Billy Kemp
“About Billy Kemp, I think he is quite good. He reminds me of some Austin type songwriters; also a cross between Leroy Preston and Loudon Wainwright both excellent writers. He’s better than 90% of the music I receive.” – Roseanne Cash
“Literate songs in a country blues manner. A collection of down-to-earth tales punctuated by vivid lyrics and crisp guitar work.” – Dirty Linen
A Baltimore native and Tennessee resident, Billy Kemp is a musician, songwriter, singer, composer and producer. He is a multi-instrumentalist but is best known for his tasteful and inventive guitar playing. He performs passionate home made songs and compositions, mostly roots music.
His concerts include songs from his latest releases, as well as selections from a rich and extensive back-catalogue. From Lone Star country to urban shuffles and Appalachian waltzes, Billy remains a songwriter with a love of story.
“Billy Kemp, a gifted multi-instrumentalist with an impressive list of studio and road credentials frames these songs with austere and subtle acoustic arrangements built on various combinations of guitar, banjo, bass, mandolin and harmonica.” Bob Allen, Bluegrass Unlimited
“An amiable and entertaining performer, Billy had the audience in the palm of his hand from the moment he stepped on stage. His stories and the background to his songs were both humorous and enthralling.” – Alan Cackett, former editor of Maverick Magazine, UK
“This is the most heartbreaking breakup song you’ve ever heard, honestly. It’s minimal in the recording style, allowing the scathing lyrics to cut through the air with so much more precision. It really sounds like it could come out of the hills with Pa Carter. It’s a really remarkable recording and song. I can’t wait to hear more from Kemp with this roots, raw style” – Ear to the Ground Music Blog about Billy’s single, “Another Life to Live.” Jan. 2018