Canadian-born, Seattle-based jazz vocalist Heather Ward has always been more than a performer; she is a storyteller who channels personal history, artistic mentorship, and lived experience into every note. Her latest album, Gilded & Silver, continues that tradition, with the standout track “Into the Music” serving as both centerpiece and tribute.
Written in honor of two of her greatest influences, her Canadian jazz mentor Hugh Fraser and her uncle Joe Edmonds, the song is steeped in memory and reverence. Both men passed away from cancer during the pandemic, but their impact lives on through Ward’s performance. Fraser, who often said, “I’m just so into the music,” gave Ward not only technical grounding but also a philosophy of living through art. Her uncle, too, instilled a deep love of music that shaped her path. In “Into the Music,” Ward transforms loss into lasting resonance, weaving her grief into a lyrical and melodic celebration.
The track embodies what makes Ward such a distinct voice in modern jazz. Her delivery is supple yet grounded, striking a balance between vulnerability and control. Supported by a skilled ensemble including pianist John Hansen, bassist Moe Weisner, drummer Luca Cartner, and horn arrangements featuring Kate Olson and Carey Rayburn, the piece blends intimacy with expansiveness, a reflection of both personal memory and collective artistry.
Ward’s journey into jazz is itself a story of evolution. Originally trained in visual arts, she discovered her vocal gift while performing at gallery openings. Formal studies at Vancouver Community College and Capilano University deepened her craft, while mentorship from legends like Sheila Jordan and Jay Clayton honed her improvisational voice. Since relocating to Seattle, she has built a reputation not only as a performer but also as an educator and mentor through her private teaching and membership in NATS.
With “Into the Music,” Heather Ward delivers more than a song; she offers a testament to legacy, a meditation on continuity, and a reminder of how art keeps the voices of our mentors alive.