Iona Leigh’s music is intended to comfort mankind; namely those wild by nature. Some might characterize Leigh’s style as new age, yet this CD opens with a track titled “Nature’s Lament”, which credits William Wordsworth as its lyricist. Just to provide some perspective, Mr. Wordsworth stopped writing lyrics around about 1850, which is when that beloved wordsmith died. If he was in fact a new age poet, than that movement’s a whole lot older than we first suspected. “Queen Boadicea” is even older, having been penned by William Cowper, who bowed out in 1800.
Just in case the listener cannot figure out the true intentions of each song, every track is matched with a song affirmation at the back of the CD booklet. For instance, “Nature’s Lament” is accompanied with the phrase, “I rejoice in the divine beauty of nature revealed within and without.” And in support of the aforementioned “Queen Boadicea”, Leigh writes, “I am courageous and I have the power to overcome any obstacle.” In addition to famous poets of old, Leigh also thanks, “unseen beings, nature spirits, elementals, angels and muses for your enchanting inspiration.” They’re thanked, it’s true, but one seriously doubts a single one of these creatures will receive a percentage of the publishing.
No matter what you may make of Leigh’s quirky spirituality, it’s impossible not to be impressed by her vocal abilities. “Colours of the Earth”, in particular, has a solid rhythm, which supports Leigh’s semi-smoky vocal. She emotes so sweetly, you may not even notice lines like, “The fairy folk within the forests/Fly round and sing like birds.”
Leigh may sound like a fantasy novelist at times, but she seemingly has the best intentions. Such good will is expressed on a track titled “Visions for Life”. On it, she imagines a world where peace and restoration are common, and it’s a world with a place for everybody. “For a dream like this is yours to find,” she affirms. “It soothes the heart and heals the mind.” It’s as if she’s beckoning the brokenhearted and mentally scarred to follow her to this heavenly retreat.
This project utilizes many different instruments, including guitars, dulcimer, mandolin, bass, harp, uillean pipes, flutes, drums and percussion. Yet “Banish the Storm” is one of this 10-song set’s stronger tracks because of its relatively stripped down arrangement. On it, piano is most prominent in the mix, and supports a song where Leigh’s singing is at its most passionate.
There is yet one more relatively ancient lyrical idea fleshed out on this recording, by the way. “Eyes of the Soul” was inspired by Banjo Paterson’s poem, “As Long As Your Eyes Are Blue”. And instead of being an ode to nature’s beauty, these lines of verse comprise a more straight forward love song. “And my faithful sweetheart I shall love you still/For as long as your eyes are blue.”
While Leigh’s reapplication of nature poetry is mostly lovely, the last song on this release may be a little too tree hug-y for some to handle. On it, trees are thanked for their green, leaves, breeze, and peace — in that order. While it’s scientifically correct to state, “You give us life to breathe,” the following couplet, “You are so healing/You help us when we grieve,” is far more subjective.
One might quibble with Iona Leigh’s subject matter; this is not at all regular pop music territory. But she’s an excellent singer, and these songs ultimately create an overall peaceful mood. You may come into it wild by nature, but Iona Leigh will have you calmed down significantly before all’s said and done.
Review by Dan MacIntosh
