The River Flows

The River Flows

ASIN: B000000JYI

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Ken Navarro's first CD, recorded and released in 1990. Contains the original version of the classic song "Try Again".

The River Flows,Ken Navarro,Positive Music,Crossover Jazz,Fusion,He is one of today's leading contemporary jazz guitarists. His impressive discography of top charting albums showcases his ability to appeal to a wide range of listeners with inspiring compositions and superb guitar performances.,Jazz,Jazz Music,Pop

My River Flows
Average customer rating:

More Like A Creek.

Not moved

Izz's best yet

Progressive-Pop

Tales of Izzographic Oceans

My River Flows
Izz
Manufacturer: Doone Records, Inc.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

I Move

Mimi's Magic Moment

Milliontown

Second Life Syndrome

A Place in the Queue

ASIN: B000C1ZTNA
Release Date: 2005-12-06

Tracks:

My River Flows
Late Night Salvation
Rose Colored Lenses
Deception
Crossfire
Anything I Can Dream
Abby's Song
Deafening Silence

Product Description

As the successor to I Move, My River Flows continues to raise the musical bar. From the explosive opening title track to the 21-minute closer, Deafening Silence, My River Flows is an emotionally charged listening experience. Were very proud of My River Flows and very excited to share our new music, said keyboardist/vocalist/producer Tom Galgano. Weve put a lot of ourselves into this album and I think that really shines through.

Customer Reviews:

More Like A Creek........2007-02-15

Izz is one of those "little" bands that you have to pull for and wish they could find a wider audience. They really have quite a unique sound and I have a difficult time coming up with some names of other bands they sound like. At least on their fourth installment, "My River Flows", they occasionally sound to me like the Beatles if the Beatles had hung around and done some Prog.

Izz use some ingredients that make them an interesting and satisfying listen. The band employs a couple of percussionists and they include some female voices in some of their pieces which are very refreshing. They are solid songwriters and good musicians.

I really like their guitarist - Paul "Brems" Bremner. The guy is a major talent. (He pulled off a nice Steve Howe impression on "Close To The Edge" at last year's appearance at CalProg.). I am not sure what he was doing before Izz but I will continue to watch for him in the years to come beyond Izz.

If the world of Prog is divided into Dark and Light, Izz is on the "Lite" side. Sort of a Kino-lite. This may be what keep them from scaling the heights of Prog. They will never be mentioned by "serious" Proggers in the same breath as the Flower Kings, Neal Morse, et al. This is Prog my 23-year-old daughter appreciates (to a certain extent).

That said, there should be a place in your CD collection for Izz. They write solid, smart, beautiful music. They are a nice diversion. And then there is always "Brems".

Tracks:

My River Flows - Begins the proceedings in an almost headbanging fashion. Some nice chunky guitar work by Brems. The song sounds a little disjointed at first but grows on you over time.

Late Night Salvation - This song seems to be getting the most attention even over the album's epic - Deafening Silence. A mini epic itself, one almost hears echoes of Liquid Tension Experiment on the front end.

Rose Colored Lenses - My least favorite tune on the album.
Deception - This is really a satisfying piece. It has a very atmospheric, symphonic feel to it. Includes some nice acoustic guitar work and female voices. Starts soft and subtle and crescendos nicely at the end. Good vocal work by keyboardist Tom Galgano.

Crossfire - An OK song. This is where I hear shades of Abbey Road-era Beatles. Tasteful piano by Tom.

Anything I Can Dream - Again, a little Beatle-esque. Almost a throw away. Sort of like Starlight Man on TFK's "Adam and Eve" but I love it (and I love Starlight Man, too!). OK, I am a sucker for a good hook. John does a good job on vocals and Brems throws in some cool fuzzy guitar lines.

Abby's Song - A little acoustic ditty. This is weird, but I hear Captain Beyond's "Sufficiently Breathless" only this is not quite as good.

Deafening Silence - This is the Cd's epic. It received a standing ovation at CalProg. I liked it then and I like it now. So it sounds more like Starcastle than Yes. It is still very entertaining.

All in all, I think I like 2002's "I Move" better, but there is still a lot to like about "My River Flows".

Not moved.......2006-04-26

I've owned Izz's second release, I Move over two years now, and I must say its one of my favorite CDs. Stylistically, I Move is all over the place, but so well executed that you don't notice.

The new Izz, My River Flows, however, well, I just expected more, or something else entirely. I'm not saying it sucks, but the title says it all actually. It actually does rock in places; the first two songs are actually pretty darn good, though not terribly original (Late Night Salvation even breaks down for an over-long drum solo-yeesh!).

Its no where near as diverse as I Move, nor is it as experimental. That doesn't mean its more cohesive either, however. Its not a pedestrian effort, like I said, it rocks in places, but over all its has an introspective, plaintiff tone to it, and not much of a prog element either, other than the use of a fulltime keyboard player. Yeah, its got a 21 minute song on it that plays more like a suite, rather than an epic. Very 'Salem Hill'-ish.

I mean, this is the follow-up to I Move, after 4 years? Someone on another website said the nice thing about really prolific bands like The Flower Kings is, that if they make an album you don't like, all you need do is wait 14-15 months until the next one.

I'm not saying My River Flows is a throw-away. I guess it'll hold me until the next one. Hopefully by then, they'll have exorsized the ghosts of '70s AOR that haunt this album.

Izz's best yet.......2006-03-16

Izz really comes to maturity with this new CD. Capturing a lot of the elements from great prog bands of the past (influences of ELP, Yes, Renaissance) and yet having a fresh sound of their own. This is the album we've been waiting for from IZZ.

Great keyboards, great guitar, and great vocals in interesting, tuneful, and complex arrangements. Recommended for all progressive rock fans.

Progressive-Pop.......2006-01-04

There is quite a smorgasbord of music on this disc... the rocking "My River Flows", or intricate "Late Night Salvation" (the highlight of the disc) with a brief drum solo, the Beatles influenced "Crossfire" and "Anything I Can Dream", or the atmospheric "Deafening Silence" showcasing some nice female vocals. Izz blends prog with pop and they do it well. The dual drummers never get in each other's way and gel perfectly to provide the foundation for a beefy rhythm section. Also notable is the very tasty electric guitar work throughout the entire disc.

I prefer "I Move" to this disc because it is more rock orientated while this release seems to favor pop, but there is enough variety for all to enjoy.

Tales of Izzographic Oceans.......2006-01-03

IZZ continue to carve out a unique sound of their own that ocassionally hints at their own influences without imitating.
This a modern group that actually warrants the title "progressive." Not because of their instrumentation and occasional extended arrangements but because they take those notions and infuse them with a fresh approach that is both catchy and virtuosic. Once again they have created an album that leaves you with mememorable melodies and mind boggling passages that entice multiple listens.
Certainly an early must have for 2006!

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Legendary selections by a legendary voice

Legendary Irish Tenor

Manufacturer: Goldies
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Great Voices of the 20th Century
The Voice of Ireland: 25 Popular Songs and Ballads
John McCormack: In Opera
My Wild Irish Rose

ASIN: B00005RVT2
Release Date: 2001-11-26

Tracks:

Mother Machree
Kathleen Mavourneen
Killarney
Dear Little Shamrock
Ave Maria
Little Love, A Little Kiss
Macushla
Wearing of the Green
Where the River Shannon Flows
Eileen Alannah
Molly Brannigan
Low Back'd Car
I'll Sing Thee Songs of Araby
Angels Guard Thee

Tracks:

My Wild Irish Rose
Serenata
Come into the Garden, Maud
Turn Ye to Me
Somewhere a Voice Is Calling
Beautiful Isle of Somewhere
Barcarolle
Sunshine of Your Smile
When Irish Eyes Are Smiling
Rose of Tralee
Ireland, Mother Ireland
Mother O' Mine
Bard of Armagh
Irish Emigrant

Tracks:

I Hear You Calling Me
Star of the County Down
Londonderry Air
She Moved Thro' the Fair
Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young Charms
Kerry Dance
South Winds
By the Shortcut to the Rosses
Fairy Tree
Harp That Once Thro' Tara's Halls
Garden Where the Praties Grow
I Dream of Jeannie With the Light Brown Hair
Bantry Bay
Dawning of the Day

Customer Reviews:

Legendary selections by a legendary voice.......2004-03-24

With special emphasis on the variety presented in this collection, this album has a broadness of scope that will appeal to anyone who appreciates the magic of the human voice.
McCormack was perhaps the most popular entertainer in the world during his career, comparable with the superstars of today, only richer in the currency of his day.
Though purists may have criticized his shift to the popular venue as opportunism, and perhaps desertion of his training in the classical tradtions, he was simply presenting what people wanted to hear. Whether he set a pattern of career management followed by modern entertainers or was simply happiest when the accolades flowed over him matters not. The talent and richness are his legacy to us.
His range and vocal dexterity are well illustrated and represented by this larger than usual collection, and anyone with a particular favorite tune in his rather loose genre will likely find it here.
After a journey through this collection, listeners may well gain another special melody or two for addition to their personal list of "best ever" songs and singers.
Although it may be considered a bit foolish, some will choose this album for only one or two tracks. Some call that trait wasteful, but when a jewel of performance is played again and again, the teardrop may fall once more, and the heart will thrill yet again.
This album will please many musical palates, even those who claim no special fondness for "Irish Tenors."

John McCormack: The Acoustic Victor and HMV Recordings (1912-14)

Average customer rating:

When looking for "the most"
A superb McCormack collection
Simply the Best

John McCormack: The Acoustic Victor and HMV Recordings (1912-14)

Manufacturer: Romophone
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000061K8
Release Date: 1998-02-10

Tracks:

Maire, My Girl
Like Stars Above
Take, O Take Those Lips Away
A Child's Song
Asthore
A Farewell
My Commander As Envoy Bids Me Come
I Know Of Two Bright Eyes
Eileen Aroon
The Wearing Of The Green
The Rosary
The Harp That Once Through Tara's Halls
Silver Threads Among The Gold
T'eri Un Giorno Ammalato
At Dawning
Dai Campi, Dai Prati
Giunto Sul Passo
Mi Par D'udir Ancora
Nirvana
There Is a Flower That Bloometh
My Dreams
Sweet Genevieve
I'll Sing Thee Songs Of Araby
Where The River Shannon Flows
Silver Threads Among The Gold

Tracks:

Within The Garden Of My Heart
Dear Love, Remember Me
Chiudo Gli Occhi 'Il Sogno'
Molly Brannigan
A Foggy Dew
The Low Back'd Car
Sospiri Miei, Andate Ove Vi Mando
Say 'Au Revoir', But Not 'Goodbye'
Mother O' Mine
Down In The Forest
Votre Mere Avec Moi Sortait De La Chapelle
I Hear A Thrush At Eve
Goodbye
A Little Love A Little Kiss
Questa O Quella
Nearer My God To Thee
Eileen Allanah
Goodbye, Sweetheart, Goodbye
Le Portrait
Angel's Serenade
Le Nil
Beneath The Quivering Leaves
Ave Maria, D.839
Ave Maria 'Meditation On J.S. Bach's Prelude In C'

Customer Reviews:

When looking for "the most".......2001-05-14

A local New York professional opera enthusiast has concluded that Corelli is the most popular operatic tenor, followed by Jussi Bjoerling. But if the question is, who had the most beautiful tenor voice ever impressed upon wax, we must lift up John McCormack. Here is true bel canto which no one else has ever equalled. These two CD's contain some of the most exquisite sounds ever issued by a human throat. Let the galleries declare their enthusiasm for stentorian high C's, the real lover of great singing will find much more to their like her than in all the verisssimo arias. Listen to the two "Mefistofele" Arias (Boito) and ask yourself if they have ever since been so beautifully sung. This recording belongs in the collection of every aspiring tenor, just to remind what can be accomplished by art and perfect singing.

A superb McCormack collection.......2000-10-21

If you remember hearing transfers of acoustic recordings to LP, you remember how hard it was to really connect with the music and performer through all the rumble, noise and resonance. This audio restoration is the most astonishing technical feat I have ever heard. The noise is now only a gentle background presence, not the roar of yesteryear. And even more important, it is constant in volume- in other words not a distraction. The fidelity really lets us hear what the early recording engineers really achieved. That said, what this brings to us are the performances of one of the world's greatest singers in richly emotional popular songs (and a few opera arias). There are so many of those old sentimental pieces no one could get away with recording anymore, but hold such a splendid reward for those of us who love them. John McCormack's recordings receive with this reissue the wonderful presentation they so richly deserve. Many many thanks to the label and Mr. Marston who made it possible.

Simply the Best.......2000-01-27

This along with Vol. 1 is simply the best McCormack transfers available from this period. The master of the trade, Ward Marston has outdone himself this time. Waiting for Vols. 3,4,5!

Average customer rating:

An exciting extra effort by Denison Witmer
Best cd that you haven't heard...
Not a typical Tooth and Nail release!

And Flows into the Sea
The River Bends
Manufacturer: Tooth & Nail Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Are You a Dreamer?
Recovered
River Bends
Philadelphia Songs
Of Joy & Sorrow

ASIN: B00020HDDK
Release Date: 2004-05-18

Tracks:

Looking For You
Lawyers And White Paper
Are You Lonely?
Chestnut Street
All The Days And Nights
22
I Love You April
Days Repeating
It Takes Time
Better Or Worse
You Could Be Anything

Customer Reviews:

An exciting extra effort by Denison Witmer.......2006-11-29

Since Denison Witmer is my favorite musician currently, I needed to check out this CD, and I was well satisfied. Definitely more of a beat in many of these songs than is normally found in Denison's solo work. There is a feeling of tension between the artistic styles of the trio working together on this cd, but for the most part that tension seems exploited rather than ignored.

In the "Chestnut Street" track, the entire first verse is mixed in stereo sound so the right speaker just plays Denison's awesome voice, and the instruments come through on the left speaker. Very cool.

"I Love You April" and "Lawyers and White Paper" both have a simple Casio keyboard sound, which is very unlike Denison's solo work, and gives this cd more of an underground music feel.

My main criticism of this cd is that some of the songs don't seem to know when to end (i.e. Days Repeating and You Could Be Anything)...If they were a bit shorter I think they would be much stronger.

Recommended.

Best cd that you haven't heard..........2004-11-04

I'll start off first by saying before this album, I have never heard a Denison Witmer song. I first heard the song "Are You Lonely?" on Purevolume.com and it was instantly a favorite of mine. I was utterly shocked that a musician like this was coming out of the Tooth and Nail family, a very prominate punk/emo label. I don't believe that Witmer is a christian, but I am very pleased with his cd.

With all that said now, everything about this cd is great. It's not too long nor to short. It has a very unique sound in today's music scene. It's also the darn hardest cd to find. I ended up ordering a copy on toothandnail.com because it's so hard to find, I've only ever seen it in a store once. Notably the best song that stands out is "Are You Lonely?", but the rest of the songs are amazing as well. The ending song, "You Could Be Anything" is a very good song as well. The songs in between are very good, very well written, and very well recording and produced. By this album, but don't be in shock that it isn't emo/screamo/punk.

Not a typical Tooth and Nail release!.......2004-06-13

I will start this review with this: This album is excellent. It got five stars because it deserved five stars. Now, let me tell you why. I must admit that I am not familiar with Denison Witmer's previous work, but after hearing this album, I am not only interested in hearing them, but possibly purchasing them cold turkey just because this album is that good. One part folk, one part pop, and one part indy, Denison and his very talented musician friends have put out an album that spans a wide variety of musical tastes, and yet seems very focused. His lyrics are intelligent and the music, though having heavy emphasis on the use of the acoustic guitar and other rootsy instruments, is layered and intricate. Every song on this album speaks to me in a different way, and I think this is a truly moving an insightful piece of art that is capable of inspiring the un-inspirable, relaxing the un-relaxable, and moving the apathetic.

On another note, I have to admit I was shocked when I learned this album was released on tooth and nail. I love tooth and nail, but the river bends is so....different from any other tooth and nail band. All I can say to tooth and nail is this: Thank you for this refreshing listen. It's nice to know that a label known for such staples as Anberlin and Mae will also embrace a folk driven group and help to produce one of the best albums of 2004 or any time up to this point.

If you like wilco, billy bragg, old ryan adams, damien rice, howie day, john mayer, dave matthews, or anything remotely close to that, at least give this band a chance. I dont think you'll regret it.

The River Flows: Anthology, Vol. 1
Average customer rating:

I love All Things Iona

The River Flows: Anthology, Vol. 1
Iona
Manufacturer: Open Sky UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music
General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Circling Hour

Journey into the Morn

Woven Cord

Open Sky

ASIN: B00007ELAE
Release Date: 2002-10-15

Tracks:

Turning Tide [2002 Version]
Flight of the Wild Goose
Island
White Sands
Dancing on the Wall
A'machair
Vision of Naran
Beijing
Iona
Trilogy
Here I Stand
Columcille
Kells Opening Theme

Tracks:

Revelation
Matthew - The Man
Chi-Rho
Mark - The Lion
River Flows
Luke - The Calf
Virgin and Child
Temptation
Arrest - Gethsemene
Trinity - The Godhead
John - The Eagle
Kells
Eternity - No Beginning, No End

Tracks:

Prayer on the Mountain
Treasure
Brendan's Voyage (Navigatio)
Edge of the World
Today
View of the Islands
Bird of Heaven
Murlough Bay
Burning Like Fire
Adrift
Beachy Head
Machrie Moor
Healing
Brendan's Return
Beyond These Shores

Tracks:

Snowdonia - Realm of the Ravens: Realm of the Ravens
Snowdonia - Realm of the Ravens: Dunes
Snowdonia - Realm of the Ravens: Macha
Snowdonia - Realm of the Ravens: Dome of Harlech
Snowdonia - Realm of the Ravens: Above the Clouds
Snowdonia - Realm of the Ravens: Song of the Waves
Snowdonia - Realm of the Ravens: Moondawn
Snowdonia - Realm of the Ravens: Winter
Jigs [Live]
Hearthquake [Live]
Castlerigg/Extended Reels [Live]
I Will Give My Love an Apple
Song of the Waves (Reprise)
Final Journey

Customer Reviews:

I love All Things Iona.......2006-12-16

Another wonderful, captivating work by Iona! Wonderful instrumentation. A great addition to our Iona collection.

Average customer rating:

Must have!
First-Rate Musical Exploration of Celtic Christianity
Full Circle on the Island of Iona

The River Flows: Anthology, Vol. 1
Lona
Manufacturer: Voiceprint
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00006JS5I
Release Date: 2002-08-19

Tracks:

Turning Tide [2002 Version]
Flight of the Wild Goose
Island
White Sands
Dancing on the Wall
A'machair
Vision of Naran
Beijing
Iona
Trilogy
Here I Stand
Columcille
Kells Opening Theme

Tracks:

Revelation
Matthew - The Man
Chi-Rho
Mark - The Lion
River Flows
Luke - The Calf
Virgin and Child
Temptation
Arrest - Gethsemene
Trinity - The Godhead
John - The Eagle
Kells
Eternity - No Beginning, No End

Tracks:

Prayer on the Mountain
Treasure
Brendan's Voyage (Navigatio)
Edge of the World
Today
View of the Islands
Bird of Heaven
Murlough Bay
Burning Like Fire
Adrift
Beachy Head
Machrie Moor
Healing
Brendan's Return
Beyond These Shores

Tracks:

Snowdonia - Realm of the Ravens: Realm of the Ravens
Snowdonia - Realm of the Ravens: Dunes
Snowdonia - Realm of the Ravens: Macha
Snowdonia - Realm of the Ravens: Dome of Harlech
Snowdonia - Realm of the Ravens: Above the Clouds
Snowdonia - Realm of the Ravens: Song of the Waves
Snowdonia - Realm of the Ravens: Moondawn
Snowdonia - Realm of the Ravens: Winter
Jigs [Live]
Hearthquake [Live]
Castlerigg/Extended Reels [Live]
I Will Give My Love an Apple
Song of the Waves (Reprise)
Final Journey

Album Details

Limited Four CD Box Set featuring their First Three Releases, plus a Bonus CD with Previously Unreleased and Live Material. Includes 60 Page Booklet and Guest Appearance from Robert Fripp.

Customer Reviews:

Must have!.......2005-02-01

If you're an Iona fan at all, this IS a "Must Have"! Other reviewers have given a disc-by-disc review so I'll skip that. If you must only have 1 Iona CD, this is the one. (Okay, there are 4 CDs but you get the idea.)

My _only_ complaint is with the design of the 'book' which holds the CDs. Be very careful the first time you open it. It's an incredibly poor design! The discs are guaranteed to hit the floor, probably uncovered & unprotected, if you're careless. Mine spend too much time in the CD player at home + the one in the car to fall out! :)

I'll close with a utterly shameless plug for "Murlough Bay" - a better rendition than the studio version on another disc. If the hairs on the back of your neck don't stand up for this song, you probably need immediate medical help.

First-Rate Musical Exploration of Celtic Christianity.......2004-05-18

I first heard about Iona back in 1991 when their self-titled debut premiered stateside. The description of their first album intrigued me, and I was interested even more when I read a glowing review of their second album in the fall of 1992. In February 1993, I decided to go down the rabbit hole, and I got my copy of The Book of Kells, Iona's sophomore release. I was stunned -- I had perhaps never heard a recording so original, combining a variety of musical styles with contemplative lyrics to produce an overview of the 8th century Book of Kells and its relevance for today. A bit over a year later, I caught up with the band, purchasing (in order) the self-titled debut and their (then) newest release, Beyond These Shores. Since then, I have purchased their releases as soon as they're released stateside.

These three CDs apparently went out of print in the late 1990s, but now are available in this boxed set. The River Flows would be worth your money if it consisted of the three original recordings. However, Dave Bainbridge and other band members were not content to stop there. You'd expect the CDs to be remastered, but I wasn't prepared for what amounts to practically a remake of the first album, thanks to a new arrangement of one track and extensive remixes of seven other tracks. (Only four of the original tracks are left untouched.) On top of that, a fourth disc of rarities, called Dunes, is added to make the package attractive to die-hard fans.

*****

Let's take the CDs one-by-one:

*Iona (originally released, 1990; revised, 2002) -- A stunning debut on almost any terms, this first album presents an overview of Iona and its significance for today. (Iona, for those of you who don't know, is an island off the coast of Scotland where Columcille founded a Christian monastery. From there, his monks went out and preached the faith to pagan Britain.) There are only five songs among the 12 compositions; the rest are instrumental. I have a review of the original recording elsewhere on Amazon, and I won't repeat those thoughts here. I do have a quibble with the band revising the album at all, even if the "remake" (my term) is greatly superior to the original in technical quality. But in any form, this is a top-notch album.

*The Book of Kells (1992)-- This is a sheer work of genius. To take an album and revolve it thematically around paintings from an 8th century manuscript requires a lot of artistry and ambition, and the band doesn't flag in either department. "Kells Opening Theme" (track 1) sets up the overarching theme for the rest of the album -- "to seek the way, the truth, the life." With this purpose in mind, we are led into a forthright declaration of the speaker's need for a revelation from God in track 2, appropriately titled "Revelation." We are then brought face to face with that revelation in track 3, "Man" (titled "Matthew -- the Man" on the original release). The Book of Kells contains paintings of Jesus as depicted in each of the four gospels, and in the painting for Matthew, He is represented as a man. "Man" is an epic, roughly 10-minute long composition that juxtaposes rushing musical sounds that evoke a sense of action and perhaps even conflict with two quiet contemplative spots where Joanne Hogg breaks through with beautifully poetic, hearfelt lyrics.

The album goes on from there, looking at the different depictions of Christ (as a lion in Mark, as a calf in Luke, and as an eagle in John)in the paintings for each of the three other gospels. A soothing reflection in the middle of the album, "The River Flows," gives this boxed set its title. There are also musical depictions of various events in Christ's life (again tied into the paintings of the 8th century manuscript) before we are brought back to a revision of the first track, now called "Kells." If the first track was contemplative, this second version is hard and raw; uncertainty and reflection have given way to confidence and action, as Joanne nearly shouts, "And the word (i.e., Jesus) is a sword that pierces the heart/And the truth is a light that cuts through the dark of this world/Nations shall rise and nations shall fall/But nothing shall stand in the wake of the word." A musical meditation on eternity closes this exceptional album.

*"Beyond These Shores" (1993) -- This album signaled a major departure for Iona, and not just from the loss of co-founder Dave Bainbridge. While the previous two albums were largely instrumental, only a handful of pieces on this album fall into that category. Instead, there are many songs, and more surprisingly, forays into straight pop. The most obvious example of this is the radio single "Treasure," but "Burning Like Fire" and a few other tracks also seem to have been calculated for the mass market. This album explores the voyages of Brendan the Navigator, a Celtic Christian saint who left everything behind to journey out on the open sea as an act of devotion to God, and their relevance for today. (This type of journey, when someone journeys with no set destination but with a firm trust in the providence of God to lead, is called a peregrinatio.)

Tracks 1, 3, 6, 10, 12, and 14 are mostly instrumental and directly track Brendan's voyages. The other tracks (there are 15 in all) examine contemporary applications from the life of Brendan -- examining to whom or what our heart owes allegiance ("Treasure"), preparing to journey into the unknown while relying only upon God ("Edge of the World" -- the speaker of this track attempts to feel what Brendan did), rejoicing in the God who will go with us ("Today"), being open to the leading of the Holy Spirit ("Bird of Heaven"), finding love in either God or another human being ("Murlough Bay," a favorite spot of Hogg and her husband), seeking direction from God ("Burning Like Fire"), reflecting on the importance of each life ("Beachyhead," a reference to a place of many suicides in Ireland), finding restoration after difficulty ("Healing"), and realizing that no matter what the situation, God is with us (the title track).

*Dunes (2002) -- This collection of rarities from 1994-2002 is mostly for diehard fans. Almost half of this disc is composed of music that the band wrote for a 1994 BBC TV series, "Snowdonia -- Realm of the Ravens" (although, oddly enough, the band inserts a later composition, "Song of the Waves," in the middle of this set). Then we get a few concert favorites recorded live in the studio, followed by a second outtake from the band's album Open Sky, and concluding with an outtake from Beyond These Shores. Any music from Iona is much appreciated, and "Song of the Waves" (both parts) and "The Final Journey" should have been placed on the albums for which they were intended, but it does seem like the band threw in the kitchen sink here.

*****

This is an outstanding boxed set, and while (in the U.S., at least), Iona is known (if at all) for "Christian music," anyone who loves a quality fusion of progressive rock, jazz, and serene melodies should find Iona more than accessible. Immensely talented and creative on the musical end, Iona also displays a contemplative yet modern faith that can lead anyone to get excited about Celtic Christianity, and even Christianity in general.

Full Circle on the Island of Iona.......2003-03-11

Starting out with progressive rock during the 1970's, Classical music during the 1980's, Jazz during the 1990's, & World/Folk during the 2000's, I feel that I have come full circle finding the group Iona. They are not your typical mediocre Christian rock band; but a fusion of "Yes" progressive rock with a cleaner more tighter "Happy-The-Man" playing ability. Mix in some fast Irish gigs of "Silly Wizard" with the Soul & Jazziness of "Van Morrison", & sung by the main female singer Joanne Hogg with haunting spiritual (Christian Mysticism) lyrics about the ancient Celtic saints (St. Patrick, St. Brandon, etc...) before the 1054 AD spilt of the Roman Catholic & Eastern Orthodox churches. This CD is Iona's own personal production with their first 3 CD's: Iona (remixed), Beyond These Shores, & The Book of Kells (the Gospels written by Celtic Monks), with extra material that was never released: Dunes. Comes with a great inbound 60 page book with photos & the history of the band. A must for any spiritual journey.

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Szep Vagy & Gyonyoru Vagy

Manufacturer: Hungaroton
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000303C
Release Date: 1995-12-12

Tracks:

SzVagy, Gyru Vagy Magyarorsz[A "Hamburgi Menyasszony" C O]
Nem Lehet Azt Parancsolni Senkinek (You Can't Make Them Do ...)
KorcsmsnAdjon Bort Hitelbe [Give Me Some Wine on Credit, Miss]
Arad Felol (From Arad) [Az "Erzst" C DaljkbFrom Arad]
Debrecenbe' Voltam (I've Been to Debrecen)/ik A, Hajlik a Bl
Vecserny Sz Harang (The Call of the Vesper Bell)
Hulllaton Tetej(On the Gentle Waves of ...)
Te Szoke Gyerek (You Fair-Haired Child)
Kesergo, Palot Friss (Lament, Palotand Quick)
KNefelejcs [Blue Forget-Me-Nots]
Kanyargsza Partj/Minden [On the Bank of the Winding Tisza River]

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Jacintha: " Love Flows Like A River
Jacintha
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000K50J5G

Product Description

Jacintha (vocals)..... Iskander Ismail (piano and arrangements).. Tony Makarome (acoustic bass).... Adam Lee (guitar).... Alex Abisheganaden (guitar on "3 Years"). Anthony Wilson (guitar on "I Have An Affair")......Hybrid stereo SACD mastered from original 30ips analogue tapes by Leo Fung at Wave in Hong Kong Yap Shu Mei (violin on "Lover's Tears").... Yew Hong Chow (harmonica)........ Boon Gee (drums)..... Kelvin Kew (percussion)... TRACKS:....... 1. Night Fragrance........ 2. Moonriver....... 3. River Of No Return...... 4. Endless Love...... 5. Tomorrow I'm Going To Marry You.... 6. Three Years....... 7. Lover's Tears........ 8. I Have An Affair (instrumental).... 9. Bengawan Solo....

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Love Flows Like the Blood of a River
Laura Siersema
Manufacturer: Laura Siersema
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00008ZA2E
Release Date: 2003-02-22

Tracks:

Turn Us into Ashes/Love Flows like the Blood of a River
Bread of Angels
Greensleeves
Will I Marry/500 Miles
9am on the Dot Clock/There is a Silence/Rolling of Time
Aberfan
Tooth of a Black Tiny Bird/Last Night I had the Strangest Dream
If My Church Be Bone/O Sinner Man
Poor Wayfarin' Stranger
I Scraped the Bow
Ravem
Shenandoah
Vault of the Valley
Go Children Slow

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Ireland, Mother Ireland

Manufacturer: Centaur
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000057Y6
Release Date: 1995-03-28

Tracks:

Ireland, Mother Ireland
Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral
The Star Of The Country Down
Where The River Shannon Flows
Norah O'Neale
The Bard Of Armagh
Mother Machree
Bendemeer's Stream
Galway Bay
Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young Charms
Little Town In The Ould County Down
Down By The Sally Gardens
I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen
Kitty My Love, Will You Marry Me
The Rose Of Tralee
Kathleen Mavourneen
The Garden Where The Praties Grow
Danny Boy

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Jazz Music

Jazz Music