Review: Iona at Canterbury Christchurch University Chapel: Thursday 1st March.

With three other guys from FBC, I went last Thursday evening to Canterbury Christchurch University Chapel for a gig (courtesy of ‘Folk in the Barn’) of the band Iona.

If you aren’t familiar with this band which was formed in 1989, they uniquely combine a number of diverse musical influences including folk, jazz, classical and ‘prog’ (progressive rock) and sometimes exhibit a ‘pop sensibility’ – I personally like the description ‘Celtic Progressive Rock’ to cover it all (but I am a ‘prog-head ‘, so I would!).

The band combines rich, complex and spiritually uplifting music with lyrics which often touch on Christian themes and that also show that the band are inspired by the great figures of the ‘Celtic Golden Age’, such as Columba, Aidan, Brendan and Patrick.

Well, what a great show it was! The 5 members of the band were all on fine form, exhibiting breath-taking virtuosity: fast-fingered Dave Bainbridge on Guitars and Keyboards; the equally fast-fingered ‘new boy’ (and in between songs, a humorous Irish ‘charmer’!) Martin Nolan on Uilleann Pipes and Low & Tin Whistles; Frank Van Essen playing thunderous, yet dexterous Drums and Percussion, plus exquisite Violin (!); Phil Barker on rumbling Bass, and not least, the soaring Vocals (plus Keyboard and Acoustic Guitar) of Joanne Hogg.

Their songs (and even parts of songs – I love those ‘prog’ epics with their multi-parts and complex time signatures!) ranged from those that ‘rocked’, to more ‘Celtic-inspired’ traditional tunes (often delivered by the duelling Electric Guitar and Pipes of Bainbridge and Nolan respectively) and there was even some dancing (well done Steve!). There were also songs that were gentle and wistful (and to me, often very worshipful). The set covered their 23 year history, including some from their most recent release ‘Another Realm’, with its’ theme of the Kingdom of Heaven breaking though to us.

At the end of the evening, the crowd gave the band a much deserved standing ovation. This was the first time that Iona has played in Canterbury, but I do hope they come back soon!

If you to find out more about the Iona, you can do so by visiting their web-site.

‘Another Realm’ Official Promo