Search - Iona :: Songs for Luca

26 tracks in all, of which 10 are previously unreleased (these including an epic version of 'Matthew the Man - live in Tokyo 2001' and 'Beijing - widescreen remix' from IONA and other unreleased tracks from Dave Bainbridge, Bainbridge & Fitzgerald ('live' in Norwich Cathedral - 1998), The Flower Kings, Frank van Essen, Nick Beggs and Debbie Bainbridge - some of these especially written for Luca). Also features tracks by Rick Wakeman, Maire Brennan, Karnataka, Eden's Bridge, Joanne Hogg, Troy Donockley, Peter Fairclough Group, Mae McKenna, Terl Bryant, Jeff Johnson, Gentle Giant, Adrian Snell and Julie Tippetts. All proceeds from this album will go towards helping Dave and Debbie's autistic son Luca overcome the challenges that autism bring to his life using the Son-Rise Programme, (Autism Treatment Centre of America). A home-based, parent-led programme in a special playroom where Luca is loved and respected in a non-judgmental environment. Where we enter his world and explore and inspire Luca to want to join us more, step by step, all at Luca's pace. The money will pay for Son-Rise's invaluable support services including phone consultations, video feedback, home outreach visits and a weeklong visit to the USA for the whole family to complete their intensive course. From the gently funky 'Open Sea' from Eden's Bridge, via Flower Kings (the unreleased 'A King's Prayer'), several contributions from ex-Kajagoogoo bass player Nick Beggs and the Bainbridges themselves either solo or with Iona (with a particularly fine live version of 'Man'), the album is full of twists and turns. As with all the best compilation albums, it will prompt you to investigate some of the artists' work further. Essentially, though, it can be regarded as Celtic chill-out, and a painless way to help a worthy cause. David Randall (The Music Index)