Confucius said that “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Over the years, it has been these very steps that have brought The Ishmaels to the place they are today. Each member of the band and of the family has traveled very different paths, sometimes together, and sometimes apart, however, it is the compilation of these voyages that make the Ishmael family as unique as the sound you hear.
The Ishmaels hail from the small, quaint town of Canton just shy of the Texas piney woods. Also known as “Home of the World’s Largest Trade Days”, Canton is known best for the ‘flea market’ held one weekend per month. The tradition began in the early 1800’s when a local judge held court the first Monday of each month. Because citizens from Canton and surrounding areas were traveling to town anyway, it became a day of trading horses, guns, and virtually anything else that could be sold for profit. Today, “First Monday” covers the entire town and includes something for everyone. It’s from Canton that you’ll find the Ishmaels rolling out to some not-too-distant city.
Just as each member was created to fulfill a destiny, the band as a whole plays for a purpose as well. Although playing music and singing is enjoyable for all, the sole objective of the band is to share the Gospel and bring glory to Christ. In Him we have strength. From Him we’re blessed with talent and each other. Most importantly, to Him be all the honor.
It is often true that great bands dismember and each person goes their own separate way. When you’re a family, you never really get away from your roots. Each musician and member of the family brings exceptional talent to create “The Ishmaels”. C.S. Lewis said “We all want progress, but if you’re on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in that case, the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive.” In this case, the conception of The Ishmaels is a mark of progress for all of us.
They say cancer strikes every other generation. I’d like to think that music does too, but consecutive generations of extremely gifted musicians before me have disproved that assumption. Although I’m daughter of Scott, call Kenneth and Janis ‘Poppy and Anna’, and proudly boast the Ishmael name, my life’s journey apparently detoured around the path of a beautiful voice and the road of musical talent; instead, I tend to think my own personal journey has showed my strong suit to be with a pen and paper in hand. With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and public relations from the University of Oklahoma, I am currently pursuing my Master of Arts degree and intend to continue until I can boast the PhD suffix to my name. I’m responsible for writing and editing for The Ishmaels, although I probably do a better job at keeping them entertained.
The family has once again joined together and created a new, more experienced sound. Playing southern and country gospel, The Ishmaels are On the Road Again…
Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. -Psalm 33:3
