Search - Mollys :: Only a Story

Splendid Autobiographical Songwriting from Nancy McCallion

John Kwok | New York, NY USA | 10/19/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This may be the most autobiographical of the CDs made by that great, late Irish Celtic/Mexican/Country/Bluegrass band, The Mollys, which earned ample critical acclaim from the likes of The Washington Post, and frequent visits to such notable New York City venues as Lincoln Center's Live-Out-of-Doors Festival held each summer in August, and the Rodeo Bar, one of the premier venues for country music in New York City. For many years they were the best musical export from my favorite Southwestern city, Tucson, AZ, and though I have heard quite a few Irish Celtic, Country and Bluegrass bands since then, especially here, in of all places, New York City, none of the bands I've heard have matched the splendid chemistry exhibited by the original members of The Mollys, including its founding female vocalists and guitarists, Catherine Zavala and Nancy McCallion. Here Nancy McCallion has written a captivating musical autobiography which pays more homage to her country roots than to Irish Celtic and other influences. I still don't understand why The Mollys never became the commercial success which I - and many other fans of theirs from Tucson and elsewhere - thought that they would be. And yet, on a somewhat happier note, if you happen to visit Tucson's The Boondocks bar on New Year's Eve this year, then you'll be treated to an extraordinary musical event; the latest "reunion" concert of The Mollys's original band members, including my favorite Mexican-American "colleen", Catherine Zavala, and of course, Nancy McCallion. Let's hope that this "reunion" concert will be the first of many, including more visits to the Big Apple, so that those unfamiliar with The Mollys will hear their excellent music at venues like Lincoln Center's Live-Out-of-Doors Festival and the Rodeo Bar."