Mysteries and Medicines
Mysteries & Medicines is an album of new music by Brother Isaiah and produced by J.J. Wright (who has made some beautiful music of his own that you can listen to here).
Brother Isaiah lives in Newburgh, NY and serves the poorest of the poor in his life as a priest with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. Wright describes him as, “a very special person who lives completely in the moment and writes beautiful songs from his heart.” The two men met years ago, and Wright says, “My family and I met Isaiah years ago when we volunteered alongside him and other friars at a shelter in NYC and played for their feast day Masses.”
From there, the relationship grew musically and blossomed into a new album that I would like commend to your attention.
I asked Wright a few questions to help us get our bearings about who Father Isaiah is and how the collaboration came about. There are links below to listen to the music as well as a documentary video about the making of the album. Enjoy!
Tell us about Father Isaiah.
Father Isaiah is a priest with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal whose music reflects his deep commitment to prayer, simplicity, and the mysteries of faith. His latest album, "Mysteries & Medicines," testifies to his belief that God works through all of life's circumstances, even the most challenging ones. His music isn't just songs—it's a form of ministry, offering listeners a chance to encounter the divine in both the joys and struggles of life. Brother Isaiah currently lives and serves in Newburgh, NY, one of the most socioeconomically challenged cities in New York State. His primary ministry is with elementary and high school kids, most of whom speak Spanish as their first language.
How did the two of you meet?
I first got introduced to the CFRs through my high school music teacher, who traveled to NYC occasionally to give them voice lessons. When I moved to NYC in 2009, they needed a pianist for their feast day Masses. My teacher connected us, and I was asked to play for the Feast of St. Francis on October 4th. When we arrived, my wife and I were the only lay people among about 200 professed religious, but they welcomed us with open arms. From there, we hit it off, and I started playing the piano for their monthly "Catholic Underground" events and making dinner every Friday night at a men's shelter they ran in the Bronx. We'd show up with our newborn babies and often cook dinner alongside the newly professed Brother Isaiah. We got the chance to play some music together then, but reconnected in 2018 when I played on his album, "Poco a Poco."
We connected again in January 2021, and Brother Isaiah asked if I could produce his newest album, which tells the story of his journey through the seminary and into priestly ordination. Our collaboration began through a shared love for creating music that speaks to the heart and soul. I was drawn to the way he marries the depth of the Gospel with the beauty and simplicity of his music and lyrics.
What's behind the impulse to make music?
For Brother Isaiah, making music is about more than just creating melodies; it's about crafting a space where people can encounter God's grace. His songs are born from prayer and reflection, serving as both a devotion and a call to action. The impulse behind this music, in particular, is to offer a remedy for the soul, especially for those grappling with life's mysteries. He sees his work as a way to help others find God, even (and especially) in life's thorniest moments.
How would you describe the music?
Brother Isaiah's music is heartfelt storytelling, grounded in the Gospel yet accessible to all. On this album, indie pop lives alongside singer-songwriter styles and electronic drums. "Mysteries & Medicines" is rich with spiritual depth, exploring how God's presence can be found even in life's most perplexing moments. His sound invites listeners into a space of contemplation and joy. It's music that encourages you to pray and sometimes dance, capturing the essence of faith's paradoxes.
Tell us about what it's like to produce an album so different from the kind of music you usually make.
Producing "Mysteries & Medicines" was an invitation to explore a different kind of musical storytelling. This album is a journey through the mysteries of finding our vocations, with each track offering a new perspective on how God moves in our lives. The resulting sound is different from any other record I've worked on, but the process was surprisingly similar. This album was a collaborative effort, where the music evolved as more voices and hearts joined in. It was a humbling experience to step back and let the organic, prayerful nature of Brother Isaiah's lyrics and music guide the journey, alongside our incredible collaborators who really brought the music to life in a new way. The result is something uniquely powerful—a living testament to the ways God uses every part of our lives to share His profound love with us.
