Iona was created in 1989. The name- Iona is from a small island off the coast of Scotland. The band combines rock, folk, ethnic and atmospheric sounds with Celtic and progressive influences which IMHO raises the group above the simple Celtic Rock bands that have been unleashed on the music industry during the 90's. The group features the gorgeous voice of Joanne Hogg- a Northern Ireland vocal contest winner as well as being voted best female vocalist by the classic rock society for three years.
Led by master-musician David Bainbridge- born in 1959, who is part of a talented musical family (his sister sang with Jimi Hendrix); Dave learned his craft from the Leeds College of Music. Working on Adran Snell's album- `Alpha and Omega,- he met Joanne Hogg in 1988 and a year later, the nucleus of the band Iona with co-founder- David Fitzgerald. - Iona was formed.
The debut Iona album was simply called `Iona'- and included: drummer Terl Bryant, bassist Nick Beggs (former bassist of Kajagoogoo) and session players: Fiona Davidson (Celtic harp), Peter Whitfield (strings), Troy Donockley (pipes) and Frank Van Essen (tuned percussion). The album did not sell well, but the band created a small following in the Netherlands.
The next album- `Book of Kells,' was a much more stronger and successful release and was received well in the US as well as the UK..
In 1992, co-founder- David Fitzgerald left in 1992 to pursue a degree in music, upon waiting for a replacement, the band invited Robert Fripp ( King Crimson), to help them out on the less jazz-influenced album- `Beyond These Shores.'
Soon after Iona was signed by England's Alliance Music and in 1995, `Journey into the Morn,' was released (and in 1996 in US and Canada). Sales increased as touring and word of mouth spread about the band's talent.
Fitzgerald rejoined the band in 1995, when he released the solo album `Columcille.'
`Journey Into the Morn,' received critical acclaim and was listed among the top five folk albums in Q magazine's Year End Review and even more importantly gained a place in their Top 50 Albums of the Year. The band toured extensively at the end of 1996, then released- `Heaven's Bright Sun,' a two hour group of tracks from each of their four studio albums and and breathed new life into them. Phil Barker was the new bassist, and the band added Mike Haughton (saxophones/flutes/whistles) as well as Troy Donockley added guitars to his mastery of the whistles and uillean pipes. Iona began being talked about in Christian Rock web sites and avenues.
The next album was a live one called- `Woven Cord,' recorded at the Festival Hall in London in May 1999. The gig included the All Souls Orchestra for their 10 year anniversary celebration.
The band's seventh album- `Open Sky,' contained the same consistency of strong compositions and beauty. The music combines epic progressive rock with Celtic instruments and subjects, with jazz and new age influences. The album is highlighted by the instrumental- "Woven Cord."
Iona created Open Sky Records, their own independent record label, set up towards the end of 2001 to release their own projects in a more controlled fashion.
In 2002, the band released a 4 CD box set anthology of their work. The band didn't tour as Joanne was pregnant and had a child.
On November 18, 2004, Iona filmed a concert at London University for their first full concert DVD which was released in April 2006- receiving excellent reviews.
Recently Dave Bainbridge released a fantastic diverse solo album entitled- `Veil of Gossamer.' The album combines classic progressive instrumentals with the beautiful Celtic influences of Iona. It also features other features singers and musicians such as: Mae McKenna (singing Gaelic) and Rachael Jones (from the band Karnataka). A very strong solo effort and a nice bridge to the next Iona album rumored in the works. I can't wait.
In 2006, the band finished touring in Holland and Belgium, during their semi-hiatus for the better part of the current decade, an 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". Donockley is currently a member of punk/folk band The Bad Shepherds. He has also played in Barbara Dickson's band for a number of years and is the band's Musical Director. Currently he is on a world tour with Finnish symphonic metal band Nightwish, with whom he has made many guest appearances both live and on their albums over recent years, before joining them as a full-time member in October 2013. He has been replaced in Iona 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 19 June 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, Another Realm, released in 2011, and their final album to date. 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 30 June.
On Dec. 11, 2016, the band announced on its Facebook page that it was suspending recording and touring as a group, citing other commitments. "We do not know what will happen in future years, whether we will get together again as Iona," the band said. "The door will remain open, but for the foreseeable future, the next and exciting chapters of our journey will involve other avenues.
Current members:
Joanne Hogg – lead vocals, keyboards, acoustic guitar
Dave Bainbridge – lead guitar
Martin Nolan – pipes, whistles, flutes
Phil Barker – bass
Frank van Essen – drums, percussion, violin
Discography:
'Studio recordings
Iona (1990)
The Book of Kells (1992)
Beyond These Shores (1993)
Journey into the Morn (1996)
Open Sky (2000)
The Circling Hour (2006)
Another Realm (2011)
Live recordings
Heaven's Bright Sun (1997)
Woven Cord (1999 - featuring the All Souls Orchestra)
Live in London (2008)
Edge of the World: Live in Europe (2013)
Box set
The River Flows: Anthology (2002 - four-CD box-set)
Other collaborations
Various Artists - Songs for Luca (2003)
Various Artists - Songs for Luca 2 (2007)
