Canadian East Coast Artist Robert Thomas and the sessionmen Sings of Outlaws & Stolen Cars

Robert Thomas, an East Coast Music Awards “Entertainer of the Year” nominee, is a natural storyteller known for his humor, empathy, and high-energy performances. Hailing from Moncton, New Brunswick, Thomas has made a name for himself both as a solo performer and as a prolific songwriter, penning tracks for some of the biggest names in music, including Bonnie Raitt, The Chicks, Kenny Rogers, and Mister Mister. His songs often offer a snapshot of life’s ups and downs, delivered with a mix of wit and genuine emotion that resonates with audiences far and wide.

Supporting Thomas in his live performances is his acoustic duo, the sessionmen, featuring two of the finest musicians Atlantic Canada has to offer. Ray Legere, on fiddle and mandolin, is a legend in his own right, celebrated for his work with Alison Krauss, Tony Rice, Natalie MacMaster, and The Chieftains. His extraordinary talent and musical versatility make him one of the most respected acoustic players in the region. Alongside Legere is Jon Arsenault, a gifted multi-instrumentalist whose skills on guitar, keyboard, and percussion add depth and dynamism to the duo’s sound. Together, they bring Thomas’ songs to life, weaving a rich tapestry of original music that spans folk, country, and rock influences.

Thomas and the sessionmen’s live shows are a journey through his extensive career as a staff songwriter for Music Publishing, filled with anecdotes, humor, and a touch of nostalgia. Their performances feel like a musical biography, blending original songs with stories from Thomas’ decades-long career in the industry. This unique blend of storytelling and musicianship creates an intimate and engaging experience for audiences, who are drawn into the world of Thomas’ characters and narratives.

His upcoming album, produced by JUNO Award-winner Catherine MacLellan, promises to be a standout release, showcasing both Thomas’ songwriting prowess and the chemistry he shares with the sessionmen. The new album follows his widely praised single, “A River Runs Through,” a poignant track that highlighted Thomas’ ability to craft deeply emotional and resonant music. Now, he’s ready to shift gears with his latest offering, an uptempo, fun-loving story song titled “The Way We Roll.”

Inspired by his own childhood memories and a bit of Southern charm, “The Way We Roll” is a rollicking ride through the lives of two carefree, thrill-seeking characters. The song draws on the playful, rebellious spirit of classic TV icons like Bo and Luke Duke from The Dukes of Hazzard. Thomas paints a vivid picture of a wild road trip adventure, centered around a protagonist who’s a fast-living, hard-driving rebel, and his equally daring girlfriend, reminiscent of the iconic Daisy Duke.

In the song, the couple takes off in a stolen, mint-condition ‘69 Mustang, tearing down the highway without a care in the world. Their goal? To live it up and outrun anything that tries to slow them down. When a state trooper attempts to pull them over, they don’t even think about stopping—they just hit the gas and make a run for the Mexican border. The high-speed chase is fueled by adrenaline and defiance, but when the car finally runs out of gas just shy of the border, they face their fate with a shrug. For them, it’s all part of the adventure; it’s simply “The Way We Roll.”

The inspiration for “The Way We Roll” came about during a songwriting session with Jon Arsenault, who pitched an energetic guitar lick that immediately sparked Thomas’ imagination. “I wanted to create something with an edge to it,” Thomas explains. Drawing from his admiration for outlaw songwriters like Ray Wylie Hubbard and Chris Knight, Thomas let the lyrics flow naturally, starting with the line: “We was tearin’ along down the interstate in a hot Mustang with outta state plates.” This opening image set the tone for the rest of the song, embodying the spirit of rebellion and freedom that defines its characters.

For Thomas, writing the song was about channeling the mindset of someone living on the edge, embracing the thrill of the moment without worrying about the consequences. “I thought to myself, ‘What would Ray Wylie Hubbard or Chris Knight do with this?’” he recalls. The result is a track that’s both nostalgic and exhilarating, capturing the essence of classic Southern storytelling while adding a modern twist.

With “The Way We Roll,” Robert Thomas offers listeners a taste of his upcoming album’s eclectic mix of styles and stories. It’s a fun, fast-paced ride that showcases his knack for narrative songwriting and his playful approach to creating memorable characters. As he prepares for the album release, Thomas continues to prove why he’s one of the East Coast’s most beloved entertainers, blending humor, heart, and a whole lot of spirit in every song he writes.