Earlier this year, folk singer Iona Lane released her masterful debut album Hallival, reviewed here. As touched on in that review, Iona delivers her poetic songs across the album with the utmost care and attention. Subtle musical touches and warm contemplative vocals combine to make this one of the most rewarding albums of the year.
It’s also a poetic gift, one to lose yourself in that will continue to reward you with each listen.
Alex Gallacher (Review of Hallival)
Earlier this year, Iona participated in Making Tracks, an international music exchange programme based around the twin theme of musical traditions and the natural world. Each year, they bring together eight exceptional musicians to showcase diverse music and initiate new collaborations during a two-week residency and two-week tour.
During the residency, Iona performed Western Tidal Swell, the opening track from Hallival, and the session was recorded by Nic Kane at Peaton Layo beach (Argyll and Bute). The song was inspired by the Hebridean Isle of Rum and a longing to escape: “Oh I pine for that coastline/To climb mountains forged in volcanic decline.” In the album notes, Iona also credits Edwin Waugh’s 19th-century book A Limping Pilgrim as an influence for the song.
For guitar fans, Iona is playing a Taran Guitar designed and built by Rory Dowling and Zachie Morris. The angled headstock really stands out, and if you look closely, you’ll see how they’ve shaped the lower bout where she rests her arm; it looks and sounds beautiful.
For details of upcoming dates, visit http://www.ionalane.com/live
Find out more about Making Tracks here: https://makingtracksmusic.org/
Find out more about Taran Guitars: https://www.taranguitars.co.uk/