Red Molly at Grounds

The spark that launched the female trio Red Molly came from a campfire.
The three original members were at the 2004 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival in New York State when they joined
for some impromptu harmony. "The harmony was so much fun," recalls Abbie Gardner. "It
wasn’t about any one of us, it was about making music together."
The next day they did another impromptu performance, and they decided to work up a few songs back in New
York City, where they were all based.
At first these sessions were casual, Gardner said, but they soon decided to give it a shot.
The group, which has its roots in a broad range of Americana, folk, bluegrass and swing, has quickly
established itself on the music scene.
Red Molly, which includes Gardner, Laurie MacAllister and Molly Venter, will perform a free concert at
Grounds for Thought, 174 S. Main St., Bowing Green, March 10 at 8 p.m.
A trio, Gardner said, is much easier and has a broader appeal than a solo singer-songwriter. That’s meant
the members now are able to devote all their energies to music, quitting day jobs waittressing, teaching
and practicing occupational therapy.
"People are much more willing to come out and hear a group," Gardner said.
She credits that to the easy camaraderie of the women. "We just have fun with each other on
stage."
They mix in a variety of songs from uplifting to darkly emotional.
But the trio’s rich vocal harmonies, rich bluegrass inspired vocals with the voices clustered together,
that’s the real draw.
While Appalachian music and bluegrass is clearly an influence, it doesn’t capture the entirety of Red
Molly’s evolving sound.
The still young group faced a major change last year when founding member Carolann Solebello decided to
leave the group. Finding her replacement was tricky, Gardner said.
The band didn’t want to advertise their need for a new member too widely, less the trio’s fan base worry
about the Red Molly’s future.
They reached out to Venter, who in addition to actually being named Molly had what it took to be a Molly.
Like the founders she’d worked as solo singer-songwriter, and had even opened for the trio, so she knew
their sound. But MacAllister and Gardner didn’t want to force her into a mold.
Adding a new member gave the group a chance for a little reflection about "what Red Molly is, what
keeps people coming out to shows."
Again those harmonies rose to the surface. "We always heard we needed more a cappella songs, so
we’re putting more of those in the set."
There was also some shifting of instrumental duties with MacAllister starting to play bass.
But all three continue to do solo projects. Gardner has her newest session coming out in April. These
allow an outlet for songs that might not fit on a Red Molly set list.
All three trace their love of music to their childhoods. MacAllister dreamed of being a singer and would
belt out songs by Sheena Easton and Dolly Parton with a hairbrush as a microphone.
Venter learned to play guitar and sing harmony while afloat on in the family’s sailboat in Long Island
Sound.
Gardner is the daughter of a professional jazz musician. Her first album was a tribute to his influence,
and he’s even sat in with Red Molly on its last album. Seeing how much he enjoyed going to work
convinced her that’s what she wanted to do.