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Open Sky Records has just released a two disc DVD set of the band Iona performing at a gig in London hence the name of the set. Is this set worth getting though? I have been listening to rock n roll since about 1956 and going to rock n roll concerts since 1964, my first live concert experience was the first American tour by the Dave Clark 5. In the forty two years since that first show I have seen many performances both absolutely amazing and absolutely lame. I had the opportunity to see Iona twice during their two brief American tours a number of years ago. Are they a good live band, no, they are an amazing live band. I would put them in the same category as Strawbs during the "Ghost" era tour or the double trio era King Crimson. So when I heard that the band was releasing a DVD set I started counting the days and hours until the release date. Well that release date has come and gone and I have my Iona DVD. Was it worth the wait, let me just say in the month since I got the set I have probably watched it at least a dozen times, it is that good.

The band at this present time consists of Dave Bainbridge, Joanne Hogg, Troy Doneckley, Phil Barker & Frank VanEssen. Disc two consists of the opening acoustic set of the nights performance as well as interviews with each of the band members. The interviews are not only interesting but they are also very insightful as to the reasons why the band exists and each members thoughts on the music and art of Iona. If this was all there was to the set it would be well worth the price of admission. But there is of course another disc to be seen.

Disc one is the main portion of the concert and is a fourteen song full blown electric kick ass rock n roll concert and shows just why Iona is one of the best live bands taking the stage today. The band includes a three song teaser of material from their forth coming album consisting of "Wind Off the Lake," "A Dhia Ghleigil," and" Factory of Magnificent Souls." The new project is called "The Circling Hour" and if this material is indicative of the rest of the album we could be in store for Iona's best album yet. We'll have to wait for mid September to find out for sure though. But enough of that for now, back to the dvd. Although Troy and Dave were both ill the night of the performance what we have here is an absolutely flawless concert. Whether it be the softer tunes like "Edge of the World" and "Murlough Bay" or the mastery of "Castlerigg" or "Bi-Se I mo Shuil Part 2" this is one band that knows how to cook. Each member shows just what an integral part of the band they are. Jo's voice has never sounded better, Phil's bass keeps everything together, Frank's violin and drumming is superb and when Troy & Dave start playing their pipe/ whistle, guitar leads simultaneously it is just pure magic. Whether you are a fan of Celtic music, prog rock or just good old rock n roll you need to add this DVD set to your collection. And while you're at it put in an order for the DVDs of "Eye of the Eagle" & "From Silence" too.

Chris MacIntosh aka Grandfather Rock