ABBIE GARDNER – AN ARTIST SPOTLIGHT AND DETAILED INTERVIEW
Photo Mel Taing
By Ralph Beauchamp
Abbie Gardner is an American singer-songwriter and virtuoso on the resophonic guitar (often referred to as the Dobro) whose musical path spans jazz, folk, Americana and bluegrass. Raised in a musical family (her father, Herb Gardner, was a stride pianist and Dixieland trombonist) she first studied classical flute before discovering the Dobro around 2004. Early in her career she co-founded the harmony trio Red Molly, playing and singing with them for many years before shifting increasingly into a solo career of deeply personal recordings
As a solo artist, Abbie Gardner has cultivated a distinctive voice—both literally and musically—using the Dobro not merely as a backing instrument but as a full partner to her vocals and songwriting. Her 2022 album DobroSinger, recorded with just her voice and Dobro in a home studio, garnered serious acclaim, reaching #11 on the Billboard Blues Charts and #2 on the Folk DJ Charts. Reviewers praise the way her slide lines converse with her vocals, and how the uncluttered arrangements amplify the emotional core of her songs. Abbie Gardner creates impassioned soundscapes that transcend the norm. Her music is wistful and passionate while remaining totally accessible to her ardent fans.
Abbie Garner will be performing on 11/20 at Cantean Coffee & Tea. This is a must see.
Abbie Gardner was kind enough to sit with AMP for this detailed interview.
AMP: Your father, Herb Gardner, was an accomplished jazz musician and renowned educator. How did he shape your style or approach to music?
ABBIE: My dad installed the joy of Music first and foremost. He was very playful about it, but also stressed the importance of knowing what key you’re singing in and the theory behind it as well. He taught me to confidently count off a song and signal the ending just by using my voice. My dad also taught me to write out a chord chart.
AMP: Besides your father, who were your biggest musical influences?
ABBIE: I listen to a lot of Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Bonnie Raitt, Billie Holiday, Led Zeppelin, and Muddy Waters growing up. We also went to Bluegrass festivals when we were kids so I was exposed to Tim Obrien, Jerry, Douglas, Del McCurry, and many more.
Since learning the Dobro, of course one of my biggest influences there is Jerry, Douglas, but also Kelly Joe Phelps, Mike Witcher, Cindy Cashdollar and Sally Van Meter.
AMP: Can you walk us through your songwriting process?
ABBIE: I always approach songwriting in a different way. Sometimes I get a melody in my head and it all comes from there. Other times it comes from a riff. I’m playing on Dobro or a phrase that gets stuck in my head. Sometimes I even like to make little challenges for myself based on rhyming or the notes in the scale.
AMP: Do your lyrics come from personal experiences, or do you write imagined perspectives?
ABBIE: I do both. The emotional content is always genuine though, even if I’m using a different story to get that emotion across to my listener.
AMP: What inspired you to take up the dobro – especially as a solo artist and frontwoman?
ABBIE: I’ve always loved the sound of the slide Guitar. When I hurt my left wrist, I realized that playing Lapp style would be more ergonomic and decided to learn the Dobro. I didn’t realize I would like it more than any other instrument I’ve ever tried! I barely play guitar anymore at all.
AMP: You are a member of Red Molly. Is there a difference between your solo live shows and playing in a group setting, emotionally and musically?
ABBIE: I’m the same person whether I am performing with Red Molly or on my own, but it does feel different. I love the harmony and collaboration of a band but when I play solo, I can chase ideas or even mistakes and see where they lead me. There’s more freedom there, but also more responsibility.
AMP: How do you keep your music authentic to the roots of blues and Americana while also bringing a contemporary attitude?
ABBIE: I’m not sure I bring a contemporary attitude to my music, but maybe in the themes I write about sometimes? I find myself writing very commonly in an old jazz style (AABA) without choruses necessarily. Sometimes I have to force myself to write an actual chorus!
AMP: What is your favorite song to play live?
ABBIE: Right now, I am really enjoying playing my song “Born in the City”, co-written with Will Kimbrough. When I recorded it, I couldn’t play it very fast but with practice now the tempo feels right. I have more fun with it because I’m not working so hard.
AMP: In addition, is there a venue dear to your heart?
ABBIE: I love playing the Kennett Flash in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. The room is always packed, there’s great sound and it always feels like a special night. This was also the place where I played my first full length solo show on Dobro, so it will always be special to me.
AMP: Is there a behind-the-scenes story or inside joke that your fans might enjoy hearing?
ABBIE: I can’t think of one off the top of my head, but I have been having great conversations with my Patreon members. Recently, I did an all-request live stream show for them. They voted on which 5-7 of 30 original songs I should play. Some members reminded me of songs. I left off the list and completely forgot that I had written! It’s very special to have a long-term personal relationship with these fans.
AMP: What’s next for Abbie Gardner?
ABBIE: I’m working on a new Recording project that should be out in 2026. I’m still writing the songs for it so I can’t really share more but I’m excited about new songs! Since I moved to Nashville, I have been touring in new areas like Colorado, Texas, Arizona, Tennessee, Georgia, and Ohio. I’m excited to get back to the West Coast next year as well.
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