Seattle-based jazz vocalist Heather Ward returns in luminous form with her latest album Gilded & Silver, released on June 1st. This 12-track collection of soulful originals, inventive interpretations, and genre-defying arrangements is a testament to Ward’s unique voice in modern jazz—a blend of technical excellence, heartfelt storytelling, and rich, vibrant tone.
Following the success of her debut solo album Honeysweet, Ward takes a bold step forward with Gilded & Silver. The Canadian-born artist, who has called Seattle home since 1997, brings her full musical journey into focus on this record. Having studied jazz at Vancouver Community College and Capilano University, and trained with legends like Hugh Fraser, Sheila Jordan, and Jay Clayton, Ward’s musical roots run deep—and they blossom beautifully throughout this new album.
The opening track, “Into the Music,” is more than just a song—it’s a tribute. Written in honor of her jazz mentor Hugh Fraser and her uncle Joe Edmonds, both of whom passed away during the pandemic, the song is as emotionally resonant as it is musically sophisticated. “Hugh often said, ‘I’m just so into the music,’” Ward recalls. And that sentiment radiates through every note. Her warm, expressive voice glides across intricate, elegant arrangements with soul and precision, backed by a stellar cast of jazz musicians. It’s a commanding introduction that sets the tone for an album rich in both artistry and heart.
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From there, Gilded & Silver travels through an inspired landscape of emotion and sound. “Towers” is moody and contemplative, while “Dear Prudence,” a Beatles classic reimagined with style and grace, showcases Ward’s ability to reinterpret well-known material with fresh vision. “Blue Collar” introduces a gritty, textured groove that pulses with energy, while “Light Up My Room” slows things down into intimate, candle-lit territory.
One of the album’s gems is “My World Is Beginning Today,” a song that bridges cabaret elegance with jazz finesse, wrapped in Ward’s impeccable vocal phrasing. “A Million Miles Away” and “Midnight at the Oasis” continue the album’s dynamic thread, blending storytelling with jazz sophistication. The playful swing of “He’s A Tramp” brings a smile to the listener’s face, while “My Favorite Things a la Trane” is a brilliant homage—taking the classic tune and infusing it with Coltrane-inspired improvisation and flair.
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The penultimate track “Mercy Street” is haunting and emotionally rich, revealing Ward’s deeper storytelling instincts, before the album concludes with “I Can’t Give You Anything but Love”—a heartfelt, classy closer that sends listeners off with warmth, soul, and a touch of timeless charm. Gilded & Silver is more than a jazz album—it’s a deeply personal, beautifully curated artistic statement. Heather Ward invites us into her world with honesty, grace, and musical brilliance. With this release, she reaffirms her place as one of the most compelling jazz vocalists in today’s scene. Whether you’re a longtime jazz aficionado or a curious newcomer, Gilded & Silver is an album that deserves to be heard, felt, and remembered.
Check the links below, discover more about Heather Ward and her music, and remember to add her songs to your favorite playlists!
Official Website: www.heatherwardstudios.com
Spotify: Heather Ward
YouTube: Heather Ward
Facebook: quirkyjazz
TikTok: @heatherwardstudios
