Fiona Leigh Jones loves all the great jazz singers. She has her own deep, warm, husky voice and loves to bathe an audience in it. But in some ways she’s more Joplin than Fitzgerald…more Maggie Bell than Billie. Don’t expect the ball gowns and orchids when you go to watch Fiona Leigh Jones… you’re more likely to find torn denim and a leather jacket housing a ‘whole of body’ performance that generates a near electric current in the room.
Her vocals are rich and emotional but cut razor-sharp. Her latest album You Keep Askin' slices through time with a selection of soulful nuggets (both originals and covers)… tinged with a touch of musical theatre that she gets from the great American songbook writers. As she explains it:
"There’s always an element of 'camp' in my performances, thanks to soaking up so many musicals. I was even a Karaoke host in the early days – that will always be a highlight! I didn't so much ‘host’ as take over and do my own show!"
But at the heart of Fiona Leigh Jones is her underlying love of Jazz, Blues and Soul. “It wasn't until I heard Ella Fitzgerald that I realised just how much I loved Jazz".
Since then, Fiona's own career has taken her to Europe and Asia where she’s delighted audiences with her undeniable vocal talent. While living and performing in London, Fiona was invited to play at Richard O'Brien's Annual Fundraising Ball. Richard is the creator of the Rocky Horror Show and having seen it more times than she can count, Fiona reckons she could perform Rocky Horror as a one-woman show.
After the show, O’Brien was invited and surprisingly showed up at a BBQ at Fiona's place. "When he arrived I was speechless! All I could do was motion for him to come in. It was totally surreal. This was a man who had seriously influenced my teenage years so it was an incredible experience," says Miss Jones.
Fiona also had the good fortune of being involved in the release of Shirley Bassey's latest CD ‘Get the Party Started'. "Similarly surreal," recalls Fiona. "She is just an amazing Diva. We were actually only allowed to call her ‘Dame Shirley'…Fabulous!"
Back in Australia, Fiona has put together a great band including Michael Teterin – Keyboards, Tim Rollinson – Guitar, Nick Hoorweg – Bass, Julia Day – Drums, together with a 3-piece horn section led by Simon Kay.
"All fabulous musicians who I absolutely love working with. It truly is one of life's great joys being able to sing with these guys and totally refreshing to have a chick behind the drum kit!"
She’s sultry, sexy, energetic, entertaining and electrifying. For belting blues, soothing soul and jazz that jumps through the mic, curls around your leg, then works its way up to your aural and visual senses, don’t miss the experience that is Australia’s own Fiona Leigh Jones.
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