"With MB3," Mollybloom has created a magnificent collection of bluegrass that should earn the band many new followers. The band's musical style can best be described as contemporarily original. In fact the bulk of the material featured in "MB3" are band numbers like "Clueless," "Dapper Dan," "It Ain't Me" and others. There are stirring arrangements of "The Old Cross Road," "Ashokan Farewell" and a medley of "Little Beggar Man" and "Lonesome Fiddle Blues.
Bluegrass Unlimited 2007
A Review by Kathy Boyd Of Uptown Bluegrass December 2006
Looking for a topic of conversation around your Yule log this holiday season? Here's a puzzle guaranteed to keep things lively for hours on end. . . .
Is the newest CD from the Northwest's popular bluegrass band Mollybloom titled "MB3" to ride on the coat tails of the multimillion dollar advertising campaign for the 2006 blockbuster "MI3" starring Tom Cruise? Are they sending a "secret message" that this CD is full of thrills, action and adventure? Or is this a play on the popularity of the "MP3" format of music that has taken the world by storm? Is the "hidden message" that this is a band on the edge of technology yet easy to access and affordable to the consumer? Perhaps it's both. Perhaps it's neither. Just be sure to have the CD playing in the background as you while away the hours debating this!
Mollybloom is based out of the Willamette Valley in Oregon and have been performing together since 1995. Members contributing to this CD project are: Clark Blanchard (bass and the majority of lead vocals), Dave Dahl (guitar, vocals and the author of 5 of the tunes), Matt Gray (banjo), Ron Relaford (mandolin) and Bob Rindy (fiddle and vocals). The production of this CD had quite a bit of help from Fran Gray, who is an award winning performer and songwriter in her own right.
Overall, this CD is tasteful, tight, has good drive, and follows the "less is more" rule of what makes good bluegrass. Seven of the 13 tunes are well written originals, which is always an indicator that a band has the ability to rise to a professional level of musicianship.
Of special note is the tight instrumental backup on the timeless favorite "Old Cross Road". Check out that banjo backup! The band gives a nice freshness to a tune that has been performed many times by many people.
"Anita's Lament and Breakdown" is an original tune written to honor bass player Clark Blanchard's wife (who is also the band manager). The beauty and love that comes across in this tune is so tasteful and well done that it will melt your heart and bring a tear to your eye if you listen carefully.
For a romp of a good time you'll want to check out "Dapper Dan", a tune by Dave Dahl that could also be titled "The Metro-Sexual Blues". Listen to it, read the words on the liner notes, and listen again. It's not only a riot, you can imagine two good buddies having this conversation.
Personal favorites are "Little Beggar Man/Lonesome Fiddle Blues" (if you ever get the chance to hear this performed live don't miss it!) and the contemporary "God Give You Some Love". Two very different songs that show off the versatility and range of this group.
"MB3" is a well done offering from a band on the rise. Catch this band when you can, and in the meantime buy this CD. Listen for Mollybloom to hit the Uptown Bluegrass playlist soon!
www.uptownbluegrass.com
Here's the "official" page on Mollybloom:
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The Mollybloom band has perfected their music over the last ten years and
specializes in tight instrumental and vocal arrangements of original
material as well as new and innovative arrangements of traditional bluegrass
tunes.
Talented composers and songwriters, the members of Mollybloom have developed a fresh, new, and uniquely their own, bluegrass sound. It is this
willingness to take bluegrass into new territory that truly sets these fine
musicians apart from the pack, delighting fans and filling venues wherever
they go. Their easy humor and camaraderie is infectious and draws the
audience into the performance. Each musician brings talent, versatility and
enthusiasm to their energetic style.
With the release of their newest CD, Mollybloom's discography includes
"These Days," "Tillamook Burn," and now, “Mb3” . In it, Molly bloom continues to push to the edges of the music, thinking and playing "outside the box" in creative and surprising ways. They are not reinventing bluegrass, but allowing bluegrass to find it's own expression, making it relevant to today. They are creating bluegrass lovers and converts along the way with their energy, enthusiasm and rock solid rhythms and harmonies. Band members include:
Dave Dahl who spent his early years in Montana and is currently a practicing
Music Therapist at the Oregon State Hospital. Dave has played banjo and
guitar for more than 20 years. He is also a highly accomplished pianist.
Dave is the bands main writer and arranger.
Bob Rindy, on fiddle, has played violin in symphony orchestras and chamber
ensembles, and in several folk and rock bands in Salem and Eugene over the
past 20 years. Classically trained on the violin since childhood, Bob
performs a range of fiddle styles, including bluegrass, Celtic, folk and
blues.
Ron Relaford, a massage therapist and music teacher, has played and taught
mandolin, banjo, and guitar for over 30 years. As a mandolin player, Ron has
performed with Celtic, Blues, and folk groups. His varied music background
even includes African drumming.
Clark Blanchard is a public school music teacher in Silverton, Oregon. He
has performed in local bands since 1963. Clark began his music career as a
piano and guitar player in the 1970’s. Clark then turned to playing electric
bass and singing while making a living playing Pop, Rock, and Jazz in the
Portland area. More recently, Clark has added acoustic bass to his musical
repertoire and continues to create the solid bass on which Mollybloom rises.
Matt Gray, on banjo, has been a member of the Portland bluegrass community
for many years. Playing with several groups, Matt has earned the reputation of being an innovative and technically precise banjo player. These skills helped him win the Oregon State Bluegrass Banjo Championship in 1996.
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