If someone asks you what Celtic music sounds like, then letting them hear Iona’s Signature album is an excellent introductory tool. Since the creative net of the genre is far-reaching or broad, to say the least, it is better to hear the sounds. Signature was released in 2017, with little fanfare due to the political situation in the United States. Now that it is easier to breathe with the pandemic being addressed, getting back to music is a great idea. We all felt how tense the few years were, and more intense was 2020. Getting back to art is a healing process. That is why it is a great idea to introduce Signature to our avid followers.

This album is a testament to the band’s exquisite musicality. It also showcases what happens when a band grows through the years. Here’s an interesting paragraph I get from the Signature liner notes:

Back in 1986, Barbara Tresidder Ryan and Bernard Argent teamed up with two other musicians to formally play Irish and Scottish music as a band. We needed a name that could be easily pronounced, spelled, and associated with the music, and Barbara decided on IONA®. This is the name of an island in the Scottish Hebrides where the monk Columcille (Columba) was exiled to establish a colony and work on the illustrious Book of Kells. Long story! It’s also a magical place that has captured the imagination of all who land there, AND it’s easy to spell! 31 years later, we have crafted a collection of music spanning the Celtic diaspora, as well as parent countries, and many centuries. Our musical lineup for the past 9 years has been solid: we think we’ve evolved together rather well. Barbara is still lead singer, plays Celtic bouzouki, bodhrán, and pieds; Bernard continues to play flute, whistles, Doumbek, cabasa and provides backup vocals; Chuck Lawhorn is still our bass guitar player, also singing harmony; and Jim Queen loves to fiddle around, with his banjo too, and sings in whatever range is needed. We avidly explore the available extremes of all Celtic music and find ourselves drawn to odd time signatures. We also have a well-defined signature sound. We are putting our signature on this collection for you…

These days music associated with the genre has associated vocal(not similar) style. Barbara Tresidder Ryan offers a different take on the singing style. She is closer to Carly Simon and Anne Murray in her style. It is also a refreshing thing to hear. Her’s is a warm instrument. She also does extensive research of the band’s materials, and that is why she sings in other languages like Gaelic, Welsh, and other Celtic languages. For me, this is a testament of genuine respect for the culture. If you honestly say you love the culture, then you should prove it by singing in its language. 

Signature has ten songs. These are all upbeat tracks with emphasis on the use of traditional instruments. I love Breton music and the opening track “La Dérobée de Guingamp/Hai o eadaraibh” showcases that Breton flavor. There are more as you continue to play the album. I’d say this is a great companion to any journey. It is also an excellent album to play on a cycling trip in the countryside. It makes you feel close to nature. It is also an uplifting album that brings happiness in these challenging times. 

Listen to Signature here