An exceptionally auspicious debut album, this Winnipeg threesome's folk/roots maiden voyage is chock-a-block with sweet lead and sweeter harmony vocals, low-key, mostly acoustic instrumentation, and a smart mix of original and cover tunes including John Hiatt's Take It Down and the traditional The Parting Glass 40 Days ****
The Wailin' Jennys (Jericho Beach Music)
An exceptionally auspicious debut album, this Winnipeg threesome's folk/roots maiden voyage is chock-a-block with sweet lead and sweeter harmony vocals, low-key, mostly acoustic instrumentation, and a smart mix of original and cover tunes including John Hiatt's Take It Down and the traditional The Parting Glass. The Wailin' Jennys, by the way, are Ruth Moody, erstwhile lead vocalist with the Celtic group Scruj MacDuhk, and former solo performers Cara Luft and Nicky Mehta. Joining forces in 2002, the Jennys have been working the folk festival and club circuit ever since, building a lean, elegant musical identity that favors understatement and encourages us to bring our own emotions to the songs. Made stronger by the determined individuality of each voice, this is a trio to watch.