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Iona Box Set (06th Oct 2001)
In between announcing that vocalist Joanne Hogg has given birth to a baby boy named Isaac (congratulations Jo) and that their website is to be redesigned very soon, Iona have informed us that they've been dropped by Forefront records "in favour of looking to sign 'pop acts capable of wider crossover appeal'". Since Forefront had a deal which meant they helped Alliance fund Iona's recording projects, Alliance are no longer able to continue their deal with the band who as a result are now independent. The band have decided to experiment with independetly releasing future albums on their own label and are asking fans to pre-order future projects to help with financing them. At the same time Dave Bainbridge has announced that the first release on Iona's new label will be a 4 CD box set containing the band's first three albums and an additional CD of unreleased material, both live and studio. The box set will also include a 56 page booklet of archive photos. The proposed release date is Spring 2002 and the band are asking interested fans to get in touch for more information.
Joanne Hogg and Maire Brennan Collaborate (10th Sep 2001)
New Irish Hymns is the title of a new album from first-ladies of celtic music Maire Brennan and Joanne Hogg (Iona) in collaboration with US singer Margaret Becker. Becker describes the album as a "dream project" in a news story on her website, saying it is "a lush well-orchestrated record that is comprised of new hymns with a Celtic influence". The album was recorded at Maire's home outside Dublin and also features appearances from players from Riverdance, the Prague Symphony Orchestra and Iona, whose Troy Donockley lends his pipe skills. Joanne and Margaret had sung before on a trip to Donegal, while Maire has featured on Iona albums in the past. The album is slated for an October release in Europe, followed by a US release to be announced.
Breath of Heaven (20th Aug 2001)
Breath of Heaven is the title of the long-awaited new album from David Fitzgerald. The album, which includes a number of Dave's own pieces alongside songs from writers such as Graham Kendrick, Chris Eaton and Joanne Hogg (Iona), is said by Dave to have been inspired by hearing a song Chris Eaton wrote performed at the Albert Hall and picks up links between the terms "breath" and "spirit" within the bible. The album is entirely instrumental, a first for Dave whose last couple of releases have featured choirs prominently. ICC will be releasing Breath of Heaven on September 1st.
Iona Cancel US Show (23rd Jun 2001)
Iona have had to pull out ofthe stateside Cornerstone festival as a result of JoanneHogg's pregnancy. The band will still be playing atGreenbelt and will then begin work on a new album. They areconsidering the possibility of a US tour in 2003 but haverecently been dropped by their US distributors Forefront.
Iona News (24th Feb 2001)
Iona's Book Of Kells album has been included in the new book The 100 Greatest Albums In Christian Music compiled by US-based CCM magazine. Unfortunately the band have had to cancel their forthcoming appearance in Mexico as Joanne Hogg has fallen ill on returning from the band's tour of Japan.
In The Meantime... Joanne Hogg (30th Dec 1998)
Before salivating too much over the new Iona album, fans might like to hear that the band's acclaimed vocalist is indeed planning a solo album for March release, probably on Alliance Music. Rumours have been floating around since late last year that this was the case and they have finally been confirmed. More details, as ever, when we get them.
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