Iona

Item: Live - Heaven's Bright Sun
Author: Beau Black

Live - Heaven's Bright Sun

(1997)

Reviewed by Beau Black

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Label Alliance Music / ForeFront RecordsThe LighthouseNovember 1997

celtic new age progressive rock

If you've been following Christian music for long, you've probably read about Iona. Critics have been raving about this U.K. band that blends traditional Irish/Celtic, classic rock, pop, and "new age" styles into something unique in the Christian music scene-or in any music scene, for that matter. Somehow, despite unparalleled critical success, Iona has never achieved commercial success in the U.S., perhaps for lack of airplay and promotion. But they're back with a tremendous live double album, and if you've ever wondered what the hype was about, consider these two hours of music evidence to justify it.

The 18 songs span their four albums, with more attention given to their self-titled debut and their latest disc, Journey Into The Morn. Disc 1 kicks off with "Turning Tide," an instrumental from Iona, which builds and swells into the distinctive percussive intro to "Treasure," probably their best-known U.S. single. Throughout the set, quiet (and not-so-quiet) instrumentals are interspersed with rockers like "Treasure" and "Chi-Rho." While it's surprising that so much instrumental material would be included on a live album, the quality of those tracks and the mood they set contribute to a reverent, contemplative feel. Also, they demonstrate the masterful playing, versatility (with each player handling a variety of instruments), and innovative sounds that are Iona's trademark. On these songs and others, you'll hear an assortment of instruments-Uillean pipes, assorted whistles, and exotic percussion-that few artists would know what to do with in a studio setting. This isn't merely showing off, but rather an integral part of the band's sound, augmenting more conventional backing (ethereal keyboards and guitars, both delicate and aggressive).

The lively praise song "Today," a soothing interpretation of "Luke," and the rousing "Irish Day" round out the musical mix of the first disc. "Irish Day" successfully merges the traditional with the modern into an anthemic pop song; like most of the other tracks, it's not an album-perfect cover but allows for some live jamming (see also the extended guitar solo on "Inside My Heart"). The first half of the set closes with the traditional Irish folk song, "I Will Give My Love An Apple," showcasing singer Joanne Hogg's beautiful voice.

Disc 2 opens with "The Island" and "Iona," two songs about the tiny island off the western coast of Scotland for which the band is named. The latter entwines two of the band's recurrent themes-the association of spiritual experiences with places and the history of early Christianity in Britain. In this case, Joanne Hogg explains a dream she had after receiving a postcard from a visitor to Iona, the landing point for the first missionaries to England and Scotland. The "Kells Theme," from their gorgeous Book Of Kells project, sets an ode to God's revelation of Himself to a pounding beat, courtesy über-drummer Terl Bryant. Over this are draped Dave Bainbridge's sparkling keyboards and soaring guitars and tasty saxes from Mike Haughton.

"Chi-Rho," also from Kells, and "Bi-se I Mo Shul, Part 2" continue in the historical vein. While "Chi-Rho" draws inspiration from a page in the ancient illuminated manuscript of the gospels, "Bi-se I Mo Shul" returns the modern hymn "Be Thou My Vision" to its eighth-century Gaelic roots lyrically, while updating it musically with a cool percussive treatment. The concert closes with a remaking of "When I Survey" that captures the emotions behind the words with an extensive and intense guitar solo-one more standout moment in a set filled with them.

It's noteworthy that a band should make music about such academic subjects; it's even more noteworthy that they make that music passionate, relevant, accessible, and enjoyable. Iona draws from their fascination with the past and the earthly beauty of their homeland to bring an exhortation to seek God, to experience His love, and to let that love pervade our lives. And they do so without resorting to cliches, musical or lyrical. Rare is the artist who makes not "product", but art, for Christ's sake. Don't let Heaven's Bright Sun pass you by, just because you don't hear it on the radio or see ads for it. It is, in my view, the most powerful music you'll hear this year.