Apr 11, 2008

Trio ignites folk harmonies

By Paul Freeman / Entertainment Writer

Onstage and off, the Wailin' Jennys display perfect harmony.

Their voices entwine in gorgeous, stirring fashion. You can discover that for yourself by picking up a copy of their Folk Alliance Award-winning album "Firecracker." Or you can experience the vocal magic live at Montalvo on Sunday.

The threesome's sweet sound may remind you of the Trio collaboration of Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris.

Of the Wailin' Jennys' harmonies, founding member, Canadian Nicky Mehta, said, "It's a combination of work and a natural blend. But it's mostly the natural blend. We've been really lucky."

Weaving three strong voices together is exhilarating, both for the singers and the audience.
"Harmony-singing is a lot of fun," Mehta said. "It's like a game. Sometimes it's not going as well as you want it to, and then it just sort of slides into gear."

Mezzo-soprano Mehta is joined by soprano Ruth Moody and the latest of three altos, Maine-born Heather Masse. The newest Jenny's voice works seamlessly with the other two.

It's always a challenge, bringing a new member into the fold. "There's a number of things we have to be concerned with," Mehta said, "first and foremost the vocal blend. Then there's what instruments do they play? Are they songwriters? Where are they in their career? Do they want to devote themselves full-time to a collective? We feel like we hit the jackpot with Heather."

Mehta, who plays guitar, drums, harmonica and ukulele onstage with the Jennys, has been in a number of bands. It's not easy finding this kind of chemistry.

"Ruth and I have been working together for quite a long time, so that's established," Mehta said. "(When) adding someone new, you need to blend that personality in. Heather is really laid-back and adaptable. You have to be an adaptable person to be on the road this much.

"She's younger, too. Not that we're 80 or anything," Mehta said with a laugh. "But Heather brings a lot of enthusiasm and a really positive energy."

Compromise is vital. "We try and make sure everybody's voice is represented, both in actual lead parts on songs and in terms of feeling like they're being creatively fulfilled," Mehta said. "We're pretty democratic about how we do things. Everybody's opinion matters."

The women had promising solo careers prior to joining the Wailin' Jennys. Their individual experiences benefit the group.

In 2001, Mehta had been on the road promoting her beautiful solo album, "Weather Vane."
"I was really trying to get that going and there was a lot of good things happening," she said. "I really didn't see this coming."

"This" was a guitar shop owner in the province of Manitoba suggesting that Mehta team with two other rising Canadian singer-songwriters for a one-time, in-store performance. He gave them the clever name - the Wailin' Jennys - and encouraged them to keep performing together.

"I realized early on that we still could do the things we did as solo artists in terms of bringing our music into it," Mehta said. "But then you get the strength of everybody else adding onto it in the instrumentation and the voices. It's easier and a lot more fun to tour when you have other people around you.

"It became clear to me that it was something I wanted to try for a while. I've always enjoyed harmony. So it just seemed like a good fit."

The three women had similar sensibilities, and soon the music took its own course. "Our sound became our sound, because three different songwriters contributed material. It was never a conscious thing," Mehta said.

"It's hard to define our sound. The strength of that is that you don't get slotted or written off as easily as being one thing. You attract a much wider audience this way."

Public Radio program "A Prairie Home Companion" helped the Wailin' Jennys gain a large U.S. following. "Being heard by millions of people is a huge thing for an independent band," Mehta said. "In addition to helping to build our audience, it enabled us to meet established artists like Bonnie Raitt and get their feedback."

The trio will be recording a new album in the fall. It should have a subtly different sound. "Everyone has their own influences and background," Mehta said, of her bandmates. "The album will be very much a continuation, but adding these little flavors."

The Wailin' Jennys will continue touring heavily, as word of mouth expands awareness of the group's dazzling vocal talents, instrumental versatility and songwriting skills.

"Touring is pretty tiring. The performances are the payoff," Mehta said. "The connection we get with our audiences is really fulfilling. We leave our shows feeling like it made a difference to somebody. It made people feel better. It enhanced something. That's an energy that keeps you going."