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
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
-
-
THB honors soldiers who died in Iraq
Like most media outlets, ours has been guilty at times of paying too little attention to the U.S. military conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. For nearly a decade, the United States has been involved in major military operations in that part of the world.
-
Osteen preaches positive outlook for Anderson
For a little over a year I have been hosting a radio show on WHBU 1240-AM that I intended to use as a vehicle to simply share a vision for success. The goal is to interview local and national business owners about their success stories.
-
Rodney Richey: It was a time for personal growth
Fred” had been with me for almost 25 years. We were tight, and Fred never left my side. Through victories and tragedies, I always knew Fred would be there.
One day in 2007, however, it became clear: Fred had to be cut out of my life. -
Dennis Lanane: Seniors, don't be victims
Justice for Seniors will be the topic of September’s Madison County Triad meeting.
-
Scott Hutcheson: Enjoy fruits of summer before they're gone
Weathercasters say 2010 has been the hottest summer on record, and I believe it. It also marks another milestone for me: I started bicycling.
-
Jim Bailey: AHS identity, tradition come full circle
So far, so good. Public high schools in Anderson have gone from one to two to three, then two again, now back to one.
-
Maleah Stringer: Coal warms up after chilly start
Coal is a 9-month-old black lab with huge feet and soulful eyes. When he came to Animal Care and Control six weeks ago he had been so abused he stayed curled up in a ball.
-
Big Joe Clark: Needed: Sponsor for good news, and certainty
Few will forget one of the most genius marketing lines ever: “Where’s the beef?” Short, sweet and brilliant.
-
Verna Davis: We’re working for a day that’s wholly holy
It’s Labor Day Weekend already. On Memorial Day, I remember making great plans for lazy picnic suppers and relaxing get-aways. Now, three months later, I’m staring at the end of summer and all those lost opportunities.
-
Heather Bremer: Looking back on a summer of hits and misses
The kids are back in school. We’re all desperate for the quickly coming cooler days. And Labor Day has arrived to extend our weekend.
- More Columns Headlines
-
