I have to confess that the first time I heard the Isaacs on a Gaither video, I wasn’t all that impressed.
The family gospel group is a little bit different. Generally classified as bluegrass, heavy on the instrumentation, they have elements of Southern gospel, folk, even a dose of Lily Isaacs’ Jewish heritage.
But these folks grow on you. Their style has developed over the years, and their presentation has been appealing to more and more aficionados of mainstream gospel.
And when we first heard about their newest project, “Naturally: An Almost A Cappella Collection,” last month at Gaitherfest at Myrtle Beach, S.C., we came home with the CD. It’s been in our CD player more than out of it ever since.
Bill Gaither not only co-produced the project, he lends a bass part to one of the numbers, “No Shortage.”
The Isaacs, of course, not only have been featured on the Homecoming tour and won numerous bluegrass gospel honors, they sang in Anderson last year and have performed a couple of times in Alexandria.
Understand it’s ALMOST a cappella. Most of the numbers have an instrument or two backing the singers, from the Dixieland-style banjo on “Little Bit of Heaven” to acoustic guitar on several numbers and occasional upright bass or violin or mandolin, even a washboard.
“Hard Times Come Again No More” provides a haunting folk sound. “I Will Praise Him” is a cappella. Then comes Dottie Rambo’s classic, “Mama’s Teaching Angels How to Sing,” which they performed at the songwriting legend’s funeral.
Family matriarch Lily Isaacs has the solo on “Come My Child,” a … lullaby? No, it’s based on Jesus’ words from John 14 at the Last Supper. If Jesus sang it that way, it wouldn’t be surprising that the disciples dropped off to sleep at the Garden of Gethsemane.
Borrowing from the big numbers of other artists, the album continues with Larry Gatlin’s “Healin’ Stream” and a rendition of “The Three Bells” made famous by The Browns.
Two of the Isaacs’ big numbers, “Hallelujah” and “It Is Well With My Soul,” are included. Gaither numbers include “Hear the Voice of My Beloved,” “When God Seems So Near,” “There’s Something About That Name” and “Peace Be Still.”
Rounding out the 16-number project are “He Can Be Found” and “Does Jesus Care?”
Ben Isaacs co-produced the album, which also includes mom Lily and sisters Sonya and Becky, in addition to the background musicians.
“It Is Well With My Soul” provides a fitting finale to the project, a violin background highlighting Sonya Isaacs’ outstanding rendition of the classic hymn.
Sonya, incidentally, recently announced her engagement to Nashville songwriter Jimmy Yeary. A Dec. 20 wedding is planned.
Fans who have fallen in love with the bluegrass instrumental numbers for which the Isaacs are well known may be pleasantly surprised by this project. And people who prefer vocal excellence should like it too.
Jim Bailey’s column appears on Wednesday. He can be reached by e-mail at jameshenrybailey@earth link.net.
Columns
Related Photos
Discussion
Jim Bailey: The Isaacs lay down instruments, do what comes 'Naturally'
The Isaacs' bluegrass is heavy on instrumentation with elements of Southern gospel
- Columns
-
-
Amish Cook: Trip to replace broken stove allows for family visit
We were glad for the warmer weather last week. Our house didn’t have heat from Wednesday until Saturday morning because the glass on our Hitzer coal stove broke.
-
Susan Miller: Minds made better thanks to lists
Not all lists are created equal. Indeed, there is an art and a science to list crafting.
-
Primus Mootry: Challenge for black leaders in 21st century? Lessons of past
The black experience in America can roughly be divided into five main periods including the slave trade and slavery itself; emancipation (or the end of slavery) and Reconstruction; the Jim Crow era; the Great Migration; and the civil rights era.
-
Jim Bailey: Kids play basketball, but some adults prefer basketbrawl
We’ve heard all too much about the failings of today’s youth. Methinks the blame in most cases is misplaced. Like father like son? Perhaps, which reinforces my point.
-
Jesse Wilkerson: What example should we follow?
In our lifetime we have witnessed real life success stories. We have also seen real life failures. We have witnessed men and women who have achieved success in one area, but failed miserably in others.
-
Emmett Dulaney: The tragedy of the insurance commons
In basic economics, students often hear of the concept of “the tragedy of the commons.” In overly simplistic terms, this is a situation in which many individuals share a limited resource.
-
John Rosemond: Taxpayers are catching on to education fads
The media recently reported “new” research findings to the effect that rewards often backfire and self-esteem is not the wonderful, uplifting personal attribute once thought.
-
Scott Underwood: Introducing THB reporters
We at The Herald Bulletin last week were pleased to add a veteran reporter to our newsroom staff. Stu Hirsch, formerly of The Indianapolis Star, joined our team midweek and his byline was already appearing by Friday.
-
Maleah Stringer: Lyla and Cuddles find happy homes
Every animal who comes to the Animal Protection League matters and deserves compassionate and humane treatment. They deserve our effort.
-
Theresa Timmons: An opinion on couponers
I try to avoid opinions, mainly because I am the only female in my house and I am not really allowed to have them.
- More Columns Headlines
-
Amish Cook: Trip to replace broken stove allows for family visit
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Expert: Removing LA School's Staff 'Appropriate'
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
