Customer Reviews

40 Days

5 star:		(43)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

What is it about Canada providing such fertile ground for great female singer/songwriters? From the peerless Joni Mitchell to the irresistible Lynn Miles (a new album is coming soon!!), there's also been such wonderful work from Susie Ungerleider (Oh Susanna), the Be Good Tanyas, the recent cd from the Duhks and, of course, the Wailin' Jennys.

Ruth Moody, Nicky Mehta, and Cara Luft-three Canadian singer/songwriters--have produced the harmony album of the year. Each has a distinctive voice and song writing tone. But, their affinity for each other, vocally, is amazing. A brilliant and lovely opening song, "One Voice" sets the perfect mood. Mostly excellent originals, they also perform several covers: a great version of Neil Young's "Old Man" which called to mind the harmonies of Crosby, Stills and Nash and a lovely take on John Hiatt's romantic "Take it Down." A couple of traditional tunes, as well, including a beautiful closing "The Parting Glass." Don't miss this one.

Cara Luft has left the Jennys and been replaced with Annabelle Chvostek. Let's hope the miraculous sounds and songwriting continue. In the meantime, go to the websites of the Wailin' Jennys, Nicky Mehta and Ruth Moody. If you are as taken with them as I am, buy Ruth's MOODY, PENNER AND SWAIN (a celtic album of traditional tunes), Ruth's solo BLUE MUSE, Nicky's WEATHER VANE, and the Jennys' earlier EP. All of them are quite wonderful.

Is it folk, is it alt-alt-country, or a triple dose of fine singer-songwriters weaving their considerable talents into one breathtaking recording? Well, it's all of the above and then some. With the hooks of Ruth Moody, the chops of Cara Luft, and the heart of Nicky Mehta, you end up with a multilayered and incredibly rich listening experience. The originals are strong, the covers (Neil Young's "Old Man", John Hiatt's "Take It Down" and a gorgeous traditional song/set closer "The Parting Glass" repossessed from the original owners, crisp production, solid and spare musicianship, and those achingly beautiful harmonies are not to be missed. And if you are within driving distance of a show, they are absolutely astonishing live. Nice people, too.

I'm not a big fan of folk music (folk rock?) but the first time I heard the 'Jennys harmonizing on Radio Paradise, I immediately stopped what I was doing and purchased this album. Their 3 voices together create a most extraordinary sound, kind of like an acoustic female version of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young (they even perform a fantastic cover of Young's "Old Man" on the album.) The recording absolutely shimmers, with tastefully sparse arrangements that do complete justice to the vocals. The original songs themselves are approachable, personal, and beautifully crafted. I don't think there's a slow moment on the whole album. Crank up the volume, close your eyes, and you will have chills running down your spine, guaranteed!

Here are my thoughts about "40 Days", the debut CD by The Wailin' Jennys, a teriffic group from Winnipeg, Manitoba.

One Voice. One my relatives who heard the this track as her first Jennys tune, was immediately struck by the beautiful vocals. It certainly makes for a good show opener.

Saucy Sailor is immediately appealing. The song hooked me totally in when the vocals kick in on "You are ragged love and you're dirty love." The "Lah dee dah" part at the end is really nice. I wish this song was twice as long!

Arlington compels me to listen, like I'm about to hear a story.

Beautiful Dawn. Tasty acoustic sounds. Sounds like it could get airplay on country radio. The woman from Festival Records (who I met at a bookstore Jennys concert) did mention that something from the album was already getting airplay on a country station.

Untitled. The catchy intro makes this song instantly memorable. An obvious Cara (Luft) song. Nice placing of the viola to add subtle colour.

This Is Where. Beautiful, tasty harmonics in this one. And the vocals are just lovely; expressive and sincere.

Old Man. I can recall waiting in the Grant Park McDonald's drive-through when this was played live on CBC radio in 03 or 02. I remember the idea was to cover a Neil Young song after something like an hour's notice, or something like that. It's well done and will provide an anchor for audience members who are seeing the Jennys for the first time and are unfamiliar with the repertoire.

Heaven When We're Home. Another tune that could get on country radio. Very nice fiddle playing. Sounds like a song the Indigo Girls could play.

Ten Mile Stilts. Wow. Loses none of its immediacy and intimacy. The vocals sound so personal. It's almost like the song is being sung to one person. For me, the sparse piano recalls the Ladies cover of "Lovers In A Dangerous Time." I swear, when the three vocals converge, endorphins are released in my brain, demanding I hit the repeat button. A single listen is not enough.

Come All You Sailors. While I can't point to any one song as being truly representative of the Jennys sound, this is a signature tune, due to its popularity. People expect to hear this one all the time.

Take It Down. I bet this would be a good track to fall asleep to, so gentle is its sound. I'll have to try it.

Something To Hold Onto. Another strong Cara song that tells a story. Bittersweet.

43 year old grouch, softened beyond words, listening to this sweet, sweet music...thanks Ladies

I also heard this group on Prairie Home Companion. I love the song selections. Many groups can deliver solid harmonies but these three feel like one voice singing three parts. The first sond on the CD that flows from one voice to "voices two" and "voices three" is very fitting. They are simply a breath of fresh air. I was mildly disappointed that one of the songs they did on the radio show was not on the album. Hopefully, there will be a newer cd coming out that picks it up.

Very simply put, this is one of the most vocally beautiful discs since CSN(Y) was at their peak. This is going to be categorized as "folk music", and thusly will not get the wide spread recognition it deserves. These women were born to sing togehter. Individually, they have very, very good voices but when they put them together something really special happens.

If you like the music of Lucy Kaplansky, Judy Collins, Richard Shindell, Neil Young, Slaid Cleves,etc.. you simply have to invest in the purchase of this disc. If you love to hear superb songs done beautifully you have to buy this disc. If you have even one ear, you have to buy this disc.

40 Days will get that much play at my house! What a stunning new group! I am wowed by the Wailin' Jennys original songs and tight, complex harmonies. Very sweet vocals twined with intense intelligent lyrics. At times the harmonies are reminiscent of the Indigo Girls though much fuller and more polished. The albums instrumentation depends largely on acoustic guitar with additions of several other instruments including dobro, mandolin, viola, accordion, and bodhran. The covers of John Hiatt's "Take It Down", and Neil Young's "Old Man" are excellent and add new depth to both songs. Hope you like it as much as I do.

If you've ever wondered what the angels sound like when they sing as a chorus (or as a trio, in this case), The Wailin' Jennys are for you. This gorgeous 2004 release features the blended voices of Cara Luft, Nicky Mehta and Ruth Moody. Their sound is at once ethereal and blissful. The album kicks off with "One Voice," a beautiful piece that showcases their three part harmony at its best. "Saucy Sailor" is part sea chanty and part folk melody. Their subject matter ranges from love to pondering the afterlife. This album veers so far from mainstream subjects and mundane melodies, so often heard on the radio. It is a breath of fresh air and we are so blessed to hear such beauty.

There use to be a time when music would wander deep into a soul and allow that person to feel it. The magic of the Jennys is that they have found that route and released this very strong, warm, and touching CD. Their harmony is so seamless that it absorbs into you and makes you remember what good music is all about. It's about making one song at a time and singing it like it was your last chance to say anything about life. And, when they are done, you want them to tell you more.

This is a return to the day when every song on the record means something. I can't say enough good things about it and if you like to share good music with company, than you definitely need this CD in your collection. The Jennys are a wonderful little secret that will touch anyone's life.