"40 Days" represents the exciting US debut of Ruth Moody, Nicky Mehta and Cara Luft...three young Canadian performers whose harmonies and songwriting have been called "spine-tingling," "angelic," and "breathtaking." The gr... more »oup was formed more-or-less as a lark...all three Winnipeg women were established solo artists and admired in Canadian folk circles for their singing and gifted songwriting...and the so-called "supergroup" was meant to last for one night only at a local folk club. As fate would have it, the audience went crazy for them performing in that configuration and a Canadian folk phenomenon was born. With their stirring voices and richly emotional original songs, the Jennys have created one of the most memorable and tantalizing first albums in a long time.« less
"40 Days" represents the exciting US debut of Ruth Moody, Nicky Mehta and Cara Luft...three young Canadian performers whose harmonies and songwriting have been called "spine-tingling," "angelic," and "breathtaking." The group was formed more-or-less as a lark...all three Winnipeg women were established solo artists and admired in Canadian folk circles for their singing and gifted songwriting...and the so-called "supergroup" was meant to last for one night only at a local folk club. As fate would have it, the audience went crazy for them performing in that configuration and a Canadian folk phenomenon was born. With their stirring voices and richly emotional original songs, the Jennys have created one of the most memorable and tantalizing first albums in a long time.
David T. Steere, Jr. | Annapolis, MD United States | 03/13/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."
A breath of fresh air that defies genre
opentuned | Saskatchewan, Canada | 09/25/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."
3 Amazing Voices. You must hear this...incredible!
Robert Maizner | Auctionsmith Central | 11/10/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."
Beautiful
D. Busch | Alaska is home | 10/16/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"43 year old grouch, softened beyond words, listening to this sweet, sweet music...thanks Ladies"