Search - Iona :: Heaven's Bright Sun - Live

Simply ethereal!

Ruth Dickerson | Kansas City, Kansas USA | 06/16/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Almost missed this jewel

Ruth Dickerson | 01/02/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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."