It’s probably not unreasonable to say that there’s surely some risk involved in using the word ‘wailing’ in the name of your band; it’s hardly known for being the most common descriptor of a pleasant sound, and unless you’re aiming for something a little off the wall in the style of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, there’s a chance the self-deprecation might fly over the public’s head. That’s apparently not been the case for Winnipeg bluegrass outfit The Wailin’ Jennys, though, who have gone from strength to strength since they formed in 2002. The all-female outfit have enjoyed success within their own genre, especially thanks to 2006’s Firecracker LP, but it’s their live shows that have been the most important factor in cementing their reputation; intelligently-woven guitars, three-part harmonies and often-raucous singalongs are usually order of the day, with all three members of the band able to boast a genuinely commanding stage presence and an instrumental ability that means the appeal of their gigs often actually transcends that of their genre.
Patti Smith
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