Thursday night, I saw an amazing concert at Harvard's Sanders Theater. The Wailin' Jennys' tour, and they were stopping in Cambridge that night. I had been listening to the Jennys since roughly... 2010, but never had the means or availability to see them live. It was stunning. From the moment that I first heard the group on Pandora through the many times that I've watched their YouTube videos, I knew that a major part of the group was the vocal harmony. Especially in such an intimate setting, the live show built on that element. All drawn to our seats, we concertgoers were a community of people with this common interest. When interacting with the Jennys (from our seats or in the lobby later that night), I could see how the passion for the music and sense of togetherness encompassed the performers, tour staff, and audience alike.
The song that I'd like to touch upon in this post is called "One Voice". This composition from Ruth Moody was the first track of their debut album in 2004, and it's how the concert came to a close. Such is the case with many of the Jennys' staples, the writing is deep and complex while the repetition gradually welcomes the audience to join the singing.
The song is in ways a perfect introduction to the group. Moody starts with the first verse, singing about taking that first step into a vocal performance alone. The second verse brings a second Jenny, and they sing about of the cooperation used to support eachother's share of the performance. Verse three is where the full Wailin' Jennys trio is singing singing of the trademark harmony that they display as a unit. The fourth verse cues the audience, accompanying musicians, and all in the building joining in song. The lyrics describe the sense of love and trust that everyone has developed for eachother in that space. By the fifth and final verse, everyone is singing as one collective voice, and it's the perfect way to close such a great show.
As a fan of some very niche artists (and since ordering a ticket to the concert, I've met more Jennys fans), I had a feeling that concerts have a unique way of bringing together fans of this music in was that not even social media can. You meet people in your row, on your way out of the theater, or even at the merchandise booth, and suddenly have found people who share this passion. It's beautiful. I look forward to the next time that I can share such an experience. Sure, seeing other groups perform is on my "to do" list, but a Wailin' Jennys concert is an experience that I particularly hope to revisit the next month.
And, if the Jennys are reading this, (Ruth, Nikki, Heather, and your crew) thank you. I'm was the starstruck guy who asked you to sign my iPad case, and went on to sing a Bearfoot line with one of your merchandise saleswomen. I had mentioned my blogging, and hope that this better articulates my appreciation.
