Album Review: Kenny Roby | Kenny Roby 

Nostalgic Blue Mountain folk melds with gospel- tinged Americana and Southern backstreet swamp boogie to give Kenny Roby’s latest release a true breadth of country style and swagger. Here is an easy ride to simpler times, with some subtle twists and turns along the way. The tunes feel familiar and sticky, with lots of meat from the soul on the bone. Knee-slapping katydids crouch near the haybales, keeping the sad and lonely campfires company, just within earshot of boot-stomping

and barn-stormin’ cowboys. Despite the varied cadences, and in deference to previous work, there is something more settled and serene here. A kind of spiritual comfort in the weariness. Like coming back home and drying your socks and gloves by the wood stove after a long day in the cold and wet snow. Roby is joined by a solid cast of Hudson Valley players and passers by, including vocals by Amy Helm, accordion by Brian Mitchell, and even some harmonica by John Sebastian.