JOURNEY INTO THE MORN

I consider myself a true Iona fan. I grew up on prog rock that mostly came out of Britain, Europe and the UK as well as great Canadian groups such as Max Webster, Rush, Ian Thomas, The Guess Who, etc. I first heard Iona at a friend's house; the album was The Book of Kells. It was one of those visits where you can't keep to a conversation because the music keeps drawing you in. This is the power of Iona's music. I immediately purchased The Book of Kells as well as their new album that year (1993), Beyond These Shores. These two CD's were in my CD player all the time. But in 1995, when Journey Into The Morn was released, I immediately purchased it and it has become my favourite of all the Iona CD's/DVD's I own. The magic on this album is difficult to place as there is a depth in the quality of the arrangements, musicianship, and production qualities, showing a maturing from previous releases. The album as a whole is very dynamic and takes you on a journey that opens you up in heart and mind. Powerful arrangements and soaring melodies leave you content at the end of the album. The musicians who played on this album, in my opinion, are the most potent group. One cannot say enough about Dave Bainbridge's compositions, or his keyboard and guitar playing - overflowing with excellence and skill. Add to that the powerful, dynamic, and musical drums & percussion that Terl Bryant adds with the absolutely over-the-top bass provided by Tim Harries...I have to take a moment here to speak of the excellent musicianship of Tim Harries: what a great sound he has! And his melodic and punchy phrases are very instrumental in moving the listener on the journey the music is taking you on; I have spent many a listen just soaring on his bass lines. I hadn't heard of Tim Harries until this album but he is one of the top favourite bassists in my listings. And then there is Troy Donockley, masterful and exquisite on his pipes and whistles and sharing with the equally masterful sax and flute work of Mike Haughton. Over and above all of this is the ethereal and delicate voice and acoustic guitar of Joanne Hogg. The whole of all these parts is truly a beautiful thing. There is only one song I thought didn't fit in the framework of the album as a whole: track 9. No Heart Beats. Aside from this I consider it an excellent addition to any music lover's collection.