REVIEW: The Wailin’ Jennys Live

The Wailin' Jennys

The Wailin’ Jennys performed at Joe’s Pub in NYC on Sunday night. They are an acoustic folk group consisting of Ruth Moody, Nicky Mehta, Heather Masse and the “boy Jenny” Jeremy Penner. They filled the intimate setting with folk, bluegrass and spiritual songs. Their unique sound is like a soul soothing mix of The Indigo Girls, Nanci Griffith and Norah Jones. The ladies sang haunting three part harmonies either a capella or while they played a variety of instruments. They masterfully played the stand up bass, banjo, accordion and ukulele among other instruments, which added to the distinction of their music. Penner accompanied them on violin and mandolin.

The show was a mixture of old spirituals, original songs and covers of country and jazz tunes. An a capella version of Motherless Child started the set. Their trio of voices is so melodic and enchanting they could do without instruments but when they start to play the audience begs for more. It is apparent that their music is such a part of who they are that it flows effortlessly from their bodies. They also played “Heaven When We’re Home”, “Avila” and “Deeper Well”. They closed the show with an encore of Ruth Moody’s popular song about peace “One Voice”.

You can catch the Wailin’ Jennys in the New York and New England area this week. They have a free show Wednesday August 27^th, in Weehawken, NJ at Lincoln Harbor Park. The rain date is Thursday August 28^th. They will be in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania on Saturday August 30^th and Northampton, Massachusetts on Sunday August 31^st. You can get more information on The Wailin’ Jennys as well as ticket and venue information on their website.