Bman's Blues Report

I just received the most recent release, Slam! Bam! from the Mackenzie Blues Band and it's quite different. Opening with Prelude , an a capella number with warm vocals, it's a sure fire great start. Down With Love is a rocker with blues overtones. Lead singer Tara Mackenzie brings to mind a number of female lead vocalists but likely mostly Grace Slick or Ann Wilson. Lead guitarist Trevor Mackenzie shows a SRV flair. Joined by Mike Weir on drums and Joel Dawson the band is tight. On Sweet Stuff, Trevor is light up the fretboard again joined by Chris Murphy on sax, Rob Mclean on keys and Rod Ramsay on harp. Move On has an odd (for rock) 3/4 time signature and basic a more euro classical vocal track. Bone Cage again returns to a a capella style joined by Drew Mcivor, James Keelaghan, Coco Love Alcorn and Rob Elder on vocals. Primarily vocal and drums (with rhythm along the lines of When the Levee Breaks) the track is tight and definitely highlights Tara's vocal style. ...

July 8, 2014 Watch video for "Up! Up! Up!"  here       Mixing equal parts soul, blues, and talent, with a dash of retro style, Ontario’s The MacKenzie Blues Band has quickly proven to be a force to be reckoned with on festival stages, clubs and bar rooms. Their debut CD release, Back Road Revelation , garnered considerable airplay and positive reviews across Canada, USA and Europe. The MacKenzie Blues Band has twice made the semi-final rounds at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN and in early 2014 they won the Maple Blues Award for New Artist of the Year. The MacKenzie Blues Band has gained the attention of blues music professionals, critics and fans alike, and the release of their new CD Slam! Bam! will continue to elevate their profile as one of the new bands on the international blues scene. The MacKenzie Blues Band’s sophomore release Slam! Bam! features straight up rockers such as “Burned When Y...