Iona Leigh

Iona Leigh (born 17 October 1983 in Sydney, Australia), is a folk musician known for fusing traditional folk styled songs with contemporary pop and new age influenced song structures, melodies and arrangements.
Biography
At the age of 8, Iona moved with her family to Findhorn, the holistic spiritual community in the north-east of Scotland, now called the Findhorn Foundation. This is where Iona was first exposed to traditional folk music as many traveling musicians would come to the famous community to perform. At aged 13 she learnt the Scottish harp, also known as the (Clarsach) with Bill Taylor of Ardival Harps, and began to write her first folk songs.
Iona Leigh, attended the Moray Steiner School and Forres Academy, and left at the end of her Fifth Year with four Highers, and began a Higher National Diploma course at the Perth College Music Millenium Centre, part of the UHI Millennium Institute. On completion of the diploma, Iona was accepted at London Pop/Rock School, 'Vocaltech' - part of the London College of Music and Media at Thames Valley University. Iona graduated with a first-class Honours BMus degree in June 2006, and an MA Music in June 2007.
Iona plays an electric harp, made by Selkie Clarsachs, and acoustic harp, made by Pilgrim Harps, both of whom she now has a sponsorship deal.
In late 2006, Iona recorded backing vocals for the Welsh punk band Weapons debut release album Weapons which featured the notable artist Jem
In early 2007, Iona released her self produced, debut album Spirit, which displayed the vast range of Iona’s influences through the courageous medium of solo piano and voice. Her album, Spirit, was released on Crescent Moon Records, after recording it at the famous Resident Studios in London with pianist Kevin Webster.
In the summer of 2008, Iona recorded Beside the Waves of Time at the Watercolour Music Studio in Ardgour, Scotland. The album, produced by Nick Turner and arranged by Nick Turner and Findlay Napier employs a full contemporary folk band and musicians including Jarlath Henderson (Uilleann pipes), Duncan Lyall (Upright Bass), Findlay Napier (Guitar), Mary Ann Kennedy (Clàrsach), Paul Jennings (Drums) and Gillian Frame (Fiddle). Trees (Track 10), was used to raise awareness for the charity as part of their efforts to regenerate the depleted Caledonian Forest. Blackbird (Track 5) features Mary Ann Kennedy on the Clàrsach and was played on BBC Radio 2 on 25 March 2009 by DJ Mike Harding
In the summer of 2009, Iona recorded Wild By Nature with new age producer Medwyn Goodall, and released this album on the MG Music record label in May 2010.
Discography
Albums
* Spirit, 3 January 2007.
* Beside the Waves of Time, 6 April 2009.
* Wild by Nature, 4 May 2010.

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