Year: 2006
Band History
January '06 / New Album Recording
Recording continues on the new IONA album at Dave's Open Sky Studio (and in February).
Dave mixes two new pieces of music for use with the menu animations on the forthcoming 'Live In London' DVD - featuring Frank's great drum rhythm from the track 'Strength' and some improvised vocals from Jo.
Rick Wakeman contacts Dave to say that he will be playing a track from Dave's 'Veil of Gossamer' solo album on his Planet Rock radio show.
Recording continues on the new IONA album at Dave's Open Sky Studio (and in February).Dave mixes two new pieces of music for use with the menu animations on the forthcoming 'Live In London' DVD - featuring Frank's great drum rhythm from the track 'Strength' and some improvised vocals from Jo.
Rick Wakeman contacts Dave to say that he will be playing a track from Dave's 'Veil of Gossamer' solo album on his Planet Rock radio show.
March '06 / The Circling Hour Completed
Recording is completed on 'The Circling Hour'. Dave flies to Los Angeles to work with John Kellogg (who has worked on 5.1 surround sound mixes for Chicago, Foreigner, Deep Purple, ELP, The Black Crowes and many more) on the early stages of the album mix. John brings a new clarity and directness to the IONA sound, whilst retaining the huge dynamic range the band are known for.
Recording is completed on 'The Circling Hour'. Dave flies to Los Angeles to work with John Kellogg (who has worked on 5.1 surround sound mixes for Chicago, Foreigner, Deep Purple, ELP, The Black Crowes and many more) on the early stages of the album mix. John brings a new clarity and directness to the IONA sound, whilst retaining the huge dynamic range the band are known for.
April '06 / Live in London DVD Released
Dave's Bainbridge and Fitzgerald reunite to play a late night set in front of about 1,200 people at the Spring Harvest event in Skegness along with Frank plus guest musicians. The performance include a mix of early IONA material, solo and improvised tracks.
After a long delay due to contractual issues, 'The Eye of the Eagle' DVD (Bainbridge, Fitzgerald & Adam) is released on Open Sky / Voiceprint, documenting Dave Bainbridge and David Fitzgerald's first collaboration since the latter's departure from the band back in 1992. The 1998 album 'The Eye of the Eagle' is a beautiful soundtrack inspired by David Adam's book of the same name. The DVD, superbly captured on film by Anglia TV features footage from the work's premier live performance in the wonderful surroundings of Norwich Cathedral as well as on location interviews with the three Davids explaining the ideas behind the book and the music. Originally released on video (but deleted several years ago), the DVD includes much previously unseen additional footage. The great new cover artwork by Tim Martindale captures something of the mystical feel of the music and words.
'Live In London' is finally released on Open Sky / Voiceprint. With superb lighting from Paul Kell, a full 5 camera film crew and multi track recording set up backstage, 'Live In London' is a fantastic document of the band's powerful live performances. The DVD featured early versions of 3 new IONA tracks which will eventually make their way onto 'The Circling Hour' studio album. Surround sound expert John Kellogg mixed the album in Los Angeles.
The band play a special, exclusive launch concert for the 'Live In London' DVD at the Isselhalle in Zwolle, Holland on 28th April. Two Dutch bands play before IONA take to the stage previewing material from the forthcoming studio album. The band have a superb pa and lighting system especially for this concert.
The band also plays at the Festival Les Anthinoises in Belgium (The Night of the Trolls!) - a 'Celtic' festival at which many of the audience are dressed up as Celtic warriors!
Dave's Bainbridge and Fitzgerald reunite to play a late night set in front of about 1,200 people at the Spring Harvest event in Skegness along with Frank plus guest musicians. The performance include a mix of early IONA material, solo and improvised tracks.After a long delay due to contractual issues, 'The Eye of the Eagle' DVD (Bainbridge, Fitzgerald & Adam) is released on Open Sky / Voiceprint, documenting Dave Bainbridge and David Fitzgerald's first collaboration since the latter's departure from the band back in 1992. The 1998 album 'The Eye of the Eagle' is a beautiful soundtrack inspired by David Adam's book of the same name. The DVD, superbly captured on film by Anglia TV features footage from the work's premier live performance in the wonderful surroundings of Norwich Cathedral as well as on location interviews with the three Davids explaining the ideas behind the book and the music. Originally released on video (but deleted several years ago), the DVD includes much previously unseen additional footage. The great new cover artwork by Tim Martindale captures something of the mystical feel of the music and words.
'Live In London' is finally released on Open Sky / Voiceprint. With superb lighting from Paul Kell, a full 5 camera film crew and multi track recording set up backstage, 'Live In London' is a fantastic document of the band's powerful live performances. The DVD featured early versions of 3 new IONA tracks which will eventually make their way onto 'The Circling Hour' studio album. Surround sound expert John Kellogg mixed the album in Los Angeles.
The band play a special, exclusive launch concert for the 'Live In London' DVD at the Isselhalle in Zwolle, Holland on 28th April. Two Dutch bands play before IONA take to the stage previewing material from the forthcoming studio album. The band have a superb pa and lighting system especially for this concert.
The band also plays at the Festival Les Anthinoises in Belgium (The Night of the Trolls!) - a 'Celtic' festival at which many of the audience are dressed up as Celtic warriors!
June '06 / Live in London DVD Reviews
The Live In London DVD reviews start to come in and the band are thrilled with how positive they are:
"One gorgeous mix and one of the best sounding music DVDs I have heard/seen.....I can not recommend this recording enough.....This DVD is a winner."
http-//progrock.homestead.com 6/06
"Iona's Live In London DVD is just what I've been waiting for all these years, and the band delivers a superb concert set of their very best songs. IONA is a band not to be missed live, as the extra energy boosts their already fantastic songs up to a whole new level. As the five exceptional musicians weave a multi-hued tapestry of spiritual sound that spirals upward to the heavens in a bright palette dabbed with Celtic, folk, ambient, and progressive rock flavors, you can very nearly hear angelic hosts singing along in ecstatic harmony......this phenomenal bands exceptional musicianship truly shines.... two hours of the most uplifting, spiritually invigorating music out there."
www.spiritualprog.com
"...as a live recording of a brilliant band at their very best, this long awaited live performance on DVD is superb."--
Stephen Lambe in Cheltenham, England and Russ Elliot in New York
www.musicaldiscoveries 5/06
*****5 Stars
The Eye of the Eagle DVD also gets some great reviews:
"Absolutely stunning! Incredible music, phenomenal performance.
Awesome production."
Kenneth L Solomon - Progressive Soundscapes Radio - June 2006
"With excellent camera work, fantastic sound, and of course, the stellar musicianship of the two Davids, the viewer is quickly absorbed into the sight and sounds of David Adam's Celtic Christianity. The music and narrative poetically explores man's purpose, his relationship with God, and his role in his environment, with added scriptures and prayers. Breathtakingly beautiful, it is a very moving spiritual experience.
It's an inspiring performance, and watching it I began to feel the thin veil between the physical and spiritual realms wavering. It's a rare thing to find haunting music that tantalizes both your ears and your spirit. This is a DVD that should very much be an essential part of your IONA collection. Highly recommended."
www.spiritualprog.com
And so does the From Silence DVD....
"From Silence" is particularly relaxing, meditative, contemplative.. filled with an almost-mystic softness. There is a lot of intensity in Donockley's playing, whether he is using Uilleann Pipes or whistles.....Nobody makes this instrument (uilleann pipes) vibrate like he does, as an unreal, plaintive voice.
"From Silence" grow on you slowly. After a slight deception caused by the absence of rhythm and the relatively static character of the tracks, except during some rare moments while a strong melody raises, we can appreciate all the beauty of these dreamy pieces, which are inspired only occasionally by Celtic music (only a small quote from a traditional tune). Superb."
Marc Moingeon, KOID9 - fanzine (France).
"What they achieved working alone in this most beautiful and ancient building is a moving, moody, organic sonic pleasure....relaxing
and invigorating....consistently captivating."
www.open-ears.com
"With this album Troy and Dave have delivered a masterpiece....this music gets me longing for their next activities."
Paul Rijkens, iO Pages, Holland
The Live In London DVD reviews start to come in and the band are thrilled with how positive they are:"One gorgeous mix and one of the best sounding music DVDs I have heard/seen.....I can not recommend this recording enough.....This DVD is a winner."
http-//progrock.homestead.com 6/06
"Iona's Live In London DVD is just what I've been waiting for all these years, and the band delivers a superb concert set of their very best songs. IONA is a band not to be missed live, as the extra energy boosts their already fantastic songs up to a whole new level. As the five exceptional musicians weave a multi-hued tapestry of spiritual sound that spirals upward to the heavens in a bright palette dabbed with Celtic, folk, ambient, and progressive rock flavors, you can very nearly hear angelic hosts singing along in ecstatic harmony......this phenomenal bands exceptional musicianship truly shines.... two hours of the most uplifting, spiritually invigorating music out there."
www.spiritualprog.com
"...as a live recording of a brilliant band at their very best, this long awaited live performance on DVD is superb."--
Stephen Lambe in Cheltenham, England and Russ Elliot in New York
www.musicaldiscoveries 5/06
*****5 Stars
The Eye of the Eagle DVD also gets some great reviews:
"Absolutely stunning! Incredible music, phenomenal performance.
Awesome production."
Kenneth L Solomon - Progressive Soundscapes Radio - June 2006
"With excellent camera work, fantastic sound, and of course, the stellar musicianship of the two Davids, the viewer is quickly absorbed into the sight and sounds of David Adam's Celtic Christianity. The music and narrative poetically explores man's purpose, his relationship with God, and his role in his environment, with added scriptures and prayers. Breathtakingly beautiful, it is a very moving spiritual experience.
It's an inspiring performance, and watching it I began to feel the thin veil between the physical and spiritual realms wavering. It's a rare thing to find haunting music that tantalizes both your ears and your spirit. This is a DVD that should very much be an essential part of your IONA collection. Highly recommended."
www.spiritualprog.com
And so does the From Silence DVD....
"From Silence" is particularly relaxing, meditative, contemplative.. filled with an almost-mystic softness. There is a lot of intensity in Donockley's playing, whether he is using Uilleann Pipes or whistles.....Nobody makes this instrument (uilleann pipes) vibrate like he does, as an unreal, plaintive voice.
"From Silence" grow on you slowly. After a slight deception caused by the absence of rhythm and the relatively static character of the tracks, except during some rare moments while a strong melody raises, we can appreciate all the beauty of these dreamy pieces, which are inspired only occasionally by Celtic music (only a small quote from a traditional tune). Superb."
Marc Moingeon, KOID9 - fanzine (France).
"What they achieved working alone in this most beautiful and ancient building is a moving, moody, organic sonic pleasure....relaxing
and invigorating....consistently captivating."
www.open-ears.com
"With this album Troy and Dave have delivered a masterpiece....this music gets me longing for their next activities."
Paul Rijkens, iO Pages, Holland
July '06 / The Circling Hour Mixed
Dave and Troy fly to Los Angeles for a week to oversee the final stages of 'The Circling Hour' mix with John Kellogg.
Jo and Frank work together on material for a new solo album from Jo (Raphael's Journey) at Jo's in Ireland. Frank is arranging, recording and co-writing some tracks with Jo. Dave joins them to help on the arrangements for the songs Jo will be singing on their forthcoming 'Songs of Praise' appearance.
Dave and Troy fly to Los Angeles for a week to oversee the final stages of 'The Circling Hour' mix with John Kellogg.Jo and Frank work together on material for a new solo album from Jo (Raphael's Journey) at Jo's in Ireland. Frank is arranging, recording and co-writing some tracks with Jo. Dave joins them to help on the arrangements for the songs Jo will be singing on their forthcoming 'Songs of Praise' appearance.
September '06 / The Circling Hour Released
'The Circling Hour' Iona's first all new studio album since 2000's 'Open Sky' is finally released. The album contains a full 65 minutes of new IONA music with a seamless blend of songs and instrumental sections, with all the band members excelling themselves in their performances. There are some truly emotive and breathtaking moments, not least the guest appearance, right at the end of the album, by Mostly Autumn singer Heather Findlay.
The band plays some dates in Switzerland.
Joanne sings two songs on BBC TV's 'Songs of Praise' - both are from Jo's solo album 'Looking into Light' ('I Ask no Dream' and 'Almighty Father'). This time she is accompanied by Troy, Frank and Dave.
'The Circling Hour' Iona's first all new studio album since 2000's 'Open Sky' is finally released. The album contains a full 65 minutes of new IONA music with a seamless blend of songs and instrumental sections, with all the band members excelling themselves in their performances. There are some truly emotive and breathtaking moments, not least the guest appearance, right at the end of the album, by Mostly Autumn singer Heather Findlay. The band plays some dates in Switzerland.
Joanne sings two songs on BBC TV's 'Songs of Praise' - both are from Jo's solo album 'Looking into Light' ('I Ask no Dream' and 'Almighty Father'). This time she is accompanied by Troy, Frank and Dave.
October '06 / Daves Reunite
Troy & Dave play an improvised performance along the lines of their 'From Silence' album in the historic surroundings of St Paul's Cathedral in London UK.
IONA co-founders Dave Bainbridge and David Fitzgerald re-unite for a concert in aid of 'Aid To The Balkans', sponsors of impoverished families in Albania plus a day centre feeding 30 children & 60 adults. Ecxitingly this takes place at the venue of the very first ever IONA gig in Thurston, Suffolk, UK!
Jo plays at the prestigious Waterfront Hall in Belfast in aid of Care For the Family and plays a few local solo gigs.
IONA co-founders Dave Bainbridge and David Fitzgerald re-unite for a concert in aid of 'Aid To The Balkans', sponsors of impoverished families in Albania plus a day centre feeding 30 children & 60 adults. Ecxitingly this takes place at the venue of the very first ever IONA gig in Thurston, Suffolk, UK!
Jo plays at the prestigious Waterfront Hall in Belfast in aid of Care For the Family and plays a few local solo gigs.
November '06 / UK & Netherlands Tour Dates
The band play several UK tour dates and concerts in The Netherlands and Belgium, including a special candlelit album launch concert in the splendid surroundings of the 13th century St James Church, Warter, East Yorkshire. Wonderful Scottish singer Mae McKenna joins us on several gigs to play a supporting set. Mae was the featured vocalist on Dave's 'Veil of Gossamer' album.
Also in 2006:
Music from the Troy and Dave's second album 'When Worlds Collide' is used on an edition of BBC2 TV's 'Timewatch' series in a programme about the famous Roman landmark Hadrian's Wall.
Also in 2006:
Music from the Troy and Dave's second album 'When Worlds Collide' is used on an edition of BBC2 TV's 'Timewatch' series in a programme about the famous Roman landmark Hadrian's Wall.
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