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Biography of Delia Layton - Professional Solo Artist in Johannesburg
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Delia Layton was born
in Bulawayo and comes from a musical family (her mother was a piano teacher and
her older sister a concert pianist). She picked up her first guitar at the age
of 12 and started to learn the flute as a teenager. Her musical influences were
acoustic / folk artists such as Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Crosby Stills Nash
& Young, and Pentangle.
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She continued her interest in
folk music, featuring in annual folk shows at university in Grahamstown. She was
also a frequent performer at the legendary ‘Four Winds Folk Club’ for many years
when she lived in Port Elizabeth. She moved to Johannesburg in the 1980’s and
performed for several years in the blue-grass band called ‘Ipso Facto’, playing
in folk festivals, folk clubs and at barn-dances. At this time she also wrote
and recorded an album of original children’s songs which has recently been
re-released on CD and is as popular today as it was when first released.
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In the 1990’s Delia became a
professional solo artist and over the years has earned a reputation as a
versatile performer and multi-instrumentalist (electric & acoustic guitar, flute and alto saxophone).
Her wide repertoire ranges from quiet background to up tempo dance music, with a
variety of musical styles including folk, rock, blues and light jazz.
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In addition, she provides all the music and “calling”
for Barn Dances. At a square dance (or barn dance) the emphasis is on fun, so Delia
teaches the dances in a light-hearted manner, quickly getting people into the spirit
of the occasion. The dances are simple and easy to follow, thereby involving the entire
audience, rather than having them stand around observing the “experts” first (see what is a barn dance?)! Games and
competitions are also organised. A great idea for a corporate function, party or a fundraiser. |
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