Luft is returning to her solo career with My Heart Will Always Be, her first solo album in more than 13 years. The 10-track record, which features collaborations with Grammy-winning banjo player Alison Brown and Canadian musician John K. Samson, is scheduled to arrive on streaming platforms November 6 through Blue Case Tunes.
The album marks a significant new chapter for the Winnipeg-based musician, who helped establish two prominent Canadian folk groups, The Wailin’ Jennys and The Small Glories. Luft has also shared the album’s title track as a single, introducing a collection centred on personal change, friendship, grief and renewal.
Cara Luft Returns to Solo Recording After Major Life Changes
The project emerged during a period of transition for Luft, who recently turned 50, purchased her first home and experienced several personal developments, including an ADHD diagnosis and the conclusion of The Small Glories after approximately a decade.
These experiences influenced her decision to approach recording differently, prioritizing creative partnerships and a supportive working environment.
Luft assembled a production team consisting of Liverpool-based musician and producer Scott Poley, Cranbrook, British Columbia, songwriter Clayton Parsons and Vancouver recording engineer Julia Graff.
The group, informally known as The Quadrangle of Awesomeness, became central to the album’s development.
Fan-Funded Album Recorded in Vancouver
Recording took place over 12 days in Vancouver, with Luft, Poley and Parsons performing most of the instrumental and vocal arrangements.
Parsons collaborated with Luft on every original composition, while Grammy-winning engineer D. James Goodwin handled mixing.
The recording was financed entirely through fan contributions, allowing Luft to pursue an independent release strategy.
Rather than launching exclusively through digital platforms, the musician has prioritized physical album sales at live performances before the November 6 streaming release.
New Songs Explore Personal Growth, Community and Canadian Identity
The title track, My Heart Will Always Be, combines layered vocal harmonies with two banjos, exploring self-acceptance following periods of grief and emotional uncertainty.
Another original composition, Find Love, incorporates a melodic contribution from JD Edwards and blends folk-rock instrumentation with themes of connection and compassion.
The album also includes Garbage Hill, a duet featuring John K. Samson of The Weakerthans.
The song reflects Luft’s relationship with Winnipeg, drawing inspiration from a former landfill that has become a public park overlooking the city’s railway infrastructure.
Alison Brown Joins Banjo-Focused Tribute
Grammy-winning musician Alison Brown appears on The Banjo Is a Gift, a composition inspired by an encounter in which an audience member offered Luft a banjo after a performance.
The recording features six banjos and pays tribute to American musician John Hartford.
Other selections include traditional songs The Snows They Melt the Soonest and Lagan Love, highlighting Luft’s longstanding connection to British and Irish folk traditions.
Doubt and Belief addresses renewal, while Come Undone examines grief and emotional support.
The album closes with a reinterpretation of Buddy Holly’s Not Fade Away, reflecting Luft’s early musical influences.
Canadian Tour Includes Ontario, British Columbia and Manitoba
Luft is supporting the release with performances across Canada throughout the fall and winter.
Upcoming October appearances include Ottawa on October 23, Kitchener on October 24 and Toronto on October 25.
November engagements include Vancouver performances on November 4 and 5, followed by the Woodstove Festival in Cumberland, British Columbia, from November 6 to 8.
Additional concerts are scheduled for Langley, Thunder Bay, Winnipeg and Gimli.
Girls Do Boys Concert Series Planned for January
In January, Luft will participate in the Girls Do Boys concert series alongside Helen Austin, Shari Ulrich and Claire Coupland.
The performances, featuring interpretations of songs written by male songwriters, are scheduled across Vancouver Island and Salt Spring Island from January 13 to 17.
With My Heart Will Always Be, Luft is re-establishing her solo recording career while maintaining the collaborative approach that has defined much of her work in Canadian folk music. The independent, fan-supported release also reflects her emphasis on live performance and direct relationships with audiences.
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