Bigger Barn CD

Publisher: Kingsway
Marathon runners talk about the negative split: the aim of running the second half of the race at a faster pace than the first. It requires discipline, guts and practice. But it gets results.

Take one look at the career of Ishmael, and it’s clear that there’s something of this same technique at work. For a man whose releases go back to the seventies, there’re little sign of him slowing down. With over 400 hundred songs, 36 albums and countless books to his name, Ishmael’s latest releases – the album titled Bigger Barn – shows yet again just how well he can inspire, delight and develop faith in unexpected places.

Bigger Barn draws on the parables that Jesus told and the people he encountered. In a world of 3D films, this is a 3D album; full of larger than life characters, mile-high melodies and lyrics that put the Bible up close and personal.

Ishmael’s devotion to developing music that will connect children with their Father God is well known, and his skills making it happen appear to be getting stronger by the year. Even a 2008 diagnosis of acute myeloid leukaemia and the subsequent months of treatment have failed to slow his progress.

“Without doubt,” says Ish, “this has been the most challenging album I have ever made for a couple of reasons. The first is that after writing six of the songs I was diagnosed with Leukemia that meant it was over a year later before I was well enough to write the final six songs. The other challenge was trying to fit a story of Jesus accurately into a few lines and still have an application… and a bit of fun! I love these ‘Jesus story songs’ and I hope you do too. For those a little older (my age) if you listen carefully you may recognise some ‘inklings’ of my favourite songs from way back! Have fun as you learn!”

With its songs of faith and devotion, packed with stories and hooks and unique retellings, Bigger Barn is everything that an Ishmael album ought to be. And more.

It’s great to have him back.