The Wailin' Jennys Bring It Together

40 Days
(Red House Records www.thewailinjennys.com)

by Bill Nevins

The Wailin' Jennys move in threes, bringing three fine voices, three strong guitars and three original songwriting souls (Cara Luft, Nicky Mehta, Ruth Moody) to bear in their fresh, engaging take on neo-traditional folk music. Recently playing both an outdoor BioPark picnic gig and a sold-out AMP house concert in Albuquerque, this Canada-based trio charmed Southwest listeners on their first official US tour. Their just released debut cd, Forty Days, (Red House Records, www.thewailinjennys.com ), also charms. A blend of Steeleye Span style saucy sailor songs, a fine feminine cover of Neil Young's "Old Man" and very striking views from their own individual perspectives on life, troubles and the dawn of every new day.

The troubles include the sadness they express at the war-face being shown to the world by the U.S. government. "Canada's not a real flag-waving place and the army is more into helping people with floods and such, " comments Cara, with nods from the other Jennys.

And the Wailin' Jennys are just plain fun. A magic sort of fun, the way they take old songs and make them bright and shining. Beyond that there is the skill of their three part harmonies and seamless collective songwriting. They have a lovely song about just that--harmony.

The Wailin' Jennys have their act together, and they bring people together whenever and wherever they play. Check out their fine cd, 40 Days, and check out the Jennys when they play near you. Fine people, fine music.