Combining resonator and acoustic guitars, double bass and three part vocals, Jenny Wren and Her Borrowed Wings’ rootsy style combines many elements from Americana, Blues, Folk, Soul and Old-time Jazz.
~ "A sparkling performance from such wonderful musicians"
~ "The dirt road sounding guitars dance with each other"
~ “Great band. Distinctive and unique sounding throughout. Great live too!"
~ "It's like watching and listening to one organism"
~ “Theirs is a dusty, smokey roots sound with a hint of 40s noir around the edges”
~ “Textured, low-down R&B with an old soulfulness and a winning shimmer”
Jenny Wren and Her Borrowed Wings are an Essex/North Yorkshire based acoustic trio. Consisting of:
Jenny Trilsbach - Vocals, Double Bass.
Ben Fisher - Resonator Guitar, Vocals.
Ben Gallon - Acoustic Guitar, Vocals.
(Dr. John) ....
All three members of Jenny Wren and Her Borrowed Wings are established songwriters and performers in their own right, within a week of forming in 2013 they were already playing shows and after just a month had enough material to record an album.
Their all original debut “Dead Man’s Hat” was recorded over three days in Abbot Street Studios, London, and released on independent label Creature Records. The eleven songs that make up the album are a solid and sincere collection of self-penned Rhythm & Blues Americana.
~ "Dead Man's Hat is an honest sounding record displaying three musicians at their most intuitive and sympathetic"
After the record’s release Jenny Wren and Her Borrowed Wings spent the remainder of 2014 and all of 2015 playing many more live shows, to great acclaim. Taking in festival and club dates throughout the UK and further afield to Switzerland, Germany, France and Bavaria.
Many highlights of which included a 2-week sell out tour in France - ending with an invitation to close the show for the Fete de la Musique at the majestic Chateau de Chambord .. Being a featured artist on Paul Jones’ BBC Radio Show on two occasions .. Securing a monthly residency at the world renowned Ain’t Nothin’ But..Blues Bar .. Being chosen as special guests to Hayseed Dixie and Hat Fitz & Cara for their shows at The Half Moon, London.
Not a band to rest on their laurels, 2016 saw the release of second album “A Soup". Featuring 13 songs recorded at Urchin Studios, London. The result of a very successful creative period for the trio A Soup shows a band honing its craft, effortlessly melding their brand of hip swinging Rhythm & Blues with shades of New Orleans, wafts of an old Jazz lounge, hints of Country and the best of Roots and Americana.
~ “Invariably played with inspiration, we witness this diverse collection of a disarming honesty that lasts more with each listen. This stripped down piece with an inventive combination of divergent rootsy styles reflects a timeless allure”
More live dates followed in support of the album, throughout the UK, Holland, Germany, also including dipping their toes in pastures new with a trip to Luxembourg.
Highlights of 2017/18 were a spot on the Big Top Main Stage at the Upton Blues Festival, a second consecutive appearance at the Strassenmusik Festival, Ludwigsburg, held on the grounds of Ludwigsburg Palace and an invite to perform a very special intimate show at the Green Note, Camden.
2019 began very well, seeing the recording (returning to Urchin Studios) and release of the band’s third studio album “The Girl on the Bike (Are You the Girl on the Bike?)”. Featuring 11 original songs, with a slight progression in the recording process compared to previous releases, with a little more time taken and experimentation with adding more layers for an overall richer production, all the while keeping the band’s natural, honest sound still intact.
~ “Powerful R&B statements..They showcase the prowess of the Borrowed Wings as they perform acoustic instruments with great proficiency and rhythm, a Blues masterclass”
A mammoth touring schedule followed, which included a sold out album launch show at the historic Betsey Trotwood, London, headline performances at the Americana Festival, Suffolk, and the acoustic stage at the Upton Blues Festival.
The year culminated with the band performing 26 shows in 30 days across Germany and the Netherlands.
And then ..... nothing.
For almost two years the pandemic brought with it a forced hiatus from from performing live. Though the handful of shows the band were able to achieve were still memorable and notable ones, including a private event at the US Ambassador’s Residence within Regent’s Park, London.
Over the remaining months focus was placed on writing new songs and releasing a live album. “When We Were Live” captures the band in their element. Recorded on 17th October 2019 at the fantastic MusicStar in Norderstedt, Germany, the album showcases an excellent mix of older and newer material.
~ “Raw and Delicious”
2022 has seen the Borrowed Wings back on the road, gathering momentum and performing more venues in the UK, old favourites and some brand new, including the majestic Stratford Playhouse and the Flowerpot, Derby.
With plans ahead for another studio album, the band are currently working hard to ensure that 2023 will be just as exciting and successful.
We hope you enjoy listening!!
JW&HBW
© 2023 Dunmow Music Club
