Paul Smith (webmaster for Iona) recently caught up with Debbie & Dave Bainbridge to gleam some insight about their latest offering from Open Sky Records - the 'Songs for Luca' CD.

1. Can you tell us briefly what you hope to achieve through the production of ‘Songs for Luca’?

Songs for Luca is to raise money for Luca. Debbie is currently implimenting the Son-Rise Program with Luca which is set up by the Autism Treatment Centre for America. Their support services are vital to keep the program moving on and to give Luca the very best that it offers. These all have to be paid for and include phone consultations, a Son-Rise teacher coming to our home for 3 days this summer, video feedback sessions and ultimately if we can raise enough money a trip to their centre in America for the whole family to attend their intensive week long course.

2. Do you see this as a longer term strategy for Luca’s ongoing development? Can you tell us a little about Autism/Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

The Son-Rise program needs to run until it is finished! ie that we feel Luca is more able to cope with everyday life, social situations etc - so really how long is a piece of string! So yes it is a longterm strategy - the programme is very respectful of Luca and is therefore run at his pace.

To those of you who do not know what autism is maybe a quick definition would be helpful:

Autism, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger's Syndrome is a complex developmental disability that usually appears during the first 3 years of life. It can result in challenges in language, communication, emotion, cognition, behaviour, fine and gross motor skills and social interaction. Those with Autism may engage in repetitive activities, stereotyped movements, resistance to environmental change or change in daily routines and have difficulties with social interactions, verbal communications and sensory experiences.

3. I can imagine a lot of soul searching and doubt went on before deciding on the viability of a project such as this. Where did the idea for the cd come from … was there a specific moment of inspiration for example?

As the Son-Rise program is not available on the National Health Service, in order to continue it we need to fund raise. Debbie has been on a course run by Son-Rise which was very inspiring and we have felt all along that God has guided us in our decision to do the Son-Rise with Luca. As musicians the natural thing to do seemed to use our talents. The idea came to Debbie one morning whilst she was playing the piano, and yes it was an exciting moment!! A "What if" moment! - and look at the result - it's amazing.

We have been overwhelmed by the generousity of the musicians who have donated the tracks and indeed everyone else involved, eg cd cover/cd manufacture etc. What we initially thought might be a struggle to get enough tracks together has blossomed into a double cd - wonderful!

4. Can you tell us a little bit about Luca, his interests and characteristics? For example, does he show any musical tendancies?

Luca is 5 years old, full of energy, loves Thomas the Tank Engine and does an excellent impersonation of Thomas rolling his eyes and wrinkling up his nose simultaneously - try it - it's hard !!*!! He has recently made friends with the nextdoor neighbours cat and likes to sing her made-up songs. He loves to bounce and play rough and tumble with his younger sister and likes playing the piano and playing on Daddy's equipment! - (mainly to find good 'monster' sounds!).

5. How did you go about choosing who would be included on the CD?

'Who do we know? - let's contact them!!' We wanted to try and include some previously unreleased tracks from IONA and were very touched when 2 especially written tracks came through the letterbox from Nick Beggs. Everyone has been great.

6. Does this project open up further collaborative opportunities for you/iona in the future?

Dave is currently working on his solo album "Veil of Gossamer" and has recently done a session with Karnataka's singer Rachel Jones for this album which went really well. Also on his new album will be Pete Fairclough playing some percussion including some very impressive gongs! Many of the artists included on the cd Dave has already worked with in the past either with IONA or as a producer/keyboard & guitar player. Who knows what the future will bring......

7. How will you distribute the CD & how many will be available?

The cd will be available on the IONA website and by mailorder. The manufacture of the first 1000 copies has been generously donated by Rob Ayling (Voiceprint) and Authentic Media (formerly Alliance). We hope we will need to manufacture some more! We have also had offers from a few distributers, but will see how it goes first selling direct as this maximizes income from the album sales.

8. There are a couple of tracks by Debbie Bainbridge on the CD. Can you describe a bit about them?

Debbie has written music for many years - this was an ideal opportunity to add a personal touch to the album. The 2 tracks are 'Starlit Garden' - one of Luca's (infact the whole family's) favourite things is to go out in the dark in our garden and watch the stars and moon. 'Bright Flame' - well what a gift Luca is to us as parents - he is a bright flame in our lives.