Customer Reviews

Heaven's Bright Sun - Live

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This Cd shows Iona at their best! The production is flawless, and the choice of songs for this CD shows the wide range of artistry that Iona embraces, from haunting ballads to rocking anthems. All of the musicians play multiple instruments and their skills are amazing. Their flawless and masterful playing ,recorded live, puts most band's studio works, with all the editing, to shame. In my opinion the highlight of the album is "I Will Give My Love an Apple". This traditional Irish ballad begins with Joanne singing acappella, which really gives you an appreciation for one of the finest voices in Celtic music. As the song progresses the music builds until, in traditional Iona fashion, it breaks forth into passionate abandonment. The song closes with Joann's voice solo once again. The only complaint I have with this CD is that it gave me an incredible desire to see this band in concert, which is improbable as they don't come to the US very often. Final word -- HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

If you view it from the traditional pop/rock point of view, this is very interesting. You hear instruments, you don't here too often. You hear them played in way you don't hear them too often. You hear a female lead singer with a good voice (gives me the same feeling like Anneke from The Gathering). There is solid pop/rock combined with some irish/folk/celtic influences, which are finely integrated, never disturbing but adding to the more introperspective, mellow feeling. You might think "no thanks, I don't like folk songs, I don't like irish traditional songs, etc.", but don't be afraid! First, those influences are not overwhelming, they are nicely interwoven during the whole Live Set in this 2 CD work, fit the feeling, and are presented with that fine voice! So, I think, in contrast of dislike, you will come up to really admire those influences. Second, Iona plays live here. They really make music, the use their instruments, they work with their instruments, you feel the fun, the joy and the power they feel while playing. So, especially on this Live, there is hardly any risk, that you will not be captured by their great performance. From that on, you recognize their interesting lyrics, which adds even more depth. So, if you think, you don't like their style, do yourself a favour and give this Live 2CD a try. There are good chances, you really discover a new jewel here. Same happend to me.

Iona is SUPER [see my review of 'Beyond These Shores'] BUT this LIVE album is SUPER-DUPER good! They are the finest live performers EVER. Listen to the live version of 'Treasure' on this double CD...then listen to the original on 'Beyond These Shores.' You'll see what I mean! Highlights on this CD: The performances of these songs: Chi-Rho, Today, the irish reels and the acapella song 'I Gave My Love An Apple' and the extended set called Triology. And to add another feather to their cap they have a new CD [Fall 2000] called 'Woven Cord' with a full orchestra that is amazing. Iona: music with meaning superbly done for the glory of the 3-in-one!! Get it--you'll be glad you did!

If you haven't had the rare opportunity to see IONA live, this CD is a must-have! Each musician weaves their own special talent into this tapestry of music. From Joanne's heavenly voice, to David Bainbridges brilliant keyboards and guitar sounds. Terl's unique way of including the "rainstick" and bodhran drums gives this drummer/percussionist an extra flare! Troy's Uilleann pipes combined with Mike Haughton's saxophones and Phil on the fretless bass combines the sound that only IONA can create! I especially love "Today" and "Chi-Rho" but don't forget to pay special attention to "Bi-Se I Mo-Shul-Part 2". The 3-part harmonies of the guitar, Uilleann pipes and sax are phenomenal! This piece alone is worth the whole CD! So...my suggestion is to crank it up, sit back, relax and close your eyes. If your soul is searching for refreshment, this CD is it!

I came across Iona having grown up as a fan of Genesis, Marillion and other symphonic prgressive rock bands, and they are easily in those groups' league. Heaven's Bright Sun definitively captures the best material from their first four studio albums, particularly the majestic guitar playing of Dave Bainbridge -- think of Steve Hackett but with better technique, or David Gilmour with more airiness. Also, the pipe playing of Troy Donockley and the drumming of Terl Bryant are superb. My favorites are "Irish Day," "Trilogy" and "Chi-Ro," but the whole album is spectacular.

Finally, an album which attempts to capture the other-worldly experience of seeing Iona live. "Heaven's Bright Sun" accomplishes this awesome feat with near perfection. The album is rich with the musical stylings Iona has embraced throughout their history, but, alas, as with any live project, they failed to include some of my favorites. The other rave reviews here are accurate, but I'd like to pick on two points: Joann's vocal falters several times throughout the album...I wish they could have used a track recorded on a better night. Second, I've heard much better treatments of "Chi-Rho" (one of my favorites). All in all, a smashing album. "Reels" and "Apple" are new favorites.

No matter what genre of music you happen to like best, this album is possibly THE BEST live recorded album I've ever heard. It is well worth a listen, if nothing else than to hear Joann Hogg's beautiful voice. Musicianship of this band rivals any of the secular bands in the world, if not surpasses many of them. Bainbridge's guitar solo on When I Survey absolutely rips and shreds.

Favorites from this 2-CD treasure include: Treasure / Flight of the Wild Goose / The Island / Columcille (haunting, beautiful instrumental) / Chi-Rho / Bi-Se I Mo Shuil (awesome rhythms) / When I Survey.

If you buy any of Iona's catalogue, buy this one first.

Peace Out.

I have almost all of the IONA recording now (just waiting on "Woven Chord"), and I can honestly say I have not been disapinted in any of the releases. Joanne's vocals are stellar. The rest of the group is strong and backs her superbly. Well worth a listen.

I was introduced to Iona a few years ago.They are a Christian Irish band.I prefer to think of them as a very tight band period.I would love to go to one of their concerts.The lead player on this album does a few choice solos that to me, are worth the price of the whole cd.Flight of the Wild Goose is my fav.Listen for the solos...you'll love them!
Mike

This CD is also listed as an Import item. See ASIN: B0007ZP14S

This 2 CD set of Iona live is not like their later live CD "Woven Cord" which featured an added symphonic orchestra. Therefore you get a truer experience of what the Irish/Scottish folk jazz rock band may sound like at a standard gig. Recorded in December 1996 at the following places in England:

Irish Centre in Leeds

The Q Club in Burmingham

The Amulet in Shepton Mallet

Songs are from the pervious 4 CD's "Iona", "Book of Kells", "Beyond These Shores", & "Journey Into The Morn". A beautiful traditional song "I Will Give My Love An Apple" is a great added bonus. Most songs deal with ancient Celtic Christianity love of God, the Saints, nature, & light while not getting preachy or commercial.

Professionally recorded with just the right audience background will take you there at the concert to celebrate the spiritual in your life. Joanne Hogg has one of the best Angelic voices with Dave Bainbridge as one of the fastest & cleanest guitar players around.