The Wailin' Jennys originated out of a guitar shop in Winnipeg in what was supposed to be a one-time performance, but since then have become one of the world's premier acts in contemporary roots music. The original line-up consisting of Nicky Mehta, Ruth Moody, and Cara Luft captured audiences with their obvious chemistry and stunning harmonies. The Wailin' Jennys debut release 40 Days was a hit and paved the way for them to become one of the most beloved groups to emerge out of the folk scene.
After touring behind 40 Days, Cara Luft decided to leave the band to pursue her solo career, making way for Montreal songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Annabelle Chvostek. Quickly establishing her voice within the trio she helped to create one of the top folk albums of 2006 with the internationally acclaimed Firecracker. The album stepped away from the traditional folk realm and into the worlds of alt-country, pop, and rock. Garnering much attention, it was nominated for a Juno Award and won a 2007 Folk Alliance Award for "Contemporary Release of the Year." Following an extensive tour that took the band around the world, Annabelle left the group to follow her aspirations as a solo artist. In 2007 Brooklyn-based Heather Masse joined the band adding her velvety alto and masterful bass playing. With its most popular line-up yet, The Wailin' Jennys along with virtuoso multi-instrumentalist Jeremy Penner on fiddle, continue to captivate audiences around the world with their dazzling harmonies and world-class musicianship.
The Wailin' Jennys' sound is enriched by their diverse musical backgrounds that have helped to make them one of the most exciting groups in folk and roots music. The classically trained vocals of Ruth Moody (vocals, guitar, accordion, banjo) showcase her versatility as a singer in traditional and Celtic music. Complementing Ruth's soprano voice is mezzo Nicky Mehta (vocals, guitar, harmonica), who won a Canadian Music Award for her 2002 solo album Weather Vane. Nicky is a trained dancer raised on classical music and heavily influenced by alternative pop. Rounding out the trio is Heather Masse (vocals, upright bass) who comes steeped in both bluegrass and jazz traditions. As a Jazz Voice graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music she has also performed with the Wayfaring Strangers, Joy Kills Sorrow and Heather & The Barbarians. With their varying backgrounds, each of the Jennys are unique in their individual expression. Together they forge a unified folk-pop sound--all delivered with the irresistible vocal power of three.
Live at The Mauch Chunk Opera House is the stunning follow-up to the Canadian/American trio's hit CD
Firecracker. Taken from a live concert performance at one of America's oldest vaudeville theaters, this beautifully produced album features many tracks that have not appeared on previous releases including their long sought after version of Jane Siberry's classic
"Calling All Angels." The recording is also the first to feature newcomer
Heather Masse who joins
Nicky Mehta and Ruth Moody with her lush vocal harmonies and tasteful bass playing. Along with virtuoso instrumentalist Jeremy Penner on fiddle,
Live at The Mauch Chunk Opera House captures the magic of The Wailin' Jennys' concert experience.
