Red Molly

Thursday, April 25, 2019 at 8PM at Emelin Theatre

Red Molly combines the forces of three songwriters with unique character and style, creating a show that is larger than the sum of its parts. Known for their 3-part harmony, their songs and arrangements lay bare a love of vocal blend. The band weaves together threads of American music—from country & blues to folk & bluegrass. Their innovative instrumentation is suited for roots-rock and heartful ballads alike, and the alchemy of their personalities onstage draws even back row listeners into a sense of intimacy. Red Molly is simply a joy to experience.

Singing spine-tingling high notes, Abbie Gardner is a dobro player and improviser from a musical family. A consummate performer, her songs and performance have the punch of rhythm and blues. Playing guitar and tambourine, Laurie MacAllister draws inspiration from classic folk and singer-songwriters. Her voice stretches octaves, warm and romantic one moment, playful and subversive the next. Molly Venter has a smoky voice that is unforgettable, and a moody approach to song-smithing. Quirky and fashion-forward, she moves in step to the music while playing guitar and tambourine.

Formed in 2004, Red Molly has inspired countless female trios and has since reinvented themselves as a high-octane five-piece band in 2017. They remain a dominant force on the Americana/Folk scene due in part to their laughter and spontaneity onstage. Upright bassist Craig Akin and percussionist and electric guitarist Eben Pariser fill out the sound, giving the show a broad range of musical options—from complex and hard-hitting to sparse and delicate.

Accolades:

“A blend of serious harmonizing chops and slick pop savvy” – Time Out NY

“[Red Molly has] cut a niche as sunnyside Americana … immaculate vocal harmonies.” –The Guardian

“From Day One, Red Molly conjured musical magic. A decade later, they’ve honed their songwriting, their covers, their playing and, above all, their harmonies into something joyful and sublime.”– John Platt, WFUV FM, Sunday Breakfast

“Femme Phenom! No root from the grand tree of music is left untouched – classic country heartbreak, undeniable swing, authentic folk, gospel rock with an edge, and Americana stomp. With smart production, a strong thread runs throughout the album and every note sung is upheld on cosmic harmony. Red Molly is unstoppable. Highly recommended.”– Mary Sue Twohy, SiriusXM Satellite Radio

On Your Radar

featuring Morley, Bluebirds of Paradise (Ari Hest & Chrissi Poland) and Mike + Ruthy of The Mammals

Landmark on Main Street • 03.23.18 • 8 PM

WFUV's John Platt returns with the 2018 Landmark On Your Radar. As always, John's musical finds are talented and eclectic performers you'll want to add to your playlist.

From Carnegie Hall to the Nomad Women's Festival in the Sahara Desert, Morley has brought her unique blend of jazz, folk, and soul to the world's stage. Be it solo with her acoustic guitar or with a full band, her message is consistent and clear; love, justice, and inspiration.

Awarded as Songwriter of the Year from ASCAP and heralded as Emerging Artist of the Year by the New York Times, Morley has penned songs for TED Women, Acumen, V-Day, Think Global School and GOAL - South Africa. Morley was the voice for Ralph Lauren's fragrance commercial "Romance". Her music has been placed on several major network television shows as well as human rights documentaries.

Mike + Ruthy (Mike Merenda & Ruthy Ungar) are hard touring folk musicians from New York's Hudson Valley. It doesn't just mean that they play square dances on old, dusty instruments (which they do), it means they write about the times we live in using sturdy roots music as their bedrock. Buckle a couple kids in the backseat (check!) and you've got something that looks a lot like the American bohemian dream.

They host their own festival (homeofthehoot.com), have postcards of encouragement from none other than the late Pete Seeger, and miles upon miles of touring under their belts supporting one of the best catalogs of original music being performed today. Their performances alternate between whisper-soft intimacy and rafter-raising hoedowns.

Their latest record, Bright As You Can, is being hailed as one of the top Americana releases of the year ("One of the year's standout Americana records" - Boston Globe) and their touring schedule reads like a who's who of today's scene ("In the vanguard of today's vibrant folk revival"- PopMatters) including appearances with Ani DiFranco, Avett Brothers, Watkins Family Hour and The B-52s.

Bluebirds of Paradise give the ever-popular guy/girl duet band a new and unique twist. Singer/songwriters Ari Hest and Chrissi Poland created this scintillating duo, an infusion of jazz, indie-folk, and pop steeped in Brazilian overtones. With enchanting vocals and romantic yet often comedic lyrical sentiments, this powerful pair draws you in quickly and leaves you wanting more.

Chrissi and Ari created Bluebirds by accident, they say. "We weren't planning on starting a band together," comments Chrissi. "Ari had a show that he asked me to open for, and it was during the holidays. We thought it would be fun to write a holiday song in a Brazilian, Jobim-inspired way. We both are big lovers of Brazilian jazz songs and melodies.

Their latest EP, In A Night, features producer Will Lee on bass, Doug Yowell on drums, Chrissi on piano, keys and vocals, and Ari on guitars and vocals. The 6 song EP was recorded at the famous Carriage House
Studios in beautiful Stamford, CT.