Canadian folkies
the Wailin' Jennys aren't opposed to throwing down the occasional sea shanty or English drinking song. Multi-talented singer/songwriters
Ruth Moody,
Nicky Mehta, and
Cara Luft -- the latter left the group soon after the album's release and was replaced by
Annabelle Chvostek -- formed the group in 2002 after sharing the stage as soloists at an in-store in a local record shop, and their intoxicating blend of country, Celtic, and folk has cast a spell on not only the Great White North, but much of the U.S. as well. Like
Gillian Welch or
Alison Krauss, they can make new songs feel traditional ("Arlington") and old songs sound brand new ("The Parting Glass"). Their perfectly rendered harmonies swoop into choruses like a murder of crows, supplying involuntary goose bumps to even the most hardened skeptic.
40 Days is full of sparse arrangements and top-notch songwriting from all three members. Other highlights include a rousing version of the seafaring tale "Saucy Sailor" -- made famous by British folk-rock pioneers
Steeleye Span --
Moody's beautiful title track, and
Luft's rollicking (an obvious show opener) "Come All You Sailors." Fans of
the Dixie Chicks,
June Tabor, and even
Heart will find much to love here. A most infectious first record, and highly recommended.