5 Years, 3 Red Molly records, a duo record with Anthony da Costa, and a passel of tour dates have passed since Abbie Gardner’s last solo record, the comparatively sparse Honey On My Grave. Hope represents the maturation of one of the best artists in Americana music today. With a confidence that can only be earned, Gardner bursts out with a national steel guitar and a ballsy blues on the opening cut “Break It Slow.†It’s an unprecedented romp, fully of gnarly guitar lines and lyrics reminiscent of Lucinda Williams or Bonnie Raitt.
An engaging rhythm section and frequent cameo’s by Herb Gardner (Abbie’s jazz piano playing father), propel Hope forward at a roaring pace (in comparison to most “folk” records). Gardner herself claims virtuoso status with not only the dobro, but lap steel and national steel guitars (can you spell badass?). With her ability to write lines like “forget the mistletoe, because you’re the whole damn Christmas tree†(“Its Always You) and a pop sensibility that is frequently uncanny, Gardner displays a range and flexibility that stretches from old school folk, to jazz, to pop, to rock ‘n’ roll.
My favorite track on the record, however, is the title cut and its classic Gardner.
“my hope is a floosie/ she’s drunk and unruly/ dancing up on top of the bar/ she falls like a hammer/ and glasses that shatter/ like broken little pieces of stars/ I can’t stop/ I can’t choose/ I love/ I lose/ clear my head/ clear my sight/ it’s a curse/ it’s a fight/ I got no cause to believe/ but my hope just won’t leave/ oh I know I can’t win/ I give up/ I give inâ€
The song is a killer and recalls her best ballads with both Red Molly and Anthony da Costa. Featuring some gorgeous fiddle and the kind of subtle backing from the rhythm section that is simultaneously riveting and barely noticeable, “Hope†is a tour de force.
Abbie can be caught touring with Red Molly, pretty much everywhere in the U.S., so keep your eyes open and on this site. Also, check out Gardner’s solo site as well.
About the author: Specializes in Dead, Drunk, and Nakedness..... Former College Radio DJ and Current Craft Beer Nerd