END OF THE RIVER FLOWS
We have just heard from distributors Authentic Media that stock of the Iona box set ‘The River Flows’ is now exhausted and that they won’t be manufacturing any more. The box set was intended as a limited edition release and now all 8,500 or so copies have been sold. There are still a few copies for sale on various websites if you look around, but these are likely to be snapped up quite quickly. The River Flows box set was a landmark release for us – the first on our own ‘Open Sky records’ label (in conjunction with Alliance Music Records). It received tremendous praise from critics – in no small part due to Chris Sands’ stunning and evocative artwork contained within its 60 page booklet.
Cross Rhythms Magazine wrote: “In the years ahead this box set will be the benchmark against which all other Christian music reissues and returns-to-the-archives will be measured.”
So hang on to your copy!!
9 SEPTEMBER 2009
BAND NEWS UPDATE – LIVE REPORT / NEW STUDIO ALBUM!
Iona has recently returned from 4 excellent gigs – especially the ones in Germany and Belgium, which saw a great unity, joy and excitement within the band. Incredibly celebrating the 20th anniversary of Iona this year, the set included some songs that have not been performed live for a long time, such as ‘The Island’, ‘Divine Presence’ and ‘A Million Stars’. An opening improvisation, featuring Frank on violin and Dave on Keys developed into a glorious full band sound as Dave switched to electric guitar, setting the scene for a very special evening of inspired music. ‘Hinba’ from the Open Sky album was played live for the very first time along with powerful new songs ‘The Ancient Wells’ and ‘Let Your Glory Fall’.
Piper Martin Nolan’s presence was apparent on a great set of silp jigs (Goodmans set – which featured Iona’s trademark pipes and electric guitar unison sound) and also on two beautiful slow airs ‘Taimse Im Chodladh’ and ‘Air from France’. After problems with laryngitis at the band’s appearance in May at Heaven on Earth in Holland, Joanne’s voice on these gigs was crystal clear and has never sounded better. The band are now really looking forward to the two concerts in Holland next month (see gig guide). More concerts are being planned for 2010 and recording will commence on a new studio album later this year (more news on this soon!).
There are some excellent photos from the recent gigs at
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=140252&id=521563034&l=ef92b55c2f
and at
http://www.progrockfoto.de/
28 JULY 2009
TROY LEAVES IONA
After being a member for 14 years, Troy has left the band. Here is a statement from Troy;
“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 of 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 truly wish , without cliche, all the very best for the future”.
Whilst we are sad at the parting of ways, we (the other band members Jo, Dave, Frank and Phil) are excited at what the future holds for the band. After a long period of inactivity we all feel that God is leading us into new paths together and with a new, renewed vision and focus. We are happy to have guesting with us on forthcoming gigs Martin Nolan (uilleann pipes & whistles) from Dublin. We also wish Troy well in his various musical endeavours. He is a totally unique musician and composer and his music deserves a wider audience.
We are also working on tracks for a brand new IONA studio album, for which we have a clear ‘concept’, and which we hope will come out sometime in 2010, though we currently need to find some funding from somewhere for this!!
INTERVIEWS COMING UP
An interview with IONA co-founders Dave Bainbridge and David Fitzgerald has just been done for the Cross Rhythms website (www.crossrhythms.co.uk). Dave and David talk about their current release ‘Life Journey’. An interview with Dave Bainbridge will also feature in the next edition of the Dutch progressive rock magazine iO Pages (www.iopages.nl). In this Dave talks about both the ‘Life Journey’ and ‘Cathedral of Dreams’ projects and current happenings with IONA.
About the Author
