Royal Wade Kimes - A Proud Land
By:George Peden
The social media recently has been a beacon of floodlit glare. The barbs over supposed old farts and jackasses within country music has riled many, angered more and, if anything, rallied the faithful. Without debating the right and wrongs of the now generally forgiven outburst by Entertainer of the Year Blake Shelton, he, unwittingly, has drawn mass interest to our treasured performers.
Performers like Royal Wade Kimes.
Delve into the Kimes’ CV and here is a man of immense interest and a guy who deserves to wear a dusty cowboy hat.
The singer, songwriter (he penned “We Bury The Hatchet” for Garth), sometimes actor, writer and one-time ranch hand for Loretta Lynn has only to look into his life to find material. And the examined life has been good to Royal Wade Kimes.
Across a catalogue of over nine albums, this Arkansas resident with the campfire cool voice has delivered tales of hanging trees, lost and lonely cowboys, trails without end and trials without purpose.
His latest release, A Proud Land (Wonderment Records) travels the themed path of American heritage with songs of the Civil War and tales of the West.
Kimes is that rare breed of entertainer, in that he sings what he knows, loves and lives. He is a modern day cowboy, one who knows his history and in a style and voice that takes and tells, he shares history built on a well-worn saddle.
But outside of a pleasing album of rugged and self-written tunes, the Kimes’ credibility draws the listener with a voice of gritted tenderness.
Listen to the tales of another time on “Ride The Wagon Johnny,” the reflective “Dixie Burns” and the telling surrender of “White Flag” to hear passion told with charm and sealed with a tunesmith’s signature.
“Is It The Name Jesse James” paints outlaw times, times when a name travelled further and quicker than a runaway colt; and that rural imagery continues with the crafted “The Legend Of Jesse And Zee” – a tune of strong and tried love. Like all the tunes on this 12 tracker, they stand out due in large measure to their lyrics.
The final cut on APL is the fitting “Run Wild”. If you’ve ever ridden a stony trail, sat high in the saddle at a full gallop, or known the loyalty of a horse, then this half-spoken and sung tune will kindle the memories…or ignite possibilities.
A companion to this CD is a 30 minute DVD. Directed by and starring Royal Wade Kimes, the narrative and tuneful portrayal of the War Between the States, Dixie Burns, offers a dedicated legacy to America’s past.
Both CD and DVD are available now.
http://royalwadekimes2.com/
The social media recently has been a beacon of floodlit glare. The barbs over supposed old farts and jackasses within country music has riled many, angered more and, if anything, rallied the faithful. Without debating the right and wrongs of the now generally forgiven outburst by Entertainer of the Year Blake Shelton, he, unwittingly, has drawn mass interest to our treasured performers.
Performers like Royal Wade Kimes.
Delve into the Kimes’ CV and here is a man of immense interest and a guy who deserves to wear a dusty cowboy hat.
The singer, songwriter (he penned “We Bury The Hatchet” for Garth), sometimes actor, writer and one-time ranch hand for Loretta Lynn has only to look into his life to find material. And the examined life has been good to Royal Wade Kimes.
Across a catalogue of over nine albums, this Arkansas resident with the campfire cool voice has delivered tales of hanging trees, lost and lonely cowboys, trails without end and trials without purpose.
His latest release, A Proud Land (Wonderment Records) travels the themed path of American heritage with songs of the Civil War and tales of the West.
Kimes is that rare breed of entertainer, in that he sings what he knows, loves and lives. He is a modern day cowboy, one who knows his history and in a style and voice that takes and tells, he shares history built on a well-worn saddle.
But outside of a pleasing album of rugged and self-written tunes, the Kimes’ credibility draws the listener with a voice of gritted tenderness.
Listen to the tales of another time on “Ride The Wagon Johnny,” the reflective “Dixie Burns” and the telling surrender of “White Flag” to hear passion told with charm and sealed with a tunesmith’s signature.
“Is It The Name Jesse James” paints outlaw times, times when a name travelled further and quicker than a runaway colt; and that rural imagery continues with the crafted “The Legend Of Jesse And Zee” – a tune of strong and tried love. Like all the tunes on this 12 tracker, they stand out due in large measure to their lyrics.
The final cut on APL is the fitting “Run Wild”. If you’ve ever ridden a stony trail, sat high in the saddle at a full gallop, or known the loyalty of a horse, then this half-spoken and sung tune will kindle the memories…or ignite possibilities.
A companion to this CD is a 30 minute DVD. Directed by and starring Royal Wade Kimes, the narrative and tuneful portrayal of the War Between the States, Dixie Burns, offers a dedicated legacy to America’s past.
Both CD and DVD are available now.
http://royalwadekimes2.com/