Album Notes

"Threshold" is Carolann Solebello’s third solo album, and her first since parting from celebrated female trio Red Molly in August 2010. Exploring the sonic landscape of American folk music from Appalachian ballads to honky-tonk barnburners, Solebello gracefully melds old and new in this 12-song collection. Producer Fred Gillen, Jr. complements each track with arrangements that blend American roots and contemporary edge with ease. In addition to Gillen (electric guitar, vocals), the "Threshold" band includes Cheryl Prashker (drums), Mike Weatherly (bass), Sara Milonovich (violin), Mark Allen Berube (banjo, vocals), Steve Kirkman (electric guitar), and Catherine Miles (vocals). Solebello plays acoustic guitar, mandolin, and even a little resonator guitar.

A New York City native, Carolann first fell in love with mountain music – and the bluegrass and country that grew out of that tradition – while working as an actor in East Tennessee and Kansas. Tunes and techniques she learned from musicians in both places fundamentally changed her approach to songwriting and guitar playing, and subsequently colored her work with Red Molly.

The six years Carolann spent with the Americana trio were successful ones, indeed. Red Molly’s 2006 release, "Never Been to Vegas," earned them Best New Artist status at WUMB Boston. Their 2008 release, “Love and Other Tragedies,” spent ten weeks in the Americana Top 15, and Carolann’s song “Summertime” was the #1 Song on the Folk DJ chart in July 2008. “James,” released in 2010, peaked at #4 on the Americana chart, and was #23 on the 2010 AMA Top 100.

Such success gave rise to opportunities that took Red Molly further and further from home, and for longer and longer tours. With a family to attend to, Carolann simply could not continue on that path, so in August 2010, she stepped aside to pursue solo opportunities closer to home. Red Molly continues touring extensively with new member Molly Venter.

Prior to "Threshold," Carolann released two solo albums, “Just Across the Water” (2000), “Glass of Desire” (2009). She makes her home in Brooklyn, New York with her husband and young son.