Ishmael's New CD - 'Ishmael's Songs & Hymns'

Review From Louder Than The Music by Jono Davies

Rating 4 out of 5 Stars

Renowned British singer/songwriter Ishmael is back with a new album titled 'Songs & Hymns'. Ishmael, writer of songs including 'Father God I Wonder' and numerous books, now releases his 34th album with songs which are congregational, heartfelt, uplifting and transcend the generations in worship. Much-loved for his children's and all-age worship songs, 'Songs & Hymns' is a celebration of a remarkable man and his ministry, written after Ishmael's struggle with cancer and through personal grief, testing and ultimately hope.

Ishmael writes in the sleeve notes of the album "For my last 33 albums I wrote and recorded songs to encourage children to worship, but this time I needed to write songs and record an album to encourage ME to worship, I also wanted to re-record a few of the older songs that have meant so much to me. With all my unanswered questions I realise that God is God and is always worthy of praise."

The album has a large mix of older songs and newer songs written by Ishmael himself, some are classic worship songs from the 70's, 80's and 90's. Some of Ishmael's friends help him out on this albums with their vocals. The distinctive voice of Cathy Burton rings out during I Just Thank You, which is a soft beautiful lullaby song with its chorus of "Ever faithful, ever just, God in You we trust", a very beautiful and elegant piece of music.

As well as Cathy Burton giving her voice to several songs on the album, Martin Smith, Andy Piercy, Dave Bilborough and Aaron Frith all lend their vocals to the album. This adds a different dimension to each track. Former Delirious? lead singer Martin Smith adds his vocal to the track Oh The Peace, which is a new song by Ishmael but has the tone of an older Celtic hymn, with flutes, acoustic guitar and marching drums adding a declaration that is also prominent in the words of the chorus "Of the joy that came into the world, on that resurrection day".

I wasn't sure what I was going to think when I heard this album, but I found myself enjoying the newer Ishmael songs more than the older hymns and songs. Even though these songs have at times a more hymn-like feel, Ishmael has captured the sound he wanted and is able to make the hymns sound fresher than you might anticipate. If you're a fan of Ishmael and what he has done over the years, I'm sure this will be a must-have album. On the other hand, if you're looking for an album that has a very distinctive sound with fresh but traditional styled songs, this is a strong album worth checking out.

Review From Cross Rhythms by Brendan O'Regan

8/10

As most people will know Ian 'Ishmael' Smale is one of the founding fathers of UK Christian music having started off in acoustic rock gone on to a punk band before establishing an international following with dozens of albums of children's music. Its great to see him back with an adult-targeted project and it's particularly heartening to hear his gruff tones without the massed ranks of accompanying kiddiewinkers.

The attractive album cover and the inclusion of a comprehensive lyric booklet had me favourably disposed towards this album from the start. Thankfully I wasn't disappointed by the music. The melodies are catchy without being hackneyed, the lyrics aren't Shakespeare but they are effective for praise and worship situations, and I can see how they would be appealing for everybody in a Christian family. The very personal sleeve notes tell us that because of health issues relating to his voice he got help on this album from other singers, including Dave Bilbrough and Cathy Burton and their contribution adds to the variety of the album.

The opening track is well-chosen - upbeat and setting the tone and theme for the whole collection - "The presence of the Lord is in this place/I am surrounded by his grace". Many of the songs have an anthem-like quality, but I particularly liked the more personal and reflective "Psalm 139", sung and co-written by Andy Percy - there's a kind of Elvis Costello vibe about it. Suitably the album ends with a song of blessing - "May the Peace and Presence of the Lord", with Dave Bilbrough on guest vocal. Note also that the sleeve notes link to websites where one can access backing tracks and free downloads.

Click HERE to order your copy now!

Ishmael's CD - 'BIGGER BARN'

Review From Cross Rhythms by Mike Rimmer

9/10

The album title comes from the parable that Jesus told about a wealthy man who decides he's doing so well, he needs a bigger barn to store all is wealth. The song seems to be quietly taking off in grassroots church circles, though it probably won't surpass Ishmael's biggest hit, "Father God I Wonder". Ian "Ishmael" Smale is, of course, the veteran children's ministry man who introduced a whole generation of children to the exciting idea of the "praise party".

This album sees the grizzled survivor writing and recording a batch of songs for older kids and with their driving retro rock accompaniments wouldn't feel out of place on Ish's 1979 album with his band Ishmael United. A lot of the material here is based on the parables of Christ. The combination of story telling and application is both powerful and fun filled while the witty 'borrowing' of tunes and arrangements from classic pop hits of yesteryear is constantly amusing. Have a listen and see if you can spot the influence of some of the songs. Here's a couple to get you started! There's the party groove of "Wolfy Wolfy" which brings to mind a certain Sam The Sham hit from the sixties. Then there are hints of Dylan's rambunctious "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35" on "Sow 'n' Sow".

If you listen to the title song, you may find yourself getting up to do a bit of a Greek "Zorba's Dance" or reminiscing about the '60s song "Bend Me Shape Me". So if you buy your older kids this album, you'll be scratching your head trying to remember the songs that Ishmael's hinting at as your loved ones feed on the lyrics about Jesus and His teachings. Ish has undergone major health problems over the last few years so it's particularly pleasing to report that 'A Bigger Barn' is his best recording for many a long year.

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