Kimmie Rhodes – Rich From The Journey

Rich From The Journey is a contemplative, spiritual album set on a seashore where, as the waves fall back from the sand, time — or what we do with it — seems to be all that matters.

Kimmie Rhodes’ 1996 album West Texas Heaven was filled with earthly travels. This album is about the hourglass, about chimes and bells tolling, about fading roses, about the moon on the water. The word “ethereal” comes to mind, but it doesn’t indicate the record’s gentle strength. Rhodes sings of a world where “suns go slipping through like yellow sand,” and wonders “why the moon would want to chase the sun around just so forever never ends.” The best songs here may be her upbeat gospel take on “Bells Of Joy”, the slow-moving title song, and the infectious “Big Ol’ Train”.

Rhodes’ son Gabe produced and added guitar, bass, keyboards, and other instruments. Her husband Joe Gracey added bass and acoustic guitar. The recording also features one of Jimmy Day’s last sessions on steel guitar, and harmony vocals from Gillian Welch.

Rhodes and Gracey have been essential pieces of the Texas music scene for a long time. Their own journey has been a sometimes weary, always creative trip that enriches those around them. Rich From The Journey is dedicated “to all the sweet souls who sailed away during the writing and recording of these songs,” and it’s a touching farewell.