Kenny Roby

A songwriter’s songwriter, Kenny Roby’s 2020 album ’The Reservoir’ has been called a master class in that craft. A native of the Carolinas, he was originally known for fronting 6 String Drag, pioneers in the Alt-Country and Americana music movements of the ’90s. The band was produced by roots music godfather Steve Earle and signed to his E-Squared Records. Since 6 String Drag’s breakup in 1998, Roby has released 5 solo records as well as a live duo record with Neal Casal. Casal was slated to be the producer on Roby’s newest record when he passed away in August of 2019. Dave Schools of Widespread Panic then took over producer duties on ’The Reservoir,’ which also features the musicianship of Tony Leone (Little Feat, Chris Robinson, Levon Helm, Phil Lesh) and Jeff Hill (Rufus Wainwright, Chris Robinson, Steve Earle), among others.
For his brand new self-titled record to be released on August 5, 2022, Roby once again recruited Tony Leone and Jeff Hill for the rhythm section at Applehead in Woodstock, but this time adding Daniel Littleton of Amy Helm, Levon Helm and Michael Hurley’s bands on guitar and other instruments. The crew was also joined on a few tracks by legendary Lovin Spoonful frontman John Sebastian on harmonica, Amy Helm and Dori Freeman on background vocals and former Bob Dylan keyboardist/accordion player Brian Mitchell.

“With his new album ‘The Reservoir’, Kenny Roby seeks some solace between the darkness and the light, gleans lessons learned and transmits them through a set of songs that are taut, tender and flush with both resilience and resolve.”
– AMERICAN SONGWRITER (4.5 of 5 Stars)

On ‘The Reservoir,’ Kenny Roby dives deep to find beauty in tragedy…the power of Roby’s songwriting is how well the stories connect with us all.
– NO DEPRESSION

With The Reservoir, Kenny Roby affirms and reestablishes his spot as one of the (americana/folk rock/alt country) sub-genre’s most talented and evocative songwriters by using his introspective and sometimes piercing lyrics, wonderful melodies, and his affecting and charismatic voice to create one of the most emotional and impactful records of the year thus far.
– AMERICANA HIGHWAYS

The Reservoir tackles weighty issues of self-awareness and assessment. But Kenny Roby guides us through the process with compassionate insights and comforting, folk rock rhythms. In the end, it’s a tale of triumph and redemption that’s both well told and well deserved.
– TURNSTYLED JUNKPILED MAGAZINE

Singing in a weathered voice that creates a disarming intimacy, he addresses his own wavering sobriety, failing marriage and midlife anxieties. These songs go to some dark places, but Roby manages to find some comfort setting his fears to music.
– UNCUT MAGAZINE (8 of 10 Stars)