Bio - Iona
Iona Group Member Bio's
Updated Aug 14, 2001
Iona Group Member Bio's
Frank van Essen
Frank van Essen was born into a very musical family. Both his parents were professional classical musicians and active in the church so Frank was brought up with classical music and worship from a very early age. When he was seven years old, he decided to follow in his brothers' footsteps and started playing violin. However, when the church drummer left, Frank, at fifteen, was asked if he was interested in playing drums.
He was, and started practising hard. After a few years of intensive study he joined his first band during a YWAM summer outreach in 1986. During that time he was asked to do a tour with Rick Cue and Margaret Becker and decided that this was what he really wanted. Since then, Frank has played with many national and international artists, including Marcel McArthur, Ralph van Manen, Jessy Dixon, Billy and Sarah Gaines, Susan Ashton, Julie Miller and many others.
In 1990 Frank met Dave whilst touring Adrian Snell's "Passion" together. Frank was asked to join "Iona" and was part of the band for almost 2 years performing at concerts and on the fist Iona video. After a while it became apparent that Frank's job at Conference Centre "DE BRON" in Holland was taking up too much time and he had to decide to leave the band.
Frank met his wife Marlou during the second "Passion" tour in 1992. They married in 1994. Marlou is a dancer as well as a singer and has her own dance school in Zwolle, Holland. Frank and Marlou hve toured together quite a lot, including Adrian Snell's "City of Peace".
Over the last few years Frank has been actively involved in a well known Dutch worship band playing drums, percussion, violin and, from time to time, as a vocal soloist. He has also been doing a lot of arranging as well as composing, producing and recording in his own studio.
However, last March Frank decided to resign from the worship band because he and Marlou felt that God was leading them into another direction. The invitation to rejoin Iona came as a complete surprise but was a great confirmation and encouragement.
"It's an honour and a challenge to be back! I know God has a great plan for the band and it's music and I feel very privileged to be a part of that. I am looking forward to working together again to touch the heart of God and HIs people throughout the world with this incredible music."
Troy Donockley
For several years leader of the acclaimed folk-rock band You Slosh, Troy is a very gifted multi-instrumentalist. He has worked with numerous artists including; The Enid, Paul Brennan (ex -Clannad), Barbara Dixon, Alan Stivell, Katrina and the Waves, Del Amitri, Maddy Prior, the Beach Boys and Status Quo (on their 30th anniversary video on a cover version of 'All around my hat').
Troy has just completed his first solo album 'The Unseen Stream' (released April 1998). He has also played on several TV and film soundtracks including 'Children of the Sun God' which was awarded a BAFTA.
He recently co-produced Maddy Prior's critically acclaimed solo album 'Flesh and Blood' - indeed it was tour commitments with Maddy that resulted in Troy turning down the chance to appear in the 1997 Eurovision Song Contest with winners 'Katrina and the Waves'!
Troy apparently was a national skateboard champion when aged 14 in his native Cumbria.
Joanne Hogg
Born in Ballymena in Northern Ireland, Joanne, the daughter of a Presbyterian minister, started her musical education aged ten with classical piano lessons. Her husband Stephen (they married in 1985) who has known Jo since early schooldays, remembers even then that she was always singing. Eager to compose her own pieces, Jo began to shape these into songs around the age of 15.
Following in the family tradition however, Jo enrolled at Queens University in Belfast to study medicine with the aim of becoming a doctor. It was whilst taking a year out of university from her demanding course that events took place which would eventually lead her to a career in music.
At the beginning of her year out in 1984, Jo travelled to Holland to attend the annual 'Christian Artists Seminar' - a week long get together of Christians from all over the world involved in different areas of the arts. It was here that she met and befriended singer/songwriter Adrian Snell who encouraged her to tape her songs and send him a copy. Also whilst at the seminar, Jo met up with some members of an organisation called 'Youth for Christ'. They invited her to work with them in Denmark for the rest of her year out to sing in concerts/schools etc. Although she enjoyed this very much, at the end of the year the constant singing had taken it's toll - Jo was left with nodes on her vocal chords and told to rest her voice for a year. Left with no other option Jo decided to return to university to complete her studies.
Adrian Snell eventually received the tape from Jo, just as he was putting together ideas for a large scale concept work called 'Alpha and Omega'. He had asked Neil Costello and Dave Bainbridge to co-produce with him. Adrian was so impressed with Jo's voice that he asked her to come over to England in the spring of 1986 to sing a featured part on the album - the song 'Child of Darkness'. David Fitzgerald was recommended by Neil Costello to play on the album and Jo, David (F) and Dave (B) subsequently toured together, with Adrian, for live performances of 'Alpha and Omega' in the UK and Switzerland.
After these concerts Jo took up her first post as a qualified doctor. Thoughts of a career in music seemed remote. Her musical activities were limited to a two week exchange trip to Russia, guesting with Irish band 'Devlin'. (Their performance of a song about the Vietnam war for a college video competition won the Irish section.) In her limited spare time the songwriting continued.
Jo kept in contact with Adrian and in 1988, when Adrian and Dave Bainbridge were working in the studio again, Adrian happened to play Dave a demo he'd received of the song that Jo had written for the video competition. Dave remembers being moved by the emotional quality of Jo's voice and poignant lyrics.
By 1989 David Fitzgerald and Dave Bainbridge had spent another year working on various projects and were itching to do something of their own. Meanwhile Jo, who had by now realised that she wasnÕt cut out to be a doctor, was recuperating on a holiday in America after a long viral illness. She remembers praying to God to show her what she should really be doing with her life. Jo had heard about the two Dave's new project and had heard an early instrumental demo. She knew they were looking for a vocalist/instrumentalist and really liked the music, but wondered whether her songs would really fit in with their music.
On arriving back from America Jo found a card waiting for her. It was from David Fitzgerald, posted on Iona. Jo thought nothing more about this until, in a very vivid dream, she imagined being on the island. On waking, she went to the piano and the song 'Iona' was born. Soon after this, Jo travelled to England for a writing/demo session with Dave Bainbridge and, within a few weeks, Iona's second gig - the first with Jo joining the two Dave's - was happening in a small tent on the fringe at Greenbelt Festival (Aug 1989).
Apart from Iona Jo has worked in a Christian youth drop-in centre and been involved in horseriding for the disabled (she is a keen horsewoman).
Jo has been highly praised for her songwriting talent and vocal abilities and has twice been voted as 'Best Female Vocalist' in the 'Classic Rock Society' awards (1994 and 1996).
Joanne is currently working on her first solo album. She hopes that Iona's music will continue to touch people's lives and that the band will "seek God's kingdom first and foremost".
Phil Barker
Phil took over bass duties in the band in 1995, after playing on several sessions with drummer Terl. He was a member of the band 'Saltmine' for a year and co-founder of 'Funky Beehive' (now 'Beehive'). For three years from 1993, Phil played with singer Sal Solo (ex of Classix Nouveau), recording two albums with him and touring extensively in Europe and the USA. He has also worked regularly with (Julia Fordham) guitarist Dave Clifton and played on Terl Bryant's latest solo releases.
Phil's dad proved to be instrumental (no pun intended) in kicking off his career. Originally Phil had wanted to be a drummer but was advised against it by his dad who pointed out that carting around the kit was a nuisance. However, he later admitted that the thought of hours of paradiddles and flams emanating from the front bedroom would be too much for any parent!
As a left handed player, Phil first learned to play on an upside down, right-handed bass. Once mastered, Phil was working with his first band by the age of fourteen. During their first gig it was suggested that Phil also sang backing vocals. However, the hysterical laughter that arose on his vocal debut gave rise to the decision that, if the band was to be taken seriously, Phil should not be given a microphone.
A few years - and many bands - later, Phil began to consider turning professional. This proved to have a direct effect on his enthusiasm (or lack of it) to hold down a 'normal' job. Consequently, in 1991, when he was approached to audition for the 'Saltmine' band (a group belonging to a Christian evangelical charity), he was ready, willing and able. The group was booked a year in advance with concerts all over the U.K. In 1992, Phil left Saltmine with four other members to form the 'Funky Beehive' (now 'Beehive').
In 1993 Phil was offered a U.S. tour with Sal Solo (of Classix Nouveau) which later became a permanent position lasting for three years, two albums and tours around Europe.
In 1995, on changing churches to St. Paul's, Onslow Square, Phil met Terl Bryant and began to work with him as the rhythm section for guitarist Dave Clifton, including a UK tour with Phil and John. Later that year Terl approached Phil to deputise on some Iona dates for Tim Harries (who was becoming increasingly busy with his other band 'Steeleye Span') which led to the now permanent position.
Phil lives in Surrey with wife Claire and daughters Francesca and Madeleine. For the technically minded amongst you, he plays Wal, Alembic and Warrior (fretted and fretless) basses.
Dave Bainbridge
Born in Darlington in the north east of England, and from a musical family, Dave began piano lessons at the age of 8 and guitar lessons from his dad at 13. He joined his first band 'Exodus' at the age of 14 - "We all liked Genesis at the time, hence the name - it seemed like the next best thing!"
Dave subsequently studied at the Leeds College of Music, gaining several performance awards (including BBC Radio 2 Best Jazz Soloist Award). At college he also developed a deep interest in recording and synthesisers, particularly through work with college bands 'The Leeds Synthonia' and the 'Hyperspace Rock Orchestra' (the members of which, under the guidance of a rather eccentric college teacher, used to perform concerts dressed in Roman style togas!).
Since then his musical career has involved composition, recording, performing, producing, arranging and teaching. Dave has arranged the 'World in Action' theme (with Norman Beaker) for Granada TV, written for numerous commercial video films, written for BBC2's 'Natural World' series, played on TV themes and made numerous TV appearances with various artists.
In the mid 1980's to early 1990's, due to his association with the 'Norman Beaker' band, Dave was very active on the UK Blues scene. With the Norman Beaker band, Dave backed many visiting UK, US and European blues artists, both 'live' and on recordings for the 'Paul Jones Blues Show' on BBC Radio 2, including; Jack Bruce, Dick Heckstall-Smith, Paul Jones, Pete Brown, Phil Guy, Lowell Fulson, Lurrie Bell, Cary Bell, Rockin' Sidney, Guitar Shorty (Jimi Hendrix brother-in-law!), Louisiana Red, Colin Hodgkinson, Tony McPhee, Chris Farlowe, Herbie Goins, Fenton Robinson, Johnny Mars, Mick Abrahams, Ted Hawkins, Helen Watson, Angela Brown ...
Dave has also performed with Buddie Guy and in 1990 was one of the nominees in the category of 'Instrumentalist of the Year' in the British Blues Connections awards.
Whilst still at college in Leeds Dave, through a mutual friend, met up with singer/songwriter Adrian Snell, whom he had long admired. The result was a working partnership that spanned the next 8 years and through which he would first meet Joanne Hogg and David Fitzgerald.
Dave co-founded Iona with the band's former woodwind player, David Fitzgerald, in the summer of 1989. He and Joanne form the band's main writing partnership and he has produced all five of their albums to date.
He has worked with many other artists including; Gloria Gaynor, 'Snake' Davis, Paul Jones, Phil Keaggy, Michael Ball (string arranging) and (through his work as Iona producer) Maire Brennan (Clannad) and Robert Fripp.
Dave lives in Yorkshire with his wife Debbie and son Luca.
Frank van Essen
Frank van Essen was born into a very musical family. Both his parents were professional classical musicians and active in the church so Frank was brought up with classical music and worship from a very early age. When he was seven years old, he decided to follow in his brothers' footsteps and started playing violin. However, when the church drummer left, Frank, at fifteen, was asked if he was interested in playing drums.
He was, and started practising hard. After a few years of intensive study he joined his first band during a YWAM summer outreach in 1986. During that time he was asked to do a tour with Rick Cue and Margaret Becker and decided that this was what he really wanted. Since then, Frank has played with many national and international artists, including Marcel McArthur, Ralph van Manen, Jessy Dixon, Billy and Sarah Gaines, Susan Ashton, Julie Miller and many others.
In 1990 Frank met Dave whilst touring Adrian Snell's "Passion" together. Frank was asked to join "Iona" and was part of the band for almost 2 years performing at concerts and on the fist Iona video. After a while it became apparent that Frank's job at Conference Centre "DE BRON" in Holland was taking up too much time and he had to decide to leave the band.
Frank met his wife Marlou during the second "Passion" tour in 1992. They married in 1994. Marlou is a dancer as well as a singer and has her own dance school in Zwolle, Holland. Frank and Marlou hve toured together quite a lot, including Adrian Snell's "City of Peace".
Over the last few years Frank has been actively involved in a well known Dutch worship band playing drums, percussion, violin and, from time to time, as a vocal soloist. He has also been doing a lot of arranging as well as composing, producing and recording in his own studio.
However, last March Frank decided to resign from the worship band because he and Marlou felt that God was leading them into another direction. The invitation to rejoin Iona came as a complete surprise but was a great confirmation and encouragement.
"It's an honour and a challenge to be back! I know God has a great plan for the band and it's music and I feel very privileged to be a part of that. I am looking forward to working together again to touch the heart of God and HIs people throughout the world with this incredible music."
Troy Donockley
For several years leader of the acclaimed folk-rock band You Slosh, Troy is a very gifted multi-instrumentalist. He has worked with numerous artists including; The Enid, Paul Brennan (ex -Clannad), Barbara Dixon, Alan Stivell, Katrina and the Waves, Del Amitri, Maddy Prior, the Beach Boys and Status Quo (on their 30th anniversary video on a cover version of 'All around my hat').
Troy has just completed his first solo album 'The Unseen Stream' (released April 1998). He has also played on several TV and film soundtracks including 'Children of the Sun God' which was awarded a BAFTA.
He recently co-produced Maddy Prior's critically acclaimed solo album 'Flesh and Blood' - indeed it was tour commitments with Maddy that resulted in Troy turning down the chance to appear in the 1997 Eurovision Song Contest with winners 'Katrina and the Waves'!
Troy apparently was a national skateboard champion when aged 14 in his native Cumbria.
Joanne Hogg
Born in Ballymena in Northern Ireland, Joanne, the daughter of a Presbyterian minister, started her musical education aged ten with classical piano lessons. Her husband Stephen (they married in 1985) who has known Jo since early schooldays, remembers even then that she was always singing. Eager to compose her own pieces, Jo began to shape these into songs around the age of 15.
Following in the family tradition however, Jo enrolled at Queens University in Belfast to study medicine with the aim of becoming a doctor. It was whilst taking a year out of university from her demanding course that events took place which would eventually lead her to a career in music.
At the beginning of her year out in 1984, Jo travelled to Holland to attend the annual 'Christian Artists Seminar' - a week long get together of Christians from all over the world involved in different areas of the arts. It was here that she met and befriended singer/songwriter Adrian Snell who encouraged her to tape her songs and send him a copy. Also whilst at the seminar, Jo met up with some members of an organisation called 'Youth for Christ'. They invited her to work with them in Denmark for the rest of her year out to sing in concerts/schools etc. Although she enjoyed this very much, at the end of the year the constant singing had taken it's toll - Jo was left with nodes on her vocal chords and told to rest her voice for a year. Left with no other option Jo decided to return to university to complete her studies.
Adrian Snell eventually received the tape from Jo, just as he was putting together ideas for a large scale concept work called 'Alpha and Omega'. He had asked Neil Costello and Dave Bainbridge to co-produce with him. Adrian was so impressed with Jo's voice that he asked her to come over to England in the spring of 1986 to sing a featured part on the album - the song 'Child of Darkness'. David Fitzgerald was recommended by Neil Costello to play on the album and Jo, David (F) and Dave (B) subsequently toured together, with Adrian, for live performances of 'Alpha and Omega' in the UK and Switzerland.
After these concerts Jo took up her first post as a qualified doctor. Thoughts of a career in music seemed remote. Her musical activities were limited to a two week exchange trip to Russia, guesting with Irish band 'Devlin'. (Their performance of a song about the Vietnam war for a college video competition won the Irish section.) In her limited spare time the songwriting continued.
Jo kept in contact with Adrian and in 1988, when Adrian and Dave Bainbridge were working in the studio again, Adrian happened to play Dave a demo he'd received of the song that Jo had written for the video competition. Dave remembers being moved by the emotional quality of Jo's voice and poignant lyrics.
By 1989 David Fitzgerald and Dave Bainbridge had spent another year working on various projects and were itching to do something of their own. Meanwhile Jo, who had by now realised that she wasnÕt cut out to be a doctor, was recuperating on a holiday in America after a long viral illness. She remembers praying to God to show her what she should really be doing with her life. Jo had heard about the two Dave's new project and had heard an early instrumental demo. She knew they were looking for a vocalist/instrumentalist and really liked the music, but wondered whether her songs would really fit in with their music.
On arriving back from America Jo found a card waiting for her. It was from David Fitzgerald, posted on Iona. Jo thought nothing more about this until, in a very vivid dream, she imagined being on the island. On waking, she went to the piano and the song 'Iona' was born. Soon after this, Jo travelled to England for a writing/demo session with Dave Bainbridge and, within a few weeks, Iona's second gig - the first with Jo joining the two Dave's - was happening in a small tent on the fringe at Greenbelt Festival (Aug 1989).
Apart from Iona Jo has worked in a Christian youth drop-in centre and been involved in horseriding for the disabled (she is a keen horsewoman).
Jo has been highly praised for her songwriting talent and vocal abilities and has twice been voted as 'Best Female Vocalist' in the 'Classic Rock Society' awards (1994 and 1996).
Joanne is currently working on her first solo album. She hopes that Iona's music will continue to touch people's lives and that the band will "seek God's kingdom first and foremost".
Phil Barker
Phil took over bass duties in the band in 1995, after playing on several sessions with drummer Terl. He was a member of the band 'Saltmine' for a year and co-founder of 'Funky Beehive' (now 'Beehive'). For three years from 1993, Phil played with singer Sal Solo (ex of Classix Nouveau), recording two albums with him and touring extensively in Europe and the USA. He has also worked regularly with (Julia Fordham) guitarist Dave Clifton and played on Terl Bryant's latest solo releases.
Phil's dad proved to be instrumental (no pun intended) in kicking off his career. Originally Phil had wanted to be a drummer but was advised against it by his dad who pointed out that carting around the kit was a nuisance. However, he later admitted that the thought of hours of paradiddles and flams emanating from the front bedroom would be too much for any parent!
As a left handed player, Phil first learned to play on an upside down, right-handed bass. Once mastered, Phil was working with his first band by the age of fourteen. During their first gig it was suggested that Phil also sang backing vocals. However, the hysterical laughter that arose on his vocal debut gave rise to the decision that, if the band was to be taken seriously, Phil should not be given a microphone.
A few years - and many bands - later, Phil began to consider turning professional. This proved to have a direct effect on his enthusiasm (or lack of it) to hold down a 'normal' job. Consequently, in 1991, when he was approached to audition for the 'Saltmine' band (a group belonging to a Christian evangelical charity), he was ready, willing and able. The group was booked a year in advance with concerts all over the U.K. In 1992, Phil left Saltmine with four other members to form the 'Funky Beehive' (now 'Beehive').
In 1993 Phil was offered a U.S. tour with Sal Solo (of Classix Nouveau) which later became a permanent position lasting for three years, two albums and tours around Europe.
In 1995, on changing churches to St. Paul's, Onslow Square, Phil met Terl Bryant and began to work with him as the rhythm section for guitarist Dave Clifton, including a UK tour with Phil and John. Later that year Terl approached Phil to deputise on some Iona dates for Tim Harries (who was becoming increasingly busy with his other band 'Steeleye Span') which led to the now permanent position.
Phil lives in Surrey with wife Claire and daughters Francesca and Madeleine. For the technically minded amongst you, he plays Wal, Alembic and Warrior (fretted and fretless) basses.
Dave Bainbridge
Born in Darlington in the north east of England, and from a musical family, Dave began piano lessons at the age of 8 and guitar lessons from his dad at 13. He joined his first band 'Exodus' at the age of 14 - "We all liked Genesis at the time, hence the name - it seemed like the next best thing!"
Dave subsequently studied at the Leeds College of Music, gaining several performance awards (including BBC Radio 2 Best Jazz Soloist Award). At college he also developed a deep interest in recording and synthesisers, particularly through work with college bands 'The Leeds Synthonia' and the 'Hyperspace Rock Orchestra' (the members of which, under the guidance of a rather eccentric college teacher, used to perform concerts dressed in Roman style togas!).
Since then his musical career has involved composition, recording, performing, producing, arranging and teaching. Dave has arranged the 'World in Action' theme (with Norman Beaker) for Granada TV, written for numerous commercial video films, written for BBC2's 'Natural World' series, played on TV themes and made numerous TV appearances with various artists.
In the mid 1980's to early 1990's, due to his association with the 'Norman Beaker' band, Dave was very active on the UK Blues scene. With the Norman Beaker band, Dave backed many visiting UK, US and European blues artists, both 'live' and on recordings for the 'Paul Jones Blues Show' on BBC Radio 2, including; Jack Bruce, Dick Heckstall-Smith, Paul Jones, Pete Brown, Phil Guy, Lowell Fulson, Lurrie Bell, Cary Bell, Rockin' Sidney, Guitar Shorty (Jimi Hendrix brother-in-law!), Louisiana Red, Colin Hodgkinson, Tony McPhee, Chris Farlowe, Herbie Goins, Fenton Robinson, Johnny Mars, Mick Abrahams, Ted Hawkins, Helen Watson, Angela Brown ...
Dave has also performed with Buddie Guy and in 1990 was one of the nominees in the category of 'Instrumentalist of the Year' in the British Blues Connections awards.
Whilst still at college in Leeds Dave, through a mutual friend, met up with singer/songwriter Adrian Snell, whom he had long admired. The result was a working partnership that spanned the next 8 years and through which he would first meet Joanne Hogg and David Fitzgerald.
Dave co-founded Iona with the band's former woodwind player, David Fitzgerald, in the summer of 1989. He and Joanne form the band's main writing partnership and he has produced all five of their albums to date.
He has worked with many other artists including; Gloria Gaynor, 'Snake' Davis, Paul Jones, Phil Keaggy, Michael Ball (string arranging) and (through his work as Iona producer) Maire Brennan (Clannad) and Robert Fripp.
Dave lives in Yorkshire with his wife Debbie and son Luca.
Originally published August 14, 2001.
