Everyone has to start someplace but for newcomer Kim Robins, starting somewhere near the top is not going to be a problem.
She’s already reached the top of at least one chart according to one of her recent tweets on social media outlet Twitter.
Her chances for success certainly aren’t dampened by the list of musicians she’s called upon to help launch her debut album, 40 YEARS LATE which was released early this month.
The team assembled to create 40 Years Late starts off with her husband, the legendary Butch Robins on banjo; International Bluegrass Music Association’s nine-time Fiddle Performer of the Year, Michael Cleveland; Jeff Guernsey, former fiddle player for Vince Gill, on guitar; and Lynn Manzenberger, formerly with The Wilwood Valley Boys, on bass. Cleveland’s mandolin player, Nathan Livers, also played on several tracks. Richard Torstrick engineered and co-produced 40 Years Late.
40 Years Late features 12 songs that display heartache and regeneration. Seven of the twelve songs were written by Robins herself, telling stories about keeping a dream in the back seat for many years; it will speak to those who have done the same. The collection includes stories that reflect Robins’ own life through her original songs and remakes of bluegrass legends.
“This album is a mixture of traditional and progressive bluegrass, country and blues.
“Someone once asked me why don’t you choose one genre, and I replied because it is everything I am” said Kim. Her favorite track on the album is “Cry” she states that it is a true story and very emotional.
She was an original member, and the youngest, of the Little Nashville Opry in Nashville, Indiana. Her mother’s encouragement that she practice daily and sing loud paid off as she traveled all over the country, opening for legends such as Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty, Barbara Mandrell and The Oak Ridge Boys.
Robins grew up with music in her veins but, at age 19, gave her first love a backseat to a new love – her baby girl. After earning two college degrees, singlehandedly raising her daughter and establishing a career, Robins met and married renowned banjo player Butch Robins – and her dream of performing music was reignited.
With Butch’s encouragement, she started writing music and finding venues to showcase her powerful vocals – starting with singing backup harmony with bluegrass band Misty Stevens and Reminisce Road.
Since then, Robins has gained attention with her high energy, contemporary sound, performing at the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America, The Folk Alliance in Memphis, and opening for Junior Sisk and Ramblers Choice at the Historic Jonesborough Bluegrass
Her influences include Buck Owens, Ray Price, Loretta Lynn and Barbara Mandrell. Robins pays tribute to Connie Smith on 40 Years Late. Robins mimics the iconic hiccup that Connie Smith delivers on her debut album in “I’ve Got My Baby on My Mind”. 40 Years Late also features a bonus track with her father, a bluegrass great, Don Brummett and Butch Robins.
Series.
40 Years Late Track Listing:
1.Born to Roam
2. Cry
3. If You Lived Here
4. Forty Years Late
5. I’ve Got My Baby on My Mind
6. Can’t You Hear Me Calling
7. Another Place in Time
8. It’s Me Again
9. Heartache and Regret
10. The Last Thing On My Mind
11. I Want to Know
12. So Long
Bonus Track: What a Friend We Have in Jesus/ Shuckin The Corn
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