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Formed in 1989, IONA take their name from the small island off the west coast of Scotland. From the beginning, their aim has been to write spiritual, atmospheric, yet uplifting music that would stir the emotions, weaving complex patterns that echo the intricate knot work of the great Celtic artists. Often inspired by the great figures of the Celtic Golden Age such as Columba, Aidan, Brendan and Patrick, IONA’s music is as timeless as the message that reaches out to us across the centuries.
Uniquely combining rock / folk / progressive / ethnic and ambient elements with the crystalline voice of Joanne Hogg as their focus, IONA create ‘a blaze of colours and textures...all the sounds fusing into a single, yearning, heartfelt beautiful cry.’
‘IONA has carved out a unique musical niche.....creating music that is challenging and inspirational....Their music surrounds the listener, seeming to have no beginning and no end.....Book of Kells touches something
elemental, resonating as few albums can. Allow it to touch you as well.’
C.C.M. Magazine (USA)
‘Their music seems to draw from the collective memories of an entire race of people - ‘Beyond these Shores’ is all that and more. It is a modern day masterpiece.’
Bob Darden - Billboard (USA)
‘... an exhilarating contemporary folk act, able to press traditional instruments convincingly into service alongside their electric counterparts ... rarely has the new age Celtic thing been given so many welcome
twists, or played with such conviction.’
‘Q’ MAGAZINE
‘... close your eyes and prepare to sink into the atmosphere created by this magical band.’
Cornerstone Magazine (USA)
... It must be said Miss Hogg always did have a near mystical voice and in both Bainbridge and Donockley they have two musicians who know how to produce soundscapes, big, vast spaces which fill with melody and
passion.’
Simon Jones - FRoots Magazine
To order IONA CD's and DVD's go to band website. Be sure to check out the solo projects.
