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{{Short description|Celtic Christian rock band}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2016}}
{{Refimprove|date=August 2010}}
{{Refimprove|date=August 2010}}
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| years_active = 1990–2016
| years_active = 1990–2016
| label = [[What Records|What]], [[Word Records|Word]], Open Sky
| label = [[What Records|What]], [[Word Records|Word]], Open Sky
| associated_acts = [[Kajagoogoo]]
| associated_acts = [[Nightwish]], [[Kajagoogoo]]
| website = {{URL|iona.uk.com}}
| website = {{URL|iona.uk.com}}
| current_members =
| current_members =
⚫
| past_members =
* [[Joanne Hogg]]
* [[Joanne Hogg]]
* [[Dave Bainbridge]]
* [[Dave Bainbridge]]
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* Phil Barker
* Phil Barker
* Martin Nolan
* Martin Nolan
⚫
* Dave Fitzgerald
⚫
| past_members =
⚫
* [[Dave Fitzgerald]]
* [[Nick Beggs]]
* [[Nick Beggs]]
* [[Terl Bryant]]
* [[Terl Bryant]]
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}}
}}


'''Iona''' is a [[Progressive rock|progressive]] [[Celtic music|Celtic]] [[rock music|rock]] band from the United Kingdom, which was formed in the late 1980s by lead vocalist [[Joanne Hogg]] and multi-instrumentalists [[Dave Fitzgerald|David Fitzgerald]] and [[Dave Bainbridge]].<ref>[http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/artists/iona.html Iona] Christianity Today</ref> [[Troy Donockley]] joined later, playing the [[uilleann pipes]], [[low whistle]]s, and other instruments.
'''Iona''' was a [[Progressive rock|progressive]] [[Celtic music|Celtic]] [[Christian rock]] band from the [[United Kingdom]]. It was formed in the late 1980s by lead vocalist [[Joanne Hogg]] and multi-instrumentalists David Fitzgerald and [[Dave Bainbridge]].<ref>[http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/artists/iona.html Iona] Christianity Today</ref> [[Troy Donockley]] joined later, playing the [[uilleann pipes]], [[low whistle]]s, and other instruments.


==History==
==History==
By the time Iona released their first self-titled album in 1990, drummer [[Terl Bryant]], bassist [[Nick Beggs]] (formerly the bassist of [[Kajagoogoo]]), Fiona Davidson on Celtic harp, Peter Whitfield on strings, Troy Donockley on Uilleann pipes and percussionist Frank van Essen had joined the band. The first album ''[[Iona (album)|Iona]]'' concentrated mostly on the history of the island of [[Iona]], from which the band got its name.
When Iona released their first self-titled album in 1990, drummer [[Terl Bryant]], bassist [[Nick Beggs]] (formerly the bassist of [[Kajagoogoo]]), Fiona Davidson on [[Celtic harp]], Peter Whitfield on strings, Troy Donockley on [[Uilleann pipes]], and percussionist Frank van Essen had joined the band. The first album ''[[Iona (album)|Iona]]'' is mostly about the history of the island of [[Iona]], from which the band got its name.


Iona returned in 1992 with ''[[The Book of Kells (album)|The Book of Kells]]'', a concept album with several tracks based on pages from the eponymous [[Book of Kells|book]]. 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 [[Brendan|St. Brendan]] to the Americas before [[Christopher Columbus]], but the band did not intend for it to be viewed strictly as a "[[concept album]]".
Iona returned in 1992 with ''[[The Book of Kells (album)|The Book of Kells]]'', a concept album with several tracks based on pages from the eponymous [[Book of Kells|book]]. Terl Bryant took over on drums and percussion for the album after the Frank van Essen left. Fitzgerald left 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 [[Brendan the Navigator|St. Brendan]] to the Americas before [[Christopher Columbus]]; 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 [[Irish language|Gaelic]] at the beginning of the album and again near the end. [[Moya Brennan|Máire Brennan]], lead singer of [[Celtic music|Celtic]]/[[New-age music|new-age]] band [[Clannad (musical group)|Clannad]], was brought in to help Hogg with the Gaelic pronunciation, and she sang backup vocals.


⚫
''[[Journey into the Morn]]'' was released in 1995, a more accessible and rock-oriented album loosely based on the hymn "[[Be Thou My Vision]]". It is sung in [[Irish language|Gaelic]] at the beginning of the album and again near the end. [[Moya Brennan|Máire Brennan]], the lead singer of [[Celtic music|Celtic]] and [[New-age music|new-age]] band [[Clannad (musical group)|Clannad]], was brought in to help Hogg with the Gaelic pronunciation; Brennan also 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]]''.


⚫
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.<ref name=I>[https://musicaldiscoveries.com/reviews/ionaosky.htm Musical Discoveries website, ''Iona'']</ref> Between these two albums Teri Bryant departed, and Frank van Essen returned, playing drums as well as violin. Frank van Essen is featured 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.


⚫
After being released from their U.S. contract with [[ForeFront Records]] and their U.K. contract with Alliance Records, Iona formed Open Sky Records to release material independently. The first new release on the 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 were 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]]''.


⚫
Next the group was in semi-hiatus for nearly a decade. A two-disc live DVD ''Iona: Live in London'' was released in April 2006. It features a 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround mix by John Kellogg, who is from [[Los Angeles]]. In November 2006 came the release of a new studio album: ''[[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 rock|punk]]/[[Folk music|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 2009 Troy Donockley announced that he was leaving Iona. A message on his website said: "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".
⚫
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. 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.


Donockley went on to become a member of [[Punk rock|punk]] and [[Folk music|folk]] band [[the Bad Shepherds]];<ref>[https://theprogressiveaspect.net/blog/2021/09/26/troy-donockley/ The Progressive Aspect website, ''Troy Donockley'']</ref> he has played in [[Barbara Dickson]]'s band for a number of years and is the band's musical director as well as playing 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.
⚫
==Current members==

⚫
* [[Joanne Hogg]] – lead vocals, keyboards, acoustic guitar
⚫
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 the show they introduced new songs for an album, ''Another Realm'', which was released in 2011 and is their final album. After several concerts throughout the U.S. and one in [[Canada]], they ended the tour at [[Cornerstone Festival]], a [[Christians|Christian]] music festival in Illinois, on 30 June.
⚫
* [[Dave Bainbridge]] – lead guitar

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."

==Members==
===First incarnation===
* David Fitzgerald – saxophones, flutes, recorder, tin whistle
* [[Dave Bainbridge]] – keyboards, electric guitar

===Trio===
* [[Joanne Hogg]] – lead vocals, keyboards
* David Fitzgerald – saxophones, flutes, recorder, tin whistle
* Dave Bainbridge – keyboards, electric guitar

===First album===
* Joanne Hogg – lead vocals, keyboards
* David Fitzgerald – saxophones, flutes, recorder, tin whistle
* Dave Bainbridge – keyboards, electric guitar
* [[Terl Bryant]] – drums
* [[Tim Harries]] – bass
* [[Troy Donockley]] – pipes, whistles, flutes
* Peter Whitfield – strings

⚫
===Final members===
⚫
* Joanne Hogg – lead vocals, keyboards, acoustic guitar
⚫
* Dave Bainbridge – lead guitar
* Martin Nolan – pipes, whistles, flutes
* Martin Nolan – pipes, whistles, flutes
* Phil Barker – bass
* Phil Barker – bass
Line 63: Line 89:


===Studio recordings===
===Studio recordings===
*''[[Iona (album)|Iona]]'' (1988)
*''[[Iona (album)|Iona]]'' (1990)
*''[[The Book of Kells (album)|The Book of Kells]]'' (1992)
*''[[The Book of Kells (album)|The Book of Kells]]'' (1992)
*''[[Beyond These Shores]]'' (1993)
*''[[Beyond These Shores]]'' (1993)
Line 69: Line 95:
*''[[Open Sky]]'' (2000)
*''[[Open Sky]]'' (2000)
*''[[The Circling Hour]]'' (2006)
*''[[The Circling Hour]]'' (2006)
*''[[Another Realm]]'' (2011)
*''Another Realm'' (2011)


===Live recordings===
===Live recordings===
*''[[Heaven's Bright Sun]]'' (1997)
*''[[Heaven's Bright Sun]]'' (1997)
*''[[Woven Cord]]'' (1999 - featuring the All Souls Orchestra)
*''[[Woven Cord]]'' (1999 – featuring the All Souls Orchestra)
*''Live in London'' (2008)
*''Live in London'' (2008)
*''Edge of the World: Live in Europe'' (2013)
*''Edge of the World: Live in Europe'' (2013)

===Collection===
*''Treasures'' (or ''The Very Best Treasures'') (1996)


===Box set===
===Box set===
*''[[The River Flows]]: Anthology'' (2002 - four-CD box-set)
* ''The River Flows: Anthology'' (2002 - four-CD box-set)
* ''The Book of Iona'' (2020 - seventeen-CD box-set)


===Other collaborations===
===Other collaborations===
Line 95: Line 125:
* [http://www.gospel.it/iona/biography.html Band biography]
* [http://www.gospel.it/iona/biography.html Band biography]


{{Iona (band)}}

{{Joanne Hogg}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}
[[Category:British folk rock groups]]
[[Category:British folk rock groups]]
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[[Category:Musical groups established in 1990]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1990]]
[[Category:British progressive rock groups]]
[[Category:British progressive rock groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups disestablished in 2016]]

Latest revision as of 00:47, 22 April 2024

Iona
Iona during a 2010 concert.
Iona during a 2010 concert.
Background information
OriginUnited Kingdom
GenresCeltic, progressive rock
Years active1990–2016
LabelsWhat, Word, Open Sky
Past members
Websiteiona.uk.com

Iona was a progressive Celtic Christian rock band from the United Kingdom. It was formed in the late 1980s by lead vocalist Joanne Hogg and multi-instrumentalists David Fitzgerald and Dave Bainbridge.[1] Troy Donockley joined later, playing the uilleann pipes, low whistles, and other instruments.

History[edit]

When Iona released their first self-titled album in 1990, drummer Terl Bryant, bassist Nick Beggs (formerly the bassist of Kajagoogoo), Fiona Davidson on Celtic harp, Peter Whitfield on strings, Troy Donockley on Uilleann pipes, and percussionist Frank van Essen had joined the band. The first album Iona is mostly about 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 eponymous book. Terl Bryant took over on drums and percussion for the album after the Frank van Essen left. Fitzgerald left 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; the band did not intend for it to be viewed strictly as a "concept album".

Journey into the Morn was released in 1995, a more accessible and rock-oriented album loosely based on the hymn "Be Thou My Vision". It is sung in Gaelic at the beginning of the album and again near the end. Máire Brennan, the lead singer of Celtic and new-age band Clannad, was brought in to help Hogg with the Gaelic pronunciation; Brennan also 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.[2] Between these two albums Teri Bryant departed, and Frank van Essen returned, playing drums as well as violin. Frank van Essen is featured on the band's 2000 album, Open Sky.

After being released from their U.S. contract with ForeFront Records and their U.K. contract with Alliance Records, Iona formed Open Sky Records to release material independently. The first new release on the label was the 2002 box set The River Flows, which featured their then-out-of-print first three albums (all remastered and several first album tracks were 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.

Next the group was in semi-hiatus for nearly a decade. A two-disc live DVD Iona: Live in London was released in April 2006. It features a 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround mix by John Kellogg, who is from Los Angeles. In November 2006 came the release of a new studio album: The Circling Hour.

In June 2009 Troy Donockley announced that he was leaving Iona. A message on his website said: "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 went on to become a member of punk and folk band the Bad Shepherds;[3] he has played in Barbara Dickson's band for a number of years and is the band's musical director as well as playing 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 the show they introduced new songs for an album, Another Realm, which was released in 2011 and is their final 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 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."

Members[edit]

First incarnation[edit]

  • David Fitzgerald – saxophones, flutes, recorder, tin whistle
  • Dave Bainbridge – keyboards, electric guitar

Trio[edit]

  • Joanne Hogg – lead vocals, keyboards
  • David Fitzgerald – saxophones, flutes, recorder, tin whistle
  • Dave Bainbridge – keyboards, electric guitar

First album[edit]

  • Joanne Hogg – lead vocals, keyboards
  • David Fitzgerald – saxophones, flutes, recorder, tin whistle
  • Dave Bainbridge – keyboards, electric guitar
  • Terl Bryant – drums
  • Tim Harries – bass
  • Troy Donockley – pipes, whistles, flutes
  • Peter Whitfield – strings

Final members[edit]

  • 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[edit]

Studio recordings[edit]

Live recordings[edit]

  • 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)

Collection[edit]

  • Treasures (or The Very Best Treasures) (1996)

Box set[edit]

  • The River Flows: Anthology (2002 - four-CD box-set)
  • The Book of Iona (2020 - seventeen-CD box-set)

Other collaborations[edit]

  • Various Artists - Songs for Luca (2003)
  • Various Artists - Songs for Luca 2 (2007)

Videography[edit]

  • Iona, DVD (2004) very early live concert
  • Live in London, DVD (2006)

References[edit]

  1. ^ Iona Christianity Today
  2. ^ Musical Discoveries website, Iona
  3. ^ The Progressive Aspect website, Troy Donockley

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Iona_(band)&oldid=1220130769"