The Wailin' Jennys: Glory Bound

Today’s Spiritual Sunday selection is from The Wailin’ Jennys – a group whose name is a play on country star Waylon Jennings name. Formed in Canada, the band is now 2/3 Canadian. The band’s latest member, Heather Masse, is an American who joined with two of the original members Ruth Moody and Nicky Mehta.

“Glory Bound” is from the band’s live album “Live from the Mauch Chunk Opera House” in Jim Thorpe, PA. Jim Thorpe was originally named Mauch Chunk prior to its renaming to honor its hometown all American athlete. Although released in 2009, the songs were recorded in 2008. And yes, the suitcase is actually used as a bass drum.

Ruth Moody penned the tune and plays the clawhammer banjo, Nicky Mehta plays guitar, and Heather Masse plays electric standup bass. Ruth’s brother Rick Moody joins on viola. The song is in the key of D. Ruth’s banjo is capoed at the fourth fret playing a C pattern while Nicky’s guitar is capoed at the second fret and she plays in D.

Studio Version

The original recording of the song in 2004 from their album “Firecracker” is in the key of D and is slower.

 
This version has Annabelle Chvostek as a member. “Firecracker” was her only recorded output with the band. She was a replacement for original member Cara Luft who appeared on the band’s EP “The Wailin’ Jennys’ EP” and first full length CD “40 Days.”