If you’re lucky enough to have the kind of friendships that never disappear, then you’ll recognise the sentiment in the recent single ‘Never Go Away’ from Abbie Gardner and Marc Douglas Berardo. The song celebrates those relationships that endure over time, the sort of companionship that picks up again naturally even after periods apart. Times shared with such important people in our lives are to be treasured, and ‘Never Go Away’ is steeped in memory, the act of remembering bringing joy and hope. Berardo and Gardner have been friends for around twenty years, touring together and sharing adventures along the way. The combination of their voices – sincere, wistful and fragile – reflects that bond. The highlight is Gardner’s Dobro masterclass; her playing seems effortless, a natural extension of her feelings, thoughts and words, beautifully expressive and hypnotic to watch and listen to.
In the video, footage of the duo rehearsing, recording and performing is interspersed with images of Block Island in the summer, transporting viewers to special places and times spent happily with friends and family. It’s a visual representation of the song’s themes of memory and friendship, and it demonstrates the respect and positivity shared by Gardner and Berardo. Like the lyrics, the video just makes you smile along with them.
In the song, the memories are described as coming as “a sparrow resting on a wave,” a line that provides the title for the duo’s two-song release, “Resting on a Wave”, in November 2025. Check out the songs: ‘Never Go Away’ and ‘I’ve Had Enough’, and then explore the pair’s other material. Gardner’s last album, “DobroSinger”, comes highly recommended for its raw, authentic songwriting and musicianship.
Gardner has been nominated for Artist of the Year by the International Folk Music Awards and will be performing a showcase this week at the Folk Alliance Conference. This is welcome recognition of a fine songwriter and instrumentalist; whether performing with americana harmony trio Red Molly, with friends like Berardo, or solo – when there’s just her voice and exquisite dobro-playing, Gardner captivates with her lap-style licks, sweet sliding melodies and pure, intimate vocals. Enjoy.
