Red Molly Archives - Bluegrass Today

Born in the City video from Abbie Gardner

Here’s one for all you reso-guitar lovers out there. And for folks who like good singers and interesting music.

Abbie Gardner, slidester and vocalist with Red Molly, has released a video from her upcoming solo album, appropriately titled DobroSinger. The whole project is just Abbie, her dobro, and her voice, set for release on May 13.

She says that the process of recording this one took her out of her comfort zone.

“This record was completely unlike any other record I’ve ever done. I was intent on making something very raw and immediate. The vocals and dobro together, start to finish, with no fixes. There’s one song here that I sang the wrong lyric, but liked the overall take enough to go with it. That’s the difference with this one. I had to choose vibe over perfection. There are mistakes and flaws all over, but that’s part of what makes it a real, human creation.”

A second single from Dobro Singer is now available, one called Born in the City, which Gardner says is somewhat autobiographical.

“The focus is on celebrating each other’s differences. I like that this song brings together a back-porch vibe with some big-city chromatic slide guitar licks. The contrasting combination is kind of like me – playing this traditionally male bluegrass instrument, but doing it as a woman, in Jersey City within view of the Empire State Building.”

Check it out…

Pre-orders for DobroSinger can be placed now at Abbie’s Bandcamp page, which includes immediate downloads of the two singles. CD pre-orders can also be placed there.

Patrons on her Patreon page at the $10/month level get a free download of DobroSinger.

Lots of music in Bristol this weekend

The opening night of the 2014 Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion in Bristol, TN/VA was a huge success. The weather, which is always a bit unpredictable this time of year, was the best I can remember, with temperatures in the mid-60’s and a nice breeze. This year marks the opening of the new Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, and the excitement centered around the successful festival (50,000 visitors in 2013) can be felt all around the “Twin Cities”. Friday night’s artists did not disappoint. Thanks to Alane Anno Photography, we can share some of the moments from the first night.

The Country Mural Stage opened with The Rigneys, who performed a blazing set to open the festival. Andrew and Grant Rigney wowed the gathering crowd as they showcased their instrumental and vocal skills. Parents Mark and Melissa Rigney round out the band and enjoyed both the weather and the opportunity to bring their family to the stage in Bristol.

Each year BRRR hosts a “Jam Camp”. This year the “campers” hit the stage for a quick 3-song set. This is what bluegrass music is about! The joy on the faces of those who were playing and singing drives home the point that this music is meant to be experienced and enjoyed as players and fans. Well done!

The Church Sisters then brought their beautiful harmonies and outstanding band to the stage. These young ladies are among the artists chosen to participate in the Orthophonic Joy: The 1927 Bristol Sessions Revisited project, a recording project which recreates the 1927 Bristol recording sessions, the “Big Bang of Country Music”. After hearing their set, it’s clear that the Church Sisters are up to the task.

The legendary Seldom Scene brought a standing room only crowd and didn’t disappoint. These guys need no long, glowing report. In addition to being outstanding musicians and singers, they are some of the nicest folks you’ll ever meet. If you’ve seen them, you know they are some of the best to ever perform. If you haven’t seen them, shame on you. Catch them soon.

Red Molly, ALWAYs a crowd favorite in Bristol, (they have been called the Twin City’s sweethearts), wrapped up the evening with their high energy set. These young ladies have been a part of the festival for several years now, and their support continues to grow.

While the first evening is in the books, Saturday looks to be even better. Some of the upcoming acts on the Country Mural Stage: Fiddlin’ Carson Peters, Flatt Lonesome, Donna Ulisse & the Poor Mountain Boys, Breaking Grass, Balsam Range, The David Grisman Bluegrass Experience, and Town Mountain. Check the schedule at www.bristolrhythm.com for more information.

40th Annual RockyGrass: Day 2

This report from RockyGrass is a contribution from Jake Schepps and Christian Sedelmyer.

Working backwards on Day 2 of the festival: the evening’s closer was a special set of music with a band specifically put together by Béla Fleck, in which he played a superlative set of traditional bluegrass with Alan Bartram, Jason Carter, Ronnie McCoury (all of the Travelin’ McCourys), and the legendary Danny Paisley. They all sang (including Béla on a 4-part gospel number), and of particular note was Texas Barbecue from Béla’s first album “Crossing the Tracks.” Ronnie told a great story about how it is named after Tex Logan’s legendary parties that he hosted decades ago. They chose a solid and diverse repertoire, including Sawing on the Strings sung by Jason Carter, songs from The Dreadful Snakes album, and brand new Béla Fleck compositions.

Yesterday offered a very special workshop with Béla Fleck, Jesse McReynolds and Ronnie McCoury playing some of Jesse’s iconic compositions and discussing cross-picking and split string techniques.

Also on the workshop stage, the indomitable Casey Driessen performed a spectacular set that he calls “The Singularity Tour,” including only his fiddle and a large array of pedals and effects. While not traditional bluegrass, everything Casey does is performed with impeccable musicianship, extraordinary creativity, and a deep, funky groove. He is an artist worth seeing and you can (and should) learn more about his FiddleSticks endeavor, a collaboration with various drummers, here.

Other highlights of the day included a stirring set from Red Molly, a rousing set from the Hillbenders and a super high energy set from The Infamous Stringdusters. Dr. Ralph Stanley & His Clinch Mountain Boys made an appearance. Seeing him sing O’ Death was more moving than ever.

Planet Bluegrass has worked hard to make the RockyGrass Festival a “zero waste festival.” All the vendors use compostable plates, utensils and cups.The festival provides filtered water on site to discourage bottled water and offers only Compost and Recycling bins (there are NO trash cans on site). While this may read as just “interesting” or very “Colorado,” it is often after witnessing the vast amount of overflowing trashcans of Styrofoam, plastic and aluminum at other festivals that this noble effort comes to light.

Then came jamming till 4am……

NewFound Road goes live in 2011

NewFound Road has a lot planned for the last few months of 2010. During a time when most bluegrass bands are slowing down, they have a mini-tour scheduled with Red Molly in mid-November, and tracking for a live album set for early December.

They have already had a busy and eventful year, working a full schedule on their own, and serving as the touring band for top-selling country artist Joe Diffie in support of his new bluegrass album, Homecoming, due October 26. Guitarist, lead vocalist and band leader Tim Shelton shares his excitement about all they have on their plate just now.

“We’ve played two shows already with Joe this year, and both were extremely well received – and we’re making our debut on the Grand Ole Opry with him on Oct. 29th!

2010 has been a busy year for NFR with our shows, playing some dates with Joe, and now gearing up for The Red Road Revival Tour with Red Molly. They’re a cool, talented band and we’re looking forward to the dates on this mini-tour.”

Red Molly consists of three ladies who mix bluegrass and old-time influences into their own acoustic sound. They have been touring and recording since 2004, growing in popularity along the way. The group was formed by Carolann Solebello, Laurie MacAllister and Abbie Gardner. Solebello has just recently left the group, replaced by Molly Venter – their first “real” Molly.

The Red Road Revival Tour with NewFound Road includes three dates in the northeastern US.

November 19 – Sellarsville, PA; The Sellarsville Theatre
November 20 – West Milford, NJ; Music at The Mission
November 21 – Norfolk, CT; Infinity Music Hall

The live album will be NFR’s third for Rounder. Their December 4 sets at The Down Home in Johnson City, TN will be recorded by multiple-Grammy winning engineer David Hall, and produced by Jim Van Cleve who will also guest on fiddle. It will include both new material and songs the band has been performing live for some time, but never recorded.

“We’re really excited about making a live record! Some of my favorite albums were recorded live; there’s an energy on live shows that’s tough to reproduce in the studio. The guys (Joe Booher – mandolin, Jamey Booher – bass, Josh Miller – banjo/guitar) play with such energy and emotion. I think if we can capture it on a recording, it could really make for some great listening.”

No release date or title has been announced for the live album, but Shelton is hoping to see it in the Spring of ’11.

You can keep up with NewFound Road by visiting them online at www.newfoundroad.com.