finetune artist: Iona

This Celtic Christian band, named after the holy island in the inner Hebrides, was formed in 1988 by multi-instrumentalists David Fitzgerald and Dave Bainbridge (b. Darlington, England). Joanne Hogg (b. Ballymena, Northern Ireland; vocals, keyboards) made her debut the following August at the Greenbelt Festival in Northamptonshire. The trio recorded their jazz fusion-influenced debut album with the help of guest musicians Terl Bryant (drums), Tim Harries (bass), Peter Whitfield (strings), and Troy Donockley (b. 30 May 1964, Workington, Cumbria, England; uillean pipes, ex-You Slosh). Nick Beggs (bass; ex-Kajagoogoo) and Frank van Essen (drums, percussion) were added to the line-up, although the latter was subsequently replaced by Bryant. The Book Of Kells, a concept album inspired by the 8th century illuminated manuscript, was recorded with the help of van Essen, Donockley, and Fiona Davidson (Celtic harp). Following the release of the album Fitzgerald left to study for a full-time music degree. He was replaced by saxophonist Mike Haughton, who had already guested with the band at several live performances. The band's moody, atmospheric recordings retained a rockier edge in live performances, although their progressive rock tendencies were betrayed by a penchant for meandering instrumental passages. Robert Fripp guested on the acclaimed Beyond These Shores. One of the tracks featured on the album, "Treasure", enjoyed crossover success on the US Christian charts. In 1994, the band provided the soundtrack for the BBC2 documentary Snowdonia - Realm Of The Raven and appeared at the Glastonbury Festival. Beggs left in September shortly before recording sessions for their new album began. Journey Into The Morn, the band's first album for the Alliance label, featured guest vocals from Maire Brennan of Clannad. The band, with Donockley now featuring as a full-time member and regular bass player Harries replaced by Phil Barker, were also recorded live on Lindisfarne Island for the BBC series Routes And Rhythms. Bryant and Haughton left the band following the release of the live set Heaven's Bright Sun. Frank van Essen returned to the line-up for the tenth anniversary release, Woven Cord, which was recorded in May 1999 at London's Royal Festival Hall with the All Souls Orchestra.

Listen to Iona at Finetune.

Beyone These Shores
Wisdom (Ff)
Irish Day
Encircling (Ff)
Everything Changes (Ff)