Wailin' Jennys and Avi and Celia

Last night my mother and I went to see the Wailin' Jennys at the Higher Ground. A young duo called Avi and Celia opened for them. I was hoping they would be good because I hadn't heard anything bad about them, and they are originally from Vermont. Unfortunately, they did not live up to my expectations. The two play some kind of mockery of old-time blues. Both Avi and Celia play guitar, vocals belong mainly to Celia, although Avi does partake now and then. Although Avi seems to be an incredibly talented guitarist, and Celia is a gifted vocalist, their guitar harmonies are non-existent. It is almost as if they are playing two different songs at the same time. And Avi's singing is self-conscious and leaning on the flat side. Their songwriting also left something to be desired. Just because the words "walkin' shoes" are used in almost every song, does not make the music legitimate blues. The two seem to following the trendy "old time music" fad--which is annoying and insulting to the genre. I realize the two are very young (Celia said she is 22), and therefore have much to learn...however...I cannot even justify calling them "amateur". They are prepubescent musicians, and should spend more time practicing and less time at gigs.

On the other hand, the Wailin' Jennys were gorgeous, unique and full of life on stage. They opened with "Beautiful Dawn" and impressed the audience with their instrumental flexibility. Ruth played banjo, guitar, a boron drum, and accordion. Nikki played Guitar, Ukulele, and a kick drum. Miss Heather played only the stand-up bass but her incredible vocal range completely astounded me, going from a bass range up to a low soprano or high alto. The three girls harmonized magically--there were goosebumps on my arm throughout the show. The band were called back for two encores--well deserved and gracefully accepted. All three girls are songwriters and their music is energetic and well organized. There was not one song that bored me, and as the show went on, the energy level of the audience increased. I was impressed by their stage presence and their transitions from instrument to instrument. A very good show.

Willow~