Album:
Band History
June '09
UK gig and Dutch gigs are confirmed for August and October but Troy is unable to join the band for these gigs due to his heavy touring schedule with Nightwish and The Bad Shepherds. Martin Nolan is once again called upon to guest with the band.
July '09 / Troy Departs
On 28th July Troy announces his decision to leave the band after 14 years.
Here is Troy's statement;
"I have had a wonderful time with my friends in IONA and am very, very proud of the albums we made together. But, as in all of life, things change. After extended periods of no activity we have found ourselves with a very different musical and philosophical direction. We have parted as great friends should, with a sad-happiness and I truly wish, without cliche, all the very best for the future".
Whilst the rest of the band are sad at the parting of ways, Jo, Dave, Frank and Phil are excited at what the future holds for the band. After a long period of inactivity they all feel that God is leading them into new paths together and with a new, renewed vision and focus. Martinis asked to guest again on the forthcoming gigs. They band wish Troy well in his various musical endeavours. He is a totally unique musician and composer and his music deserves a wider audience.
Meanwhile the rest of the band are also working on tracks for a brand new IONA studio album, for which there is a clear 'concept', though they need to find some funding from somewhere for this!!
An interview with IONA co-founders Dave Bainbridge and David Fitzgerald appears on the Cross Rhythms website (www.crossrhythms.co.uk). Dave and David talk about their current release 'Life Journey'. Dave Bainbridge will also features in the next edition of the Dutch progressive rock magazine iO Pages (www.iopages.nl). In this Dave talks about both the 'Life Journey' and 'Cathedral of Dreams' projects and current happenings with IONA.
Mark Fleeson from the Lindisfarne Scriptorium, who have released 'Life Journey' set up a website dedicated to info about the album and Mary Fleeson's book of the same name. Included on the website (which is being added to over the coming weeks and months) are in depth discussions with Dave and David about the tracks on the album and electronic 'turning page' versions of both the book and album. See www.life-journey-cd.com.
Several tracks from the most recent Open Sky Records release, 'Cathedral of Dreams', the debut solo album from guitar virtuoso Nick Fletcher are featured on Classic FM, the UK's most popular classical music radio station (see www.classicfm.co.uk/on-air/blogs/new-releases-blog/july-2009/contemporary-guitar-music/).
Here is Troy's statement;
"I have had a wonderful time with my friends in IONA and am very, very proud of the albums we made together. But, as in all of life, things change. After extended periods of no activity we have found ourselves with a very different musical and philosophical direction. We have parted as great friends should, with a sad-happiness and I truly wish, without cliche, all the very best for the future".
Whilst the rest of the band are sad at the parting of ways, Jo, Dave, Frank and Phil are excited at what the future holds for the band. After a long period of inactivity they all feel that God is leading them into new paths together and with a new, renewed vision and focus. Martinis asked to guest again on the forthcoming gigs. They band wish Troy well in his various musical endeavours. He is a totally unique musician and composer and his music deserves a wider audience.
Meanwhile the rest of the band are also working on tracks for a brand new IONA studio album, for which there is a clear 'concept', though they need to find some funding from somewhere for this!!
An interview with IONA co-founders Dave Bainbridge and David Fitzgerald appears on the Cross Rhythms website (www.crossrhythms.co.uk). Dave and David talk about their current release 'Life Journey'. Dave Bainbridge will also features in the next edition of the Dutch progressive rock magazine iO Pages (www.iopages.nl). In this Dave talks about both the 'Life Journey' and 'Cathedral of Dreams' projects and current happenings with IONA.
Mark Fleeson from the Lindisfarne Scriptorium, who have released 'Life Journey' set up a website dedicated to info about the album and Mary Fleeson's book of the same name. Included on the website (which is being added to over the coming weeks and months) are in depth discussions with Dave and David about the tracks on the album and electronic 'turning page' versions of both the book and album. See www.life-journey-cd.com.
Several tracks from the most recent Open Sky Records release, 'Cathedral of Dreams', the debut solo album from guitar virtuoso Nick Fletcher are featured on Classic FM, the UK's most popular classical music radio station (see www.classicfm.co.uk/on-air/blogs/new-releases-blog/july-2009/contemporary-guitar-music/).
August '09
After a hasty but productive rehearsal at Dave's studio, the band play in front of about 1,000 people at the Grapevine event in Lincolnshire, UK.
October '09
The band's 2 gigs in The Netherlands, at Hedon in Zwolle and De Boerderij in Zoetermeer are a huge success, with big crowds at both adding to a very special atmosphere. We are fortunate to have several excellent photographers at both gigs, so there are a number of great photos up on the internet - in particular on the NEW IONA Facebook page. There are also reviews of the Zoetermeer gig at www.progwereld.org http://petergroveswebsite.com/IonaDeBoerderij2009.htm and www.backgroundmagazine.nl/
Dave, Jo, Frank and Martin have an excellent day at Frank's studio demoing some of the powerful new songs that have been written so far for the next IONA album.
Dave, Jo, Frank and Martin have an excellent day at Frank's studio demoing some of the powerful new songs that have been written so far for the next IONA album.
May '10
Jo and Dave play as a duo at the O2 Church, Rapperswil, Switzerland, leading worship in the morning service and playing an evening concert which includes on stage interviews.
August '10 / Two IONAs
After a photo of a USA based band also called IONA appears in the Cornerstone Festival programme instead of a picture of us, Dave contacts IONA (US version). Although aware of their existence for some time there had been no dialogue between the two bands so it is nice to finally make contact. The US band are a traditional folk outfit who play mainly in the USA, so our audiences are generally quite different. After some friendly emails we agree it would be great to play a concert with both Ionas someday!
September '10 / Switzerland Gigs
The band return to Switzerland for the first time in about 4 years to play 3 dates. Whilst there they are interviewed and filmed for a Swiss TV programme caled 'Fenster zum Sonntag'.
