In solo- performing singer/songwriter mode, Darcy plays a Larrivee LV03 and a Larrivee L05.
Darcy's players occasionally include: JK Gulley-- guitar, Al Cross- Drums, percussion (Big Sugar), Gary Craig-- Drums & Percussion (Jann Arden, Anne Murray), John Dymond-- stand up bass (Colin Linden, Lisa Brokop) Mark Mariash-- Drums & Percussion, Dave Wood-- side man-- slide, mandolin, guitar, Lance Anderson- Keys & B3, Mark Macintyre- stand up bass, Mati Haskell-- BG's, Darren Schott- side man--slide guitar, mandolin, fiddle, Colin Linden-- slide guitar
Influences
In her younger years, Darcy's music was inspired by early Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, John Prine. More recently, Bonnie Raitt, Shawn Colvin, and Jann Arden have been among her favourite artists-- as writers and performers-- and you can hear those influences peek through in Darcy's vocals and tunesmithing.
She has been described as a velvety blend of Jann Arden and Alison Krauss.
Darcy Lynne Ward was born when the folk days were in full swing in Yorkville, Ontario. It was here that her parents took into the folk scene to see the likes of Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, Odetta....and its where they watched a performer named Steve Gilette just before Darcy was born. The song was called "Darcy Farrow" written by Steve Gilette, and it is the song that Darcy is named after.
Darcy has been playing and singing long before she learned fractions in school. She possesses a diverse background in musical history from R & B, to sixties cover bands, acapella, country, and many years of studio performances. Her studio experience has graced her name on dozens of albums, and now, her voice headlines her first CD, "What Else Is New..." Produced by Nashville veteran, J.K. Gulley and, musical legend J. Richard Hutt, her record features 13 tracks, 11 penned by Ward. Her sound is not mainstream country but more a rootsy alternative with a moody blues edge.
Her live performances draw you in and can captivate your senses as you experience the imagery in her lyrics, not to mention her wicked sense of humour. Her feel and raw passion is something she can deliver hands down in her performances.
Ward has quite a diverse history--with a degree in Marketing, 10 years working in a smokey bar slinging beer, hosting karaoke & spinning records. She returned to school for nursing and has spent six years as a direct front line staff at a maximum security psychiatric hospital for men. It was during this time, Darcy felt some of the burdens that come with the job, and slowly eased back into song writing to alleviate the stress of her job.
When Darcy writes, she describes the vibe of her home a perfect place for her music to melt like butter on paper. And who wouldn't-- on 278 acres with 5 horses, a 175 lb irish wolf hound, a 90 lb german shepherd, 4 cats, and her wonderful husband (who thankfully is a veterinarian with all those animals.)
She is the proud new mommy of a beautiful little boy, Dylan, who just played roadie to his songstress mother in the City of St. John, New Brunswick. Dylan was upfront with his Daddy banging on his rattle while Mommy performed her originals at the Canadian Country Music Awards Songwriter's Cafe.
"Cowgirl's Lullaby" made its debut on EUROPEAN HOTDISC CHART at Number 7 -- September 2006.
"The lyrics of her original tracks reveal inspired heart-felt emotions and the creativity of an extraordinary storyteller... Lovers of mixed country and blues-- do not miss talented Darcy Lynne Wards debut CD What else is New."
Brenda Barbee- Roots Music Report
"Her earthy-country album is a beauty!" Paul Davis, Country Round Up Magazine
"Her whole album is fabulous!" Marie Chrichton, BBC
Winner of the 2005 Toronto Independent Awards Best Country
Nominee of the 2006 HEMI'S Best Future Female Artist
Featured Performing Songwriter at the 2006 Canadian Country Music Awards
Album available for download iTunes iTunes Europe iTunes Japan
Music Directors and Program Directors can download broadcast quality singles for your programmes using the following link
www.airplaydirect.com/music/bands/2100/
THANK YOU AMERICANA HIGHWAY, WIVK in Knoxville, TN and listeners/fans for voting RUNAWAY TRAIN BEST COVER SONG!!!!
www.americanahighway.blogspot.com/
