Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Having laid down their particular stylistic niche - Clannad with jazz overtones as some hacks might perceive it - founder Dave Fitzgerald has now departed. But the vision, and the marketing hype continue, and here Dave Bainbridge, Joanne Hogg, Nick Beggs, Mike Haughton and Terl Bryant offer another satisfying album of Celtic jazz-ambient-rock. Several of the songs here deal with the topic of Irish monk Saint Brendan who tradition tells us crossed the Atlantic long before Columbus. Other subjects explored include the story of a young Russian scarred by war, Joanne's narrow escape from a serious car accident. Plusses are that more songs than on 'Book Of Kells' feature Joanne's never less than beautiful vocals. A minus is that the album, despite all Mike Haughton's technical competence, misses that touch of passion Mr Fitzgerald brought to lona's first two albums. But I quibble. For most of lona's devoted and still growing circle of admirers this is another fine album, full of evocative imagery and superlative musicianship.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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