Band History
June '99 - November '99 / Studio Time / 'Woven Cord' Mixed
A very busy time in the studio. Soon after the succesful 'Woven Cord' concert with the All Soul's Orchestra, work begins on piecing together material from the concert for the 'Woven Cord' album. Pic shows Nigel Palmer backstage recording the Festival Hall concert (May 1999).
After a few months of editing, mixing takes place with Calum Malcolm at Castle studio near Edinburgh in August. Meanwhile, writing of material for what is to become the 'Open Sky' album is happening concurrently.
A very busy time in the studio. Soon after the succesful 'Woven Cord' concert with the All Soul's Orchestra, work begins on piecing together material from the concert for the 'Woven Cord' album. Pic shows Nigel Palmer backstage recording the Festival Hall concert (May 1999).After a few months of editing, mixing takes place with Calum Malcolm at Castle studio near Edinburgh in August. Meanwhile, writing of material for what is to become the 'Open Sky' album is happening concurrently.
August '99 - September '99 / Switzerland & Holland Festivals
A few festival appearances in Europe (Switzerland and Holland). The Switzerland festival is memorable for the band playing during a thunder storm, complete with torrential rain and towels on the equipment in a vain attempt to keep it dry!
October '99 - March '00 / 'Woven Cord' Released
The 'Woven Cord' album is released on the Alliance label. Forefront in the US delay release until March of the following year.
The 'Woven Cord' album is released on the Alliance label. Forefront in the US delay release until March of the following year.
November '99 - March '00 / 'Open Sky' Recorded
Recording of the 'Open Sky' album, largely at Chapel Studios in the heart of rural Lincolnshire. The band breaks off in December to play at a concert in aid of Amnesty International in Germany.
Recording of the 'Open Sky' album, largely at Chapel Studios in the heart of rural Lincolnshire. The band breaks off in December to play at a concert in aid of Amnesty International in Germany.
May '00 / 'Open Sky' Released
Release of 'Open Sky' coincides with a UK tour.
Release of 'Open Sky' coincides with a UK tour.
July '00 / More UK Dates
Further UK dates, including at a Millennium celebration in the spectacular surroundings of Stourhead Gardens in Wiltshire.
November '00 / First Switzerland Tour
The band's first actual tour in Switzerland is very well attended and well received. Jean-Daniel Lerber, the tour's promoter becomes the band's tour agent for the whole of mainland Europe.
December '00 / Holland Dates
Concerts in Holland. Nick Beggs fills in for Phil, who is unable to get out of a prior commitment.
February '01 / First Concerts in Japan
Iona's first ever concert dates in Japan organised by The Music Plant. The band are overwhelmed by the audience response each night, and the fact that many people are already familiar with the band's music. An acoustic 'welcome' evening in a small club sees the whole audience coming to chat to the band and have their cds signed afterwards! Over a traditional Japanese meal, Joanne announces the joyous news that she is pregnant - and suffering very bad morning sickness.
March '01 - June '01 / US Dates Canceled
Due to complications with the pregnancy, Jo's doctor advises her not to do anymore long haul flights until after the baby is born. The band manages one Festival appearance in the USA in Memphis, but unfortunately has to cancel other US dates and the planned appearance at the Baja Prog Festival in Mexico.
