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Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Ivy's beginnings in music began at an early age
singing in church choir and playing handbells. As a teenager she played
flute and saxophone in school band programs, and went on to complete a
Bachelor of Music and half a Master's degree in classical flute
performance.
Although prominent in Edmonton's classical music circles, Ivy only entered
the singer/songwriter scene in 2006, when she happened upon a Sunday night
open stage at Cargo & James Tea. She frequented the open mic over the
next two years, usually performing traditional Irish music on flute, and
sometimes partnering with a friend to play guitar while she sang.
In early 2008, knowing that she wanted to learn guitar, a generous friend
gave her an old one on "permanent loan". With the help of a beginner
guitar computer program and a method book, Ivy taught herself to play the
instrument. Because of her background and knowledge of music theory, she
says it had a very short learning curve. In her own words, "I really
enjoy playing guitar, possibly because I don't know much about it!"
Torn (written in January 2008) was the first song she wrote using the
guitar as the medium.
Despite her strong foundation in classical music, Ivy's first love is rock
music. The first two albums she can recall listening extensively to
(after outgrowing Raffi's numerous children's albums) are The Stray Cats'
Built For Speed, and The Beatles' White Album.
As a flute player, she is self-professed to perform musical styles from
"Belfast to Bach to Rock", and past credits include recordings with
progressive rock band Ants On A Log (1996-1997), indie punk/surf rockers
The Zazazas (2008), and a solo flute album of traditional irish/celtic
style songs.
Upon moving to Vancouver in September 2008 she has focused on developing
her guitar & vocal skills, and currently studies with esteemed vocal coach
Taylore T. Fox (Trudy Buckler Blake).
Her original music is described as poignant, with catchy melodies and
lyrics. She has been compared to Jewel's earlier styles and Priscilla
Herdman.s delivery of words and music. Ivy calls her style "folk-pop",
however, her influences range widely and include progressive rock guru Ian
Anderson of Jethro Tull, irish flautist Chris Norman, Roxette, Madonna,
Evanesence, Paramore and Bif Naked.
In November 2009, Ivy released a 5 song demo EP entitled .The Teaser EP.,
and has performed in Vancouver at Trees Cafe on Granville Street, The
Wired Monk, Cafe Montmartre and Cafe Deux Soleils.
Discography:
- Ants On A Log; demo recordings; 1997
- Meditations; original material, solo flute; 2006
- The Zazazas; The James EP; 2008
- Minstrel In The Market; solo flute; 2007
- The Teaser EP; original material, voice/guitar; 2009
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