John’s Latest Release!
Through his years as a solo artist and as a member of the multi-award-winning groups, The Isaacs, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver and the GRAMMY-nominated Boxcars, John Bowman has become known as a substantial and authentic artist in American roots music for a sound that’s pure, powerful and rooted. Now he’s releasing his newest recording for Mountain Home Music Company – The Hole, a six-song EP of finely-crafted, heartfelt Country and Bluegrass Gospel. It is now available for pre-order ahead of its September 27 release. Made with support from a stellar group of musicians, many of whom have shared the stage and studio with him before, Bowman applies his clear, silvery tenor to a set that presents a rich variety of gospel sentiments. The title track is a cautionary Skip Ewing-penned tale, given a compellingly muscular, hard country reading that underlines the grittiness of the story, while “I Didn’t Drive the Nails” is restrained and reflective, perfectly suited to Bowman’s serene vocal. And fans of Bowman’s bluegrass roots will rejoice to hear his driving banjo in numbers like the exuberant story of “You Ought’ve Been There (Johnny Run The Pews)” and the classic “I’ll Talk It All Over With Him.” “This EP was created with the intention of glorifying God,” says Bowman. “Each track, with the exception of ‘Silverthorn Mountain’ – a song about life – has a focused and pointed message that leads to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is my hope and aim that this music brings comfort, joy, and salvation to all who listen to it.”
John Bowman has a gift; he knows how to craft the beautiful. He grew and developed through playing and singing with the best: Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, Alison Krauss and Union Station, The Isaacs, and The Boxcars. He earned a Grammy nomination with the Boxcars, and his recent solo album was Dove nominated.His voice has developed into a tone that, while soothing and calm, strongly motivates. His instrumental mastery (guitar, banjo, mandolin, and bass) is very nearly legendary, and his song choices and arrangements create packages like finely wrapped Christmas gifts.This is all how we now come to the release of Beautiful Ashes (Mountain Home Music Company, 12/11/2015). “This recording is a valuable part of the ministry God has entrusted me with,” Bowman said. “Every song has a special message for every listener whether they are believers or not.”A bit country-ish, a bit bluegrassy, a bit gospel, but mediated with the John Bowman touch. Lyrically we could think of it as life lessons. “Ashes” teaches a method for relieving the past. “Lies The Devil Told” brings reality to the bright shiny objects of life. How to face hard knocks by facing them head-on in “Let The Hard Times Roll.” Or remembering how special are our young ones in the Carter Stanley classic “Baby Girl.” And when all else seems to fail, there’s “The Reach Of His Hand.”“Sweet River” is one of those very special songs— in the musical tradition of McCartney’s “Let it Be” and Dylan’s “When He Returns.” Just John and piano meditatively praying for God to break through that wall that separates. In some circles, a career building song. But in any event, not to be missed.Beautiful Ashes is likewise, a very special recording with songs presenting in a very special way. It’s not just the culmination of all John has learned as a singer and musician, but all he has learned and can teach about living.Pre-orders for Beautiful Ashes are available now and the first single “Sweet River” has already been serviced to radio.
From his professional beginning with celebrated artists Doyle Lawson and Alison Krauss, to his years with the Isaacs, and now as vocalist, fiddle and banjo player for the Bluegrass super-group, the Boxcars, John Bowman is a man of significant talent. He now pays homage to Bluegrass Gospel icon Joe Isaacs with his new project, Family Chain.
John shares, “I feel these songs truly show the God-given gift that Joe possesses to write songs that minister to other people. My intention here is to give credit to a man who has greatly influenced me both personally and spiritually. I hope as you listen to this recording that you can feel the heartfelt love I have for the music of Joe Isaacs. His writing is a treasure that will stand the test of time.”
The first radio single, “He Never Failed Me,” is a perfect example of how John has updated a classic Joe Isaacs tune, and features Jeff and Sheri Easter on guest vocals. They join an all-star cast that includes Adam Steffey, Gordon Mote, Ben Isaacs, and Rob Ickes, offering their talents to these new renditions of Gospel treasures.