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Musicians' Spotlight for September 12, 2007
11:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Today's Highlight: "Brian Kopper hosts The Wailin' Jennys" - An Encore Edition
Three extraordinary voices, two founding singer-songwriters, one singular vision: The Wailin' Jennys continue to evolve into far more than the melodious sum of their individual talents five years after blowing in on a fresh acoustic breeze from Canada's mid-western heartland.
"One Voice," a live staple and highlight of the Jennys' Juno- winning debut album 40 Days, remains a metaphoric statement of intent that to this day underlines the group's original mandate: three individuals with unique gifts combining seamlessly into a single beatific entity. Soprano Ruth Moody (guitar, banjo, accordion, bodhran) and mezzo Nicky Mehta (guitar, harmonica, ukulele, percussion) are charter members who've anchored the Jennys since the first line-up formed in their Winnipeg hometown. The critical third voice, an alto who fills out the chordal range of the group's vibrant three-part harmonies, has been filled in turn by Cara Luft, Annabelle Chvostek and, now that the latter has returned to her own solo career, new recruit Heather Masse.
Launching what fans are fondly calling version 3.0 of the Jennys, Heather is a New York-based singer and pianist who finds the middle ground between contemporary bluegrass (through her work with roots supergroup The Wayfaring Strangers) and jazz vocals (which she studied at the New England Conservatory of Music). She gelled immediately with Ruth and Nicky during an impromptu audition in a bathroom backstage in Philadelphia. Singing raw versions of "Amazing Grace" and an old Hank Williams song, the three women quickly nailed the essence of the Jennys' exquisite sound while hinting at exciting new possibilities that will flower in the months of touring and studio sessions that lie ahead.
Artist website & contact:
http://www.thewailinjennys.com/
Contact information for producers:
Brian Kopper | mspot@kopper.com
John Floridis | jfloridis@aol.com
Shawn Colvin, Patty Larkin, and Leo Kottke have all stopped by the Montana Public Radio studios to play a little and talk with Brian Kopper and John Floridis. Performers talk about the inspiration behind their music and what it's like to both create and perform the music.
Montana artists like Zoe Wood and Wilson & McKee get equal time. Each week, hosts Brian Kopper and John Floridis, composers and performers themselves, give listeners a glimpse into the lives and art of the modern day troubadour.
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