Ishmael has become an internationally respected writer of worship albums for both children and adults. As much as Ishmael enjoys making music for children, he wanted to make an album for all ages that also encouraged himself to worship.
The new album - Ishmael's Songs and Hymns - comes after Ishmael's personal battle against cancer and symbolises the artist's feelings of struggle, grief, hope and faith.
Ishmael's Songs and Hymns features special guest performances from Cathy Burton, Dave Bilbrough, Aaron Frith, Andy Piercy, and Martin Smith. The songs on the CD provide heartfelt worship for all ages.
In the CD's sleeve notes, Ishmael illuminates his meaningful inspiration for 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."