Live 1997

Recorded in Toronto, Canada, August 10, 1997.
Double CD

All words and music by Nancy Ward unless otherwise noted.

Douglas John Cameron - guitars and percussion
John Ebata - keyboards and patience
Kevan McKenzie - drums and percussion
John Yelland - electric and acoustic bass
Ron Allen - flutes (of all kinds), soprano sax and percussion
Jaqueline Goring - harp
John Brownell - orchestral percussion
Kirk Worthington - cello
Sheree Jeacocke - vocals
Dutch Robinson - vocals

Nancy Ward is one of Canada's finest singers and writers. She is a profoundly passionate and committed artist. Her work, born in the crucible of intense longing and suffering, speaks of all aspects of the human spirit. She is at once humorous and serious, heavenly and earthly. She feels at once that her music represents the "celestial" and the "primitive".
This live album represents only a portion of her work. Her children's album, "We Want To Grow Up", is a great testimony to her storytelling abilities and wonderful singable songs. "Planters of Trees" is a remarkable collection of songs and performances centering around her favourite issues of nature, women, and the need for spiritual inspiration in our lives.
You can hear this lyrical and emotional music and feel the warm prairie wind blowing across your face. Nancy represents all the best there is about the folk traditions of Canada - she epitomizes the sound of her country, yet her themes of love and redemption are truly universal.
Nancy and I discovered the Baha'i teachings in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, at the age of 19, and having taken piano lessons together as teenagers have wandered the bittersweet paths of music for many years as followers of Baha'u'llah. I know that she has blazed a brilliant path for many in the future to tread with awe and grace.
May God continue to bless her musical life and service.
- Jack Lenz, November 12, 1997