Robert Thomas and the sessionmen Reignite Childhood Wonder with “Kick the Can”
The award-winning Canadian Folk/Americana artist opens The Way We Roll with a nostalgic anthem of belonging, friendship, and the moments that shape us.
Award-winning Canadian Folk/Americana artist Robert Thomas and the sessionmen kick off their sophomore album The Way We Roll with a heartfelt dose of nostalgia and joy on the album’s opening track, “Kick the Can.” Uplifting, personal, and rooted in memory, the song is a celebration of the friendships that define us—and the childhood moments we never outgrow.
Musically, “Kick the Can” is as warm and inviting as the memory it captures. With breezy acoustic guitars, toe-tapping rhythm, and sun-dappled harmonies, it instantly draws you into the heart of a neighborhood on a summer night. Produced by JUNO Award-winners Catherine MacLellan and Mark Westberg, the track features top-tier contributions from the sessionmen—Ray Legere and Jon Arsenault—alongside a carefully curated group of guest musicians. Each note feels organic, lived-in, and lovingly played, adding up to a sound that feels both timeless and brand new.
Morgan Routledge of The Sound Cafe hails them as a "A brilliant mix of Folk, Americana, and a touch of Bluegrass, The Way We Roll is an album that speaks to the power of collaboration, the joy of songwriting, and the magic of musical alchemy."
Thomas anchors the song with a vivid lyrical narrative: a real childhood moment when, after moving from L.A. to Columbus, Ohio, he found himself unexpectedly welcomed by a group of local kids for a spontaneous game of Kick the Can. “In about two hours, I had more friends than I ever had in LA,” he recalls. That spark of inclusion became more than just a fond memory—it became the inspiration for a track that beams with gratitude and youthful spirit.
“Kick the Can” sets the tone for The Way We Roll, a record steeped in storytelling and rooted in the Atlantic Canadian landscapes of Thomas’ upbringing. Songs like the poignant “Springhill,” the tender ballad “Beside You,” and bluegrass-inspired “Lake Louise” explore themes of loss, resilience, and the enduring comfort of home. With Ivan Rosenberg, Terra Spencer, Carlie Howell, and Rich Knox adding texture across the album’s 11 tracks, the project shines with the kind of craftsmanship and emotional clarity that only decades of experience can produce.
The chemistry among the sessionmen is unmistakable, forged through years of collaboration and shared history. Since their formation in 2022, the group has earned accolades for their evocative songwriting and intimate live shows. Their debut, Parallel Lines, earned an ECMA nomination for “Entertainer of the Year,” and their single “A River Runs Through” recently won the 2025 International Acoustic Music Award.
Though Robert Thomas has spent decades behind the curtain, writing songs for legends like Bonnie Raitt, Joe Cocker, and The Chicks, it’s with the sessionmen that his stories have truly found their home. Together, they elevate his deeply personal reflections into universal anthems of connection, memory, and joy.
The Way We Roll is not just an album—it’s a tribute to the roads we take, the people who walk with us, and the simple, unforgettable moments that change everything. And “Kick the Can” is the joyful first step.
ROBERT THOMAS AND THE SESSIONMEN TOUR DATES:
May 10 Minneapolis MN · The Cedar Cultural Centre
May 11 Buffalo NY · The Caz
May 17 Moncton · The Empress Theatre
May 20 Cambridge MA · Club Passim
May 21 Woodstock NB · The Connell House
May 22 Fredericton NB · The Charlotte Street Arts Center
May 30 Saint John NB · The BMO Theatre
May 31 Miramichi NB · New Maritime Brewing
July 3 Halifax NS · The Carleton
July 11 New York NY · The Bitter End
July 12 Phoenicia NY · The Phoenicia Playhouse
July 19 Tatamagouche · The Grace Theatre
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Comments (1)
This song "Kick the Can" sounds great. The description of the music makes it easy to picture that summer night. It's cool how a simple childhood memory inspired it. Made me think about my own childhood friendships. Do you think the other songs on the album will capture that same sense of nostalgia as well as this one does?