Good news - "Heart of Winter" (IWD add-on) is improving the bard. I've always found bards kinda useless except for role-playing, but this sounds interesting.
"I know I'm going on and on about Heart of Winter but one last thing, the new bard songs alone are giving this class something to rave about. As you gain levels, you get to sing songs that help your party with bonuses, protection, healing, etc. Bards rock!!!
Okay I have to contain myself so that's it for now, have an awesome Xmas!
Harold Kim
QA Project Supervisor"
http://www.interplay.com/icewind/
That sounds totally cool. I'm definitely going to try a bard with those new abilities.