Iona (band)
Encyclopedia
Iona is the name of a progressive
Celtic
rock
band from the United Kingdom
, which was formed in the late 1980s by lead vocalist Joanne Hogg
and multi-instrumentalists David Fitzgerald
and Dave Bainbridge
.
Troy Donockley
joined later, playing the uilleann pipes
, low whistle
s, and other instruments.
, bassist Nick Beggs
(formerly the bassist of Kajagoogoo
), Fiona Davidson on Celtic harp, Peter Whitfield on strings, Troy Donockley on Uillean pipes and percussionist Frank Van Essen
had joined the band. The first album Iona
concentrated mostly on the history of the island of Iona
, from which the band got its name.
Iona returned in 1992 with The Book of Kells
, a concept album with several tracks based on pages from the book of the same name. Terl Bryant took over on drums and percussion for this album after the departure of Frank Van Essen. Fitzgerald left the band that year to pursue a degree in music. Beyond These Shores
, the band's third album, was released in 1993 and included guest musician Robert Fripp
. The album was loosely based on the legendary voyage of St. Brendan to the Americas before Christopher Columbus
, but the band did not intend for it to be viewed strictly as a "concept album
".
Journey into the Morn
followed in 1995, a more accessible and rock-oriented album loosely based on the hymn "Be Thou My Vision
", which was performed in Gaelic
at the beginning of the album and again near the end. Máire Brennan, lead singer of Celtic
/New Age
band Clannad, was brought in to help Joanne with the Gaelic pronunciation, and she sang backup vocals.
Two live albums followed in the late 1990s: the double-disc Heaven's Bright Sun
and Woven Cord
, which was performed with the All Souls Orchestra. Terl Bryant departed the band between these two albums, and Frank Van Essen returned to fill the vacant spot, playing drums as well as violin, which could be heard on the band's 2000 album, Open Sky
.
After being released from their U.S. contract with ForeFront Records
and their UK contract with Alliance Records, Iona formed Open Sky Records
to release material independently. The first new release on this label was the 2002 box set The River Flows
, which featured their then-out-of-print first three albums (all remaster
ed and several first album tracks even re-recorded), as well as a fourth disc of unreleased tracks and rarities called Dunes. The first three albums have since been re-released individually, with new cover art.
The group has been in semi-hiatus for the better part of the current decade. However, 2006 saw the April release of a 2-disc live DVD Iona: Live in London, featuring a 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround mix by LA's John Kellogg, and a November release of a new studio CD entitled The Circling Hour
.
In June 2009 Troy Donockley announced that he was leaving Iona. A message on his website stated: "I have had a wonderful time with my friends in Iona and am very, very proud of the albums we made together. But, as in all life, things change. After extended periods of no activity we have found ourselves with a very different musical and philosophical direction. We have parted as great friends should, with a sad-happiness and I wish the band all the very best wishes for the future". Troy is currently a member of punk
/folk
band The Bad Shepherds
. He has been replaced by piper and woodwind player Martin Nolan.
In June 2010, Iona went to the United States for their first tour there in nine years. On June 19, 2010, they played a very well-received concert at NEARfest
, a progressive rock festival in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and during this show they introduced new songs for a forthcoming album. After several concerts throughout the U.S. and one in Canada, they ended the tour at Cornerstone Festival
, a Christian music festival in Illinois, on June 30.
Progressive rock
Progressive rock is a subgenre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s as part of a "mostly British attempt to elevate rock music to new levels of artistic credibility." John Covach, in Contemporary Music Review, says that many thought it would not just "succeed the pop of...
Celtic
Celtic music
Celtic music is a term utilised by artists, record companies, music stores and music magazines to describe a broad grouping of musical genres that evolved out of the folk musical traditions of the Celtic people of Western Europe...
rock
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
band from the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, which was formed in the late 1980s by lead vocalist Joanne Hogg
Joanne Hogg
Joanne Hogg is an Irish singer and songwriter for the band Iona.-Biography:Hogg was born in Ballymena, Northern Ireland and is best known as the lead singer and songwriter with the Christian progressive Celtic/pop/rock band Iona . Her father is a Presbyterian minister, her mother a nurse; her...
and multi-instrumentalists David Fitzgerald
Dave Fitzgerald
Dave Fitzgerald is a woodwind player who plays saxophones , flutes, whistles and clarinet. With Dave Bainbridge he co-founded the influential Christian progressive and Celtic folk themed band Iona...
and Dave Bainbridge
Dave Bainbridge
Dave Bainbridge is a keyboard player and guitarist who with Dave Fitzgerald co-founded the Christian progressive and Celtic folk themed band Iona.-Biography:...
.
Troy Donockley
Troy Donockley
Troy Donockley is an English composer and multi-instrumentalist most known for his playing of uillean pipes.- Early life and career :...
joined later, playing the uilleann pipes
Uilleann pipes
The uilleann pipes or //; ) are the characteristic national bagpipe of Ireland, their current name, earlier known in English as "union pipes", is a part translation of the Irish-language term píobaí uilleann , from their method of inflation.The bag of the uilleann pipes is inflated by means of a...
, low whistle
Low whistle
The low whistle, or concert whistle, is a variation of the traditional tin whistle/pennywhistle, distinguished by its lower pitch and larger size. It is most closely associated with the performances of modern Irish musicians and groups such as Riverdance and Davy Spillane, and is increasingly...
s, and other instruments.
History
By the time Iona released their first self-titled album in 1990, drummer Terl BryantTerl Bryant
Terl Bryant is a drummer and percussionist who has worked with a wide range of artists and contributed to many top flight recordings to much critical acclaim...
, bassist Nick Beggs
Nick Beggs
Nick Beggs is a British musician, noted for playing the bass guitar and the Chapman Stick; he is a member of Kajagoogoo and formerly Iona and Ellis, Beggs, & Howard.-Personal life:...
(formerly the bassist of Kajagoogoo
Kajagoogoo
Kajagoogoo are a British pop band, best known for their hit single, "Too Shy", which reached No. 1 in the UK Singles Chart and No. 5 on the U.S...
), Fiona Davidson on Celtic harp, Peter Whitfield on strings, Troy Donockley on Uillean pipes and percussionist Frank Van Essen
Frank Van Essen
Frank van Essen is a drummer and violinist who plays in celtic folk themed band Iona.-Biography:Born in The Netherlands in 1967 and from a musical family. He took up drumming at the age of 15. Married with Marlou.-Musical career:...
had joined the band. The first album Iona
Iona (album)
Iona is a progressive rock album by Iona. Released in 1990.This was the debut album from this group which progressed thought occasional live appearances and occasional appearance on record....
concentrated mostly on the history of the island of Iona
Iona
Iona is a small island in the Inner Hebrides off the western coast of Scotland. It was a centre of Irish monasticism for four centuries and is today renowned for its tranquility and natural beauty. It is a popular tourist destination and a place for retreats...
, from which the band got its name.
Iona returned in 1992 with The Book of Kells
The Book of Kells (album)
The Book of Kells is a progressive rock album by Iona. Released in 1992.The Book of Kells, an 8th century manuscript filled with lush pictures illustrating the Gospels, possibly originating from the monastery at Iona....
, a concept album with several tracks based on pages from the book of the same name. Terl Bryant took over on drums and percussion for this album after the departure of Frank Van Essen. Fitzgerald left the band that year to pursue a degree in music. Beyond These Shores
Beyond These Shores
Beyond These Shores is a progressive rock album by Iona. Released in 1993.Beyond These Shores is largely based on the story of St. Brendan's voyage...
, the band's third album, was released in 1993 and included guest musician Robert Fripp
Robert Fripp
Robert Fripp is an English guitarist, composer and record producer. He was ranked 42nd on Rolling Stone magazine's 2003 list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" and #47 on Gibson.com’s "Top 50 Guitarists of All Time". Among rock guitarists, Fripp is a master of crosspicking, a technique...
. The album was loosely based on the legendary voyage of St. Brendan to the Americas before Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus was an explorer, colonizer, and navigator, born in the Republic of Genoa, in northwestern Italy. Under the auspices of the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, he completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean that led to general European awareness of the American continents in the...
, but the band did not intend for it to be viewed strictly as a "concept album
Concept album
In music, a concept album is an album that is "unified by a theme, which can be instrumental, compositional, narrative, or lyrical." Commonly, concept albums tend to incorporate preconceived musical or lyrical ideas rather than being improvised or composed in the studio, with all songs contributing...
".
Journey into the Morn
Journey into the Morn
Journey Into The Morn is a progressive rock album by Iona. Released in 1996. It was their first studio album since Beyond These Shores in 1993.Recordings were based in the north of England again:*The Soundfield, Derbyshire -...
followed in 1995, a more accessible and rock-oriented album loosely based on the hymn "Be Thou My Vision
Be Thou My Vision
Be Thou My Vision is a traditional hymn from Ireland, which is commonly attributed to Dallán Forgaill. It is popular among English-speaking churches around the world.-History:...
", which was performed in Gaelic
Irish language
Irish , also known as Irish Gaelic, is a Goidelic language of the Indo-European language family, originating in Ireland and historically spoken by the Irish people. Irish is now spoken as a first language by a minority of Irish people, as well as being a second language of a larger proportion of...
at the beginning of the album and again near the end. Máire Brennan, lead singer of Celtic
Celtic music
Celtic music is a term utilised by artists, record companies, music stores and music magazines to describe a broad grouping of musical genres that evolved out of the folk musical traditions of the Celtic people of Western Europe...
/New Age
New Age music
New Age music is music of various styles intended to create artistic inspiration, relaxation, and optimism. It is used by listeners for yoga, massage, meditation, and reading as a method of stress management or to create a peaceful atmosphere in their home or other environments, and is often...
band Clannad, was brought in to help Joanne with the Gaelic pronunciation, and she sang backup vocals.
Two live albums followed in the late 1990s: the double-disc Heaven's Bright Sun
Heaven's Bright Sun
Heaven's Bright Sun is a live progressive rock album by Iona, released in 1997.Recordings were made under engineer Nigel Palmer by the B-I-H mobile 'Live' in England during December 1996, at the Irish Centre, Leeds, the Q Club, Birmingham, and The Amulet, Shepton Mallet.-Personnel:*Joanne Hogg -...
and Woven Cord
Woven Cord
Woven Cord is a live progressive rock album by Iona with All Souls Orchestra. Released in 1999, it was recorded on 29 May 1999 at the Royal Festival Hall in London...
, which was performed with the All Souls Orchestra. Terl Bryant departed the band between these two albums, and Frank Van Essen returned to fill the vacant spot, playing drums as well as violin, which could be heard on the band's 2000 album, Open Sky
Open Sky
Open Sky is a progressive rock album by Iona. Released in 2000.Recordings were made again at various locations during 1999 and 2000:*Chapel Studios, Lincolnshire- *Visions on Albion, Yorkshire -...
.
After being released from their U.S. contract with ForeFront Records
ForeFront Records
ForeFront Records is a Christian Music record label founded in 1987 by Dan R. Brock, Eddie DeGarmo, Dana Key, and Ron W. Griffin. It was purchased by EMI in 1996 from current owners Dan R. Brock and Eddie DeGarmo and is now part of the EMI Christian Music Group.In 1998, ForeFront released a 2-CD...
and their UK contract with Alliance Records, Iona formed Open Sky Records
Open Sky Records
Open Sky Records is the company used to record and distribute the music of Iona. The record label is normally referred to as Open Sky.- Artists:* Iona* Dave Bainbridge* Donockley/Bainbridge* Bainbridge/Fitzgerald...
to release material independently. The first new release on this label was the 2002 box set The River Flows
The River Flows
The River Flows: Anthology Vol. 1 is a progressive rock 4 CD album by Iona. Released in 2002. It is a Box Set collection of their first three studio albums with some re-recording and a fourth disc is a collection of additional material from throughout the years...
, which featured their then-out-of-print first three albums (all remaster
Remaster
Remaster is a word marketed mostly in the digital audio age, although the remastering process has existed since recording began...
ed and several first album tracks even re-recorded), as well as a fourth disc of unreleased tracks and rarities called Dunes. The first three albums have since been re-released individually, with new cover art.
The group has been in semi-hiatus for the better part of the current decade. However, 2006 saw the April release of a 2-disc live DVD Iona: Live in London, featuring a 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround mix by LA's John Kellogg, and a November release of a new studio CD entitled The Circling Hour
The Circling Hour
The Circling Hour is a progressive rock album by Iona. Released in 2006.It marks a return to the studio for the band after a break of nearly 6 years to record a full album....
.
In June 2009 Troy Donockley announced that he was leaving Iona. A message on his website stated: "I have had a wonderful time with my friends in Iona and am very, very proud of the albums we made together. But, as in all life, things change. After extended periods of no activity we have found ourselves with a very different musical and philosophical direction. We have parted as great friends should, with a sad-happiness and I wish the band all the very best wishes for the future". Troy is currently a member of punk
Punk rock
Punk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in garage rock and other forms of what is now known as protopunk music, punk rock bands eschewed perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock...
/folk
Folk music
Folk music is an English term encompassing both traditional folk music and contemporary folk music. The term originated in the 19th century. Traditional folk music has been defined in several ways: as music transmitted by mouth, as music of the lower classes, and as music with unknown composers....
band The Bad Shepherds
The Bad Shepherds
The Bad Shepherds are a British folk band formed by the comedian Adrian Edmondson in 2008. They play punk songs with traditional folk instruments...
. He has been replaced by piper and woodwind player Martin Nolan.
In June 2010, Iona went to the United States for their first tour there in nine years. On June 19, 2010, they played a very well-received concert at NEARfest
NEARfest
The North East Art Rock Festival, or NEARfest for short, is a multi-day event celebrating the resurgence of progressive and eclectic music in the United States and around the world. The event is held annually in early summer in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, approximately one hour north of Philadelphia...
, a progressive rock festival in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and during this show they introduced new songs for a forthcoming album. After several concerts throughout the U.S. and one in Canada, they ended the tour at Cornerstone Festival
Cornerstone Festival
Cornerstone Festival is a Christian music festival put on by Jesus People USA and held annually around the 4th of July near Bushnell, Illinois. In a given year, many artists that play at Cornerstone also play at other events such as Creation Festival and mainstream festivals and tours such as the...
, a Christian music festival in Illinois, on June 30.
Current members
- Joanne HoggJoanne HoggJoanne Hogg is an Irish singer and songwriter for the band Iona.-Biography:Hogg was born in Ballymena, Northern Ireland and is best known as the lead singer and songwriter with the Christian progressive Celtic/pop/rock band Iona . Her father is a Presbyterian minister, her mother a nurse; her...
- lead vocals, keyboards, acoustic guitar - Dave BainbridgeDave BainbridgeDave Bainbridge is a keyboard player and guitarist who with Dave Fitzgerald co-founded the Christian progressive and Celtic folk themed band Iona.-Biography:...
- lead guitar - Frank Van EssenFrank Van EssenFrank van Essen is a drummer and violinist who plays in celtic folk themed band Iona.-Biography:Born in The Netherlands in 1967 and from a musical family. He took up drumming at the age of 15. Married with Marlou.-Musical career:...
- drums, percussion, violin - Phil Barker - bass
- Martin Nolan - pipes, whistles, flutes
Chronological listing
- IonaIona (album)Iona is a progressive rock album by Iona. Released in 1990.This was the debut album from this group which progressed thought occasional live appearances and occasional appearance on record....
(1990) - The Book of KellsThe Book of Kells (album)The Book of Kells is a progressive rock album by Iona. Released in 1992.The Book of Kells, an 8th century manuscript filled with lush pictures illustrating the Gospels, possibly originating from the monastery at Iona....
(1992) - Beyond These ShoresBeyond These ShoresBeyond These Shores is a progressive rock album by Iona. Released in 1993.Beyond These Shores is largely based on the story of St. Brendan's voyage...
(1993) - Journey Into The MornJourney into the MornJourney Into The Morn is a progressive rock album by Iona. Released in 1996. It was their first studio album since Beyond These Shores in 1993.Recordings were based in the north of England again:*The Soundfield, Derbyshire -...
(1995) - Treasures (1996 - best of collection)
- Heaven's Bright SunHeaven's Bright SunHeaven's Bright Sun is a live progressive rock album by Iona, released in 1997.Recordings were made under engineer Nigel Palmer by the B-I-H mobile 'Live' in England during December 1996, at the Irish Centre, Leeds, the Q Club, Birmingham, and The Amulet, Shepton Mallet.-Personnel:*Joanne Hogg -...
(1997 - live album) - Woven CordWoven CordWoven Cord is a live progressive rock album by Iona with All Souls Orchestra. Released in 1999, it was recorded on 29 May 1999 at the Royal Festival Hall in London...
(1999 - live album featuring the All Souls Orchestra) - Open SkyOpen SkyOpen Sky is a progressive rock album by Iona. Released in 2000.Recordings were made again at various locations during 1999 and 2000:*Chapel Studios, Lincolnshire- *Visions on Albion, Yorkshire -...
(2000) - The River FlowsThe River FlowsThe River Flows: Anthology Vol. 1 is a progressive rock 4 CD album by Iona. Released in 2002. It is a Box Set collection of their first three studio albums with some re-recording and a fourth disc is a collection of additional material from throughout the years...
: Anthology Vol. 1 (2002 - 4 CD box set) - IonaIona (DVD)Iona is a live video recording of the Celtic influenced progressive music group Iona. It was recorded originally 1990 and released then on video cassette...
, DVD (2004) very early live concert - Live In London, Double DVD 5.1 Mix (2006)
- The Circling HourThe Circling HourThe Circling Hour is a progressive rock album by Iona. Released in 2006.It marks a return to the studio for the band after a break of nearly 6 years to record a full album....
(2006) - Live in London (2008 - live album)
- Another RealmAnother RealmAnother Realm is a progressive rock double album by Iona. Released in 2011.-Band:* Joanne Hogg* Dave Bainbridge* Frank Van Essen* Phil Barker* Martin Nolan-Track listing:*Disc One – Total Time 44:20#"As It Was" – 2:41#"The Ancient Wells" – 7:22...
(2011 - double album)
Studio recordings
- IonaIona (album)Iona is a progressive rock album by Iona. Released in 1990.This was the debut album from this group which progressed thought occasional live appearances and occasional appearance on record....
(1988) - The Book of KellsThe Book of Kells (album)The Book of Kells is a progressive rock album by Iona. Released in 1992.The Book of Kells, an 8th century manuscript filled with lush pictures illustrating the Gospels, possibly originating from the monastery at Iona....
(1992) - Beyond These ShoresBeyond These ShoresBeyond These Shores is a progressive rock album by Iona. Released in 1993.Beyond These Shores is largely based on the story of St. Brendan's voyage...
(1993) - Journey Into The MornJourney into the MornJourney Into The Morn is a progressive rock album by Iona. Released in 1996. It was their first studio album since Beyond These Shores in 1993.Recordings were based in the north of England again:*The Soundfield, Derbyshire -...
(1996) - Open SkyOpen SkyOpen Sky is a progressive rock album by Iona. Released in 2000.Recordings were made again at various locations during 1999 and 2000:*Chapel Studios, Lincolnshire- *Visions on Albion, Yorkshire -...
(2000) - The Circling HourThe Circling HourThe Circling Hour is a progressive rock album by Iona. Released in 2006.It marks a return to the studio for the band after a break of nearly 6 years to record a full album....
(2006) - Another RealmAnother RealmAnother Realm is a progressive rock double album by Iona. Released in 2011.-Band:* Joanne Hogg* Dave Bainbridge* Frank Van Essen* Phil Barker* Martin Nolan-Track listing:*Disc One – Total Time 44:20#"As It Was" – 2:41#"The Ancient Wells" – 7:22...
(2011)
Live recordings - audio
- Heaven's Bright SunHeaven's Bright SunHeaven's Bright Sun is a live progressive rock album by Iona, released in 1997.Recordings were made under engineer Nigel Palmer by the B-I-H mobile 'Live' in England during December 1996, at the Irish Centre, Leeds, the Q Club, Birmingham, and The Amulet, Shepton Mallet.-Personnel:*Joanne Hogg -...
(1997 - live album) - Woven CordWoven CordWoven Cord is a live progressive rock album by Iona with All Souls Orchestra. Released in 1999, it was recorded on 29 May 1999 at the Royal Festival Hall in London...
(1999 - live album featuring the All Souls Orchestra) - Live in London (2008 - live album)
Live recordings - DVD
- IonaIona (DVD)Iona is a live video recording of the Celtic influenced progressive music group Iona. It was recorded originally 1990 and released then on video cassette...
, DVD (2004) very early live concert - Live In London, DVD (2006)
Other collaborations
- Various Artists - Songs for LucaSongs for LucaSongs for Luca is an eclectic collection of various Celtic music and progressive rock music and gathered together on one album by Dave Bainbridge the Guitarist and keyboard player and founder member of Iona. Released in 2003....
(2003) - Various Artists - Songs for Luca 2 (2007)