Iona is one of those bands I stumble across every now and then. Each time, it's a pleasure to remake their acquaintance.

The band is based in Virginia, which isn't too far south of me, so I'm a little surprised I haven't stumbled across the band literally, in person -- but maybe someday that will change. The band has been active for about 35 years and, to my knowledge, shows no signs of stopping. Good for them! They're a talented ensemble, and it's good to know they're still out there, doing their thing with style.

Branching Out is a recording from 2003. The band's lineup has changed a bit since then; at the time of this recording, they were Bernard Argent on Irish flute, whistles, doumbek, vocals and egg; Chuck Lawhorn on bass guitars, low D whistle, vocals, washboard and doumbek; Bob Mitchell on Highland great pipes, Scottish small pipes, eggs and tambourine; Barbara Tresidder Ryan on vocals, bouzouki, guitar, bodhran and tambourine; and Susan Walmsley on feet (in other words, she stepdances).

There's a lot to like about Iona. Ryan's vocals are a sturdy foundation on which the band rests much of its music, but there are no slackers in the ensemble. Their arrangements are fresh and lively, and they stand up to repeated listening. I think my favorite track on this album is the last one, the medley "Sally Gardens/Hills of Connemara/Willy Davie/Miss Girdle." Second? If pressed, "Boys of the Town/Bean a Ti/Dusty Windowsills/Lilting Bean Sidhe" ... but it's hard to choose.

As the band explains in their liner notes, the album explores the Celtic migration from their various homelands to regions in the European mainland and overseas in the U.S. and Canada. It's a great selection of music, with a refreshing variety of traditional titles.

Any album by Iona is a safe bet. You're here, so consider giving Branching Out a try.

[ visit Iona online ]