Search - Iona :: Book of Kells

Christian Celtic Progressive Rock Concept Album?

J. Rich | 07/25/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Iona, for those of who have never heard of them, are a Christian progressive rock band that from the British Isles. They are an amazingly talented group! Their music is very hard to describe in a only a few short sentences. They are a very atmospheric band that has a remarkable musicianship. All of these musicians in this band are WORLD-CLASS. They can play in any style and do anything they want, because they have the talent. Iona are the following musicians:



Dave Bainbridge - guitar, keyboards, programming

Joanne Hogg - vocals, keyboards

David Fitzgerald - tenor/alto saxophones, flute, piccolo

Nick Beggs - Chapman stick, Wal's 5-string bass

Terl Bryant - drums and percussion

Frank Van Essen - percussion, violin

Troy Donockley - uillean pipes, low whistle



Guest Musicians - Robert Fripp (King Crimson) - guitar, soundscapes, Fiona Davidson - celtic harp, The Paul Whitfield Strings - ensemble violins/violas, the congregation of Kessington Temple Church



Now the music of this album is very conceptual or in other words its music and lyrics all follow a theme that progresses through the album. The album is VERY progressive. It is such a beautiful album. There isn't anything harsh or distorted about this album at all. I think it's a shame that musicians and groups of this caliber aren't recognized in the United States. There is so much good music here that anyone that has musical ears or that plays an instrument can appreciate it. This album also won several awards. One of them being "Best International Album" by Dove. I think Christian music should take some pointers from these masters as they rely heavily on the music to lead. There aren't many vocals on this album at all, because it's mostly instrumental. I understand the importance of lyrics in Christian music, but not all Christian music has to have vocals. Music speaks a voice by itself. Listen to this album and open your heart and you will not be disappointed.



I also highly recommend the following Iona albums:



Open Sky

Journey into the Morn

Beyond These Shores"

Excellent World Class production.

Steve in Seattle | 11/10/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've had this album for nearly 12 years now and have likely listened to it hundreds of times. I also own a published copy of the ancient manuscript, The Book of Kells. This album is an epic of discovery through the enlightened Gospels and the band/composers should be commended for their musical interpretation of such an important bit of history. I studied the copy of the manuscript initially with this very album playing in the background...it was a perfect soundscape. Several of the songs are titled based on the individual Illuminated Gospels themselves. Mark the Man is one that stands out, but each track is a 10 on its own!



The band takes its name from the island between England/Scotland and Ireland. The history of illuminated Gospels extends to the Island of Iona, so it was highly appropriate that the band, made up of members from both islands, should create and perform "The Book of Kells".



Excellent - better than 5 stars.



Steve in Seattle"