One of the highlights from Folk Alliance Conference in 2008 was an “in my hotel room” showcase by Molly’s Revenge. Squeezed in between the A/C unit and the desk, they delivered a set that drew everyone from the halls like dog hair to a Dyson. Counter-balanced with an evocative set from Genevieve, it was truly a magical 45-minute study in musical possibilities. Here’s a bit of news and a short Q&A with Stuart Mason, the one who is the safest distance from the dangerous bagpipes.

From epic sets on highland pipes and fiddle, to angelic folk songs over bouzouki and mandola, to ripping sets of Irish jigs and reels, the lads of Molly’s Revenge have expanded their range on their seventh release, “The Western Shore.” For this stunning album they enlisted the help of award-winning vocalist and accordionist Moira Smiley.

“The Western Shore” was produced by John Doyle, a founding member of Irish supergroup Solas. Guest performers include percussionist Fraser Stone (Old Blind Dogs), John Doyle, and Moira Smiley. International release to retail outlets is set for September 16.

CIYH: Looks like you guys mostly tour the west coast, is that due to regional warrants for arrest, or a reflection of the cost of travel?

Stuart: I don’t know about the other band members, but for myself, I believe all outstanding warrants have expired by now. I got a speeding ticket last year and nothing came up on my record, that was a relief. :)

Seriously, we have toured as far east as Chicago and as far west as Shanghai China (twice) and Australia, but the further you travel the tougher it is to make a profit. Paid working vacations to exotics locales are nice, but when you get home you still have that pile of pesky bills to pay!

CIYH: Your group obviously works very well as a four piece, but do you ever perform as a smaller ensemble of 2 or 3 for certain occasions?

Stuart: Yes, we’ve tried just about every possible combination of personnel for one reason or another, but not very often. Most of us do solo gigs as well but for the band to work, we have to give the band priority, so that makes it tricky to moonlight on the side. We just set up a private online calendar that will show all our other commitments (vacations, solo gigs, etc) and that should help us to juggle the bookings.

CIYH: Do you guys draw straws to choose who plays to John’s left? I’d hate to get the end of his bow in my eye during a finale? I didn’t see any noticeable facial scars when you guys played for us at Folk Alliance…

Stuart: Actually the drones on David’s pipes are more dangerous than John’s fiddle bow. One time David tagged John in the head and drew blood at a pub gig in Honolulu. David really jumps around on stage, and Pete says the tassels on those drones can be distracting. Not to mention the fact that it’s hella loud on that side of the piper.

CIYH: The age diversity in your group is interesting… what’s the age gap between the youngest and oldest in the group, and who’s the riskiest to insure?

Stuart: It’s over 30 years difference. For a while there we had one member each in his 20s, 30s, 40, and 50s… but time marches on, and we can’t say that no more! Each of us brings his own experience and talent to the band, and I think the age difference is a real plus. Our fans tend to identify with people like themselves, so it broadens our appeal.

Insurance is definitely a concern, when you travel as much as we do. A couple weeks ago my 1918 Gibson mandola got run over by a minivan and that really hurt. But she was glued back together, and gained a new nickname, Roadkill. My guitar has been broken three times, that’s why I travel with a Martin D-1 rather than my old faithful D28.

MOLLY'S REVENGE WITH MOIRA SMILEY: The Western Shore

To help finance the new record, the band launched an online fan fundraising campaign that raised them almost $8000 and made them part of a new wave of indie bands that are making an end run around the traditional record labels.

The band is offering by download three exclusive extra tracks that didn’t fit on “The Western Shore,” tracks that are available only through mollysrevenge.com or at live shows. They have also made the first track on the album available for free download at their web site.

Molly’s Revenge has been exciting audiences with their heavy-hitting interpretations of traditional Irish and Scottish music for over eight years. They’ve played all over the USA and taken their music international with trips to Australia and Shanghai. In 2009 they will be performing at the prestigious Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow, along with several other European dates.

“Their diligence to the tradition has produced this fine collection of material–old and new–which fans of Celtic music are sure to embrace.” — John Doyle

“The instruments are traditional… but the wild passion they exhibit is thoroughly modern,” wrote the MetroSantaCruz, California.

“Moira Smiley’s songs are captivating, holding the listener enchanted with their telling, and her rich voice captures the essence of great traditional singing.” — Shay Black of the legendary Black family