AMY TURNER
Gospel music veteran Jonathan Wilburn‘s newest album is “Songs from the Front Pew,” featuring a fresh take on the traditional gospel song “Old Blind Bartimaeus.” The lyrics speak of the New Testament story of Jesus healing a blind beggar (Mark 10:46-52.)
The song isn’t exactly new. Our music director found it was recorded by the Golden State Quartet in the 1940s and possibly others before then. A recording by The Bishops in the 1980s was also popular.
For this new rendition, Wilburn collaborated with an impressive quartet of talent. Producer Ben Isaacs assembled a dynamic group featuring himself, Mike Rogers, Gene McDonnell, and Wilburn on vocals. The production was enhanced by Stewie French’s distinctive lead guitar work.
“I think it turned out absolutely great. It’s just got a lot of energy,” Wilburn shared about the recording, highlighting the special quartet arrangement that brings new life to this timeless story of faith and healing.
The song recounts the Biblical narrative of Bartimaeus, a blind man who called out to Jesus for healing as He passed through Galilee. This gospel classic emphasizes themes of faith, persistence, and divine mercy, culminating in the miraculous restoration of Bartimaeus’s sight.
Johnathan Wilburn’s arrangement maintains the traditional gospel quartet style while incorporating contemporary production elements.
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