"Isabella (Izzy) Miller Bell aka Ma Bell and Madame Tragedie: Heralded as one of New Zealand's most musical Scottish imports" (NZMM July 2003).
From Europe to Australia and New Zealand on a 30 year musical odyssey this independent travelling musical luminary has performed on various platforms; from the streets, schools, and prisons, to local, national, and international festivals and events. Known for her magnetic warm stage presence and honest, sensitive yet gutsy chocolate hazlenut voice, this sassy vintage blues siren will take you on a musical journey that will lift you up to the dizziest heights and cast you down into the darkest of nights in her story of the blues.
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With songs and tall tales from the earthly gardens of temptation and delight, Madame Tragedie tells the story of the blues, from birth to death and all the juicy bits in between with no stone left unturned in her search for a paradise lost.
"Ma Bell's shade is definitely blue and it's obvious she has lived every minute of the stories she tells in the songs she sings" (Greenock Telegraph 2003)
Born a post war baby into a large family with a shared Scottish Irish heritage and rich theatre concert hall background; life as a singer and concert producer began for Izzy at a very young age when as a 7-12 year old a favourite pastime was coming up with ideas for shows to be presented in neighbourhood house concerts.
"My musical roots are steeped in the American tradition, I grew up surrounded by the voices of Slim Whitman, Hank Williams, Doris Day, Elvis, Sinatra, Billie Holiday and others of the era".
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One of 9 children Izzy grew up on a Scottish council housing estate, where the houses were made of steel. Her Father; a boxer, and a man of the sea, was often away from home leaving her Mum as sole parent for long periods of time. "My Mum and Dad first inspired me musically and were my main influences, both were great singers who filled the home with music, bringing light, warmth, and cheer into what was at times a harsh tough life".
From the age of 15 through to her early twenties Izzy worked in a variety of factories from rope works to chocolate factories, a fantasy dream job she soon sickened of.
At the tender age of 16 Izzy left home to the strains of Bob Dylan singing out "how does it feel to be on your own" . From Greenock in Scotland to Handsworth in Birmingham, Izzy recalls the excitement she felt on first hearing the music known as Blue Beat emanating from the homes of West Indian immigrants. Eighteen months later she was living in Blackburn Lancashire where the Motown sound was ringing out and shaking up every dance floor.
The years between 1972 and 1981 were spent living in London developing her craft while working in offices, bars, and clubs; immersing herself in the live music scene and travelling back and forth through Europe, Asia, and Australasia, following the hippy trails. Influences include singers such as Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith, Maggie Bell, Van Morrison, Joan Armatrading, Stevie Nicks, and the Stones.
"My main mode of travel in those days was hitchhiking, considered safe at that time. I did several trips through Europe and Asia, once hitchhiking back from Afghanistan alone after running out of money on route to India. These experiences have definitely shaped me as an artist and story teller".
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Izzy arrived in Sydney in 1981 with a backpack full of original songs and classic covers; she applied for a busking license and was then invited to perform at The 1982/3 Manly Summer Festival. From there she went on to spend the next 5 years performing as a solo artist in Sydney North Shore venues. In 1987 Izzy Gardner as she was known then arrived in Christchurch with her Kiwi partner and settled in to raise and educate their two sons. Izzy continued to perform on a part-time professional basis, supported and accompanied by some of New Zealands finest South Island musicians and composers; including - Jon Maxim Hooker, James Wilkinson, Harry Harrison, the late great James Mc Kenzie Young, Tom Rainey, Bob Heinz, Ian Edwards, Doug Caldwell and others.
STAGED PRODUCTIONS AND CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
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