There’s something magical about a three-part female harmony in Americana and bluegrass music. It can enhance raw lyrical content into something powerful and beautiful. New York folk trio Red Molly is no exception. Group members Laurie MacAllister, Abbie Gardner and Molly Venter blend their voices effortlessly that it almost distracts you from their dynamic musicianship, making them a band you don’t want to miss.
In 2004, solo songwriters MacAllister, Gardner and Carolann Solebello met after singing together at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival in Hillsdale, New York. The three decided they liked their sound so much that they should combine forces to create the trio Red Molly. Solebello later left the group to pursue a solo career and was replaced by Venter. The group has recorded two albums, Love and Other Tragedies in 2008 and James in 2010, placing as one of the top 20 albums in the Americana Charts. After performing the folk and bluegrass festival circuit and opening multiple shows for Willie Nelson, the women are on a national tour and are promoting their music before they release their next album, which is set for 2014.
With MacAllister on bass and banjo, Gardner playing Dobro and guitar and Venter on guitar and lending her edgy lead vocals, Red Molly boasts a variety of upbeat Americana bluegrass and soulful folk tunes. The group’s handful of original songs range in genre. There is the soft and wistful “Hold It All,” “Oh My Michael,” an Irish-sounding ballad with a bluegrass twist, and fresh ragtime number “Hello Goodbye.”
Where the group really shines is in their original take on classic country, blues and jazz tunes. The understated, but expertly executed cover of “Fever” is mesmerizing with Venter’s smooth lead vocals, accentuated by the three-part harmonies and punctuated only by bass and soft snaps. The women have a similar effect on their arrangement of “May I Suggest,” which is done almost entirely acapella. The group goes as far as to add their own original bridge onto Robert Johnson’s “Come On In My Kitchen” to enhance the female-centric storyline. Each song, original and covered, seems to stem from a vastly different inspiration, making Red Molly’s repertoire surprising and unique compared to many Americana groups.
As national and local jug and bluegrass bands continue to perform in Eugene, Red Molly is one that shouldn’t be missed. The clarity in the female vocals paired with the classic bluegrass musicianship and exciting range in song choices places Red Molly on the map of must-see bands touring through Eugene this winter.
Be sure to catch Red Molly with Anne and Pete Sibley at Cozmic Pizza Friday, Jan. 10 at 8 p.m. for $16.