If you have never heard of the Wailin' Jennys, don't fret; it is a widespread condition for which the cure will soon be found If you have never heard of the Wailin' Jennys, don't fret; it is a widespread condition for which the cure will soon be found.
Brought together just over a year ago by an impromptu grouping on stage, Canadians Cara Luft, Nicky Mehta and Ruth Moody were swept up in a wave that led to this promise-filled debut. With rich, Roches-like harmonies, Luft, Mehta and Moody sound made for each other, although every facet of their union, including the band name (a play on Waylon Jennings' name), appears to be an act of warp-speed serendipity.
As talented writers and instrumentalists, too, the Jennys each contribute originals while covering Neil Young (``Old Man'') and John Hiatt (``Take it Down''). Consider this notice that the Wailin' Jennys are ripe to follow another Canadian trio, The Be Good Tanyas, into the mainstream of American folk.
3 out of 4 stars