Interview
(Progressive Newsletter Nr.33 12/00)
excerpts from an interview with Troy Donockley (Uilleann Pipes, Whistles, Guitars, Vocals)
Firstly, thanks you for the kind words. The folk influences have always been there, but I agree that they’re a bit more obvious on "Open sky". It is a natural development and I think it is partly due to the absence of saxophone, which added a more jazzier feel to the earlier albums.
You released an orchestra album last year with the All Souls Orchestra in London. Was this a one off thing or is there is there a second chance to see it for everybody who missed it? Are there any video recordings from this event which could be published later on?
There is still a chance of a repeat performance in the future. It would be a shame to have put so much work into the arrangements and the organisation for one concert. The concert was filmed, but due to financial constraints it will not be released. Money rears it’s ugly head again......
The music of Iona is very colourful and atmospheric. I think it would be wonderfull to have this music as film music, maybe in documentaries about countrysides or so. Have you received offers to make film music or have you already done that?
The music has been used in the past as part of various documentaries and some hast been written especially for the wild life series "The natural world". This will probably appear on an "Iona Rarities" album in the near future.... We haven’t done any big movies yet, but maybe Spielberg might ask us us to do the next "Indiana Jones" movie? ..or maybe not....
How important is the christian faith for the band and how much does it influence your music and your lyrics ? How important are the lyrics for Iona?
Personally, I’m an Atheist, so the Christian faith has no effect on my life or my music, but to the other members it is a very important part. What we all share together is a common vision. This is part based in the "near-mystical" power of music to change peoples lives at a very deep level. Lyrically, the lyrics are not explicitly "Christian" and can be interpreted from a personal point of view. I think Joanne - the chief lyricist - has more in common with the 19th century "Natural Poets" than with any Christian Propagandist. So the meaning becomes global.
You have a new drummer. Did Terl leave the band or was he kicked out and was it tough to find the right replacement in person of Frank van Essen?
Terl left the band due to overwhelming commitments. He is in high demand as a session drummer, and hes is flying around the planet having a splendid time! Frank played on the first album as was very happy to join. He has brought with him not only phenomenal skill as a drummer / percussionist, but also beautiful Violin playing.....can you believe it? A drummer playing the violin? He is really unique!
Joanne and you already made solo albums. Are there any plans for solo albums of Phil and David or will they have guest appearances on albums of other artists?
Dave made an album last year called "The eye of the eagle" with David Fitzgerald which could be seen as a "kind of" solo album. Phil is working on an opera at the moment called "Vodka boozy Vodka" based on the life of Boris Yeltsin. I believe he has approached Jon Anderson to play the lead...That was a joke by the way. Or was it ...?
Where are your musical roots? Who brings the progressive rock influences to your sound?
Well, myself and Dave were involved in "Prog" bands years ago and we were both fans of Gentle Giant and that kind of thing, before Dave moved into jazz-fusion and I into Irish traditional music. In the main scheme of things, we are all responsible - guilty?
Sven Schmidt © Progressive Newsletter 2000