Scripture Untangled

Season 13: Episode 5 | Laila Biali | A Conversation with a Canadian Jazz Icon

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In this episode, Laila and Lorna discuss:

• Laila’s faith journey, including wrestling with relationships and faith, and the powerful experience of being embraced, not rejected, by a church community.
• The Grammy ‘God-wink’, the hard road behind the album, and the perseverance required to bring it to completion.
• How Laila engages Scripture in a busy season of life, leaning into simple, sustainable rhythms like daily Bible app readings, short devotionals, and guided prayer.
• Key Scriptures that have anchored Laila’s life, speaking into themes of beauty, redemption, strength, and fear.
• Motherhood, travel and calling – choosing seasons, community needs, and letting God “veto” decisions.

Multi award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter, pianist and national radio host and 2026 GRAMMY Award nominee Laila Biali has headlined festivals and venues spanning five continents from New York City’s Carnegie Hall to Beijing’s National Centre for the Performing Arts and supported international icon Sting. Biali’s past four consecutive releases – Wintersongs (2024), Your Requests (2023), Out of Dust (2020), and Laila Biali (2018) – all received JUNO Award nominations, and she won the 2019 JUNO Award for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year.

Wintersongs was also nominated for a 2026 GRAMMY Award alongside heavyweights Elton John & Brandi Carlile, Lady Gaga, Barbra Streisand, Jennifer Hudson and Laufey.

In 2020 Biali was honoured by SOCAN Music with the Hagood Hardy Award for Excellence in Songwriting following her 2018 win at the Canadian Songwriting Competition for Best Song (Jazz). Biali was the youngest-ever double winner at Canada’s National Jazz Awards, named SOCAN Composer of the Year and Keyboardist of the Year.

When Biali isn’t on stage she’s busy hosting CBC Music’s national radio show, Saturday Night Jazz. Biali’s signature sound transcends genre, making her a favourite among audiences globally.

Learn more about Laila Biali

Lorna Dueck has explored the intersection of journalism and Christianity for over 30 years. Her most recent full-time role was as CEO of Crossroads Christian Communications, Inc. and the show, “Context with Lorna Dueck”.

Lorna was a regular commentary writer on faith and public life in Canada’s leading national newspaper, The Globe and Mail, and is a frequent media commentator. She has travelled the world reporting on church-led response to humanitarian crisis.

Lorna earned a Master of Arts in Evangelism and Leadership from Wheaton College. She has received honorary doctorate degrees from Trinity, Tyndale, Briercrest and Wycliffe Universities. Lorna has received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for contributions to Canadian society.

Learn more about Lorna Dueck:

Instagram: instagram.com/lorna_dueck
Website: lornadueckcreative.com