One thing is certain: when you hear the Wailin’ Jennys, you can’t help but be stunned by the unearthly harmonies of Ruth Moody (soprano), Nicky Mehta (mezzo) and new member Heather Masse (alto). On the Juno award-winning outfit’s fourth studio album, they are still doing what they do best: making gorgeous folk music, blowing you away with their a cappella tunes and impressing you with their honest songwriting. Produced by Mark Howard and David Travers-Smith, Bright Morning Stars is full of beautiful tunes. The gospel-esque Storm Comin’, the stunning a cappella title track and the haunting What Has Been Done prove that each girl can certainly hold her own – no one member overshadows the others. Each is a talented vocalist, songwriter and musician, as is evident in their solo work. All I can say is that after five years without a studio album, it’s nice to see the Jennys are back.

Published in Volume 65, Number 24 of The Uniter (March 24, 2011)