"'Solo' is another mighty fine album from Dave MacKenzie. Anyone who likes acoustic blues will find plenty here to enjoy. The album works as background music, and equally rewards those who like to analyze the music and/or the lyrics. "Solo" will certainly be in this reviewer's top 10 albums for 2003. Highly recommended.
DAVE MACKENZIE - SOLO
Solo - $20
Armed only with a metal-bodied Dobro and 6- and 12-string guitars, Dave MacKenzie's CD, Solo, features modern blues done old-style. "Just about any of these songs, even the ragtime tunes, could've been cut with a band, but lately I've been re-listening to a lot of Lightnin' Hopkins and Lonnie Johnson. There's something about that one-guy-and-his-guitar approach that still appeals to a lot of people; you get the chance to really hear the song and let it do it's share of the work."
Solo started out as an answer to years of audience requests for acoustic versions of some of Dave's older songs. "But I wound up recording almost half an album's worth of new material. Whenever I get ready to make a record, that's when the new songs start showing up. I don't know, maybe there's something about the studio that attracts them." The new collection of songs includes That Rainy Day's Coming, inspired by elder blues-statesman of St. Louis Henry Townsend, Two Girlfriends, based on an idea by Willie McTell, and A Better Way, a country blues gospel song in the tradition of Blind Willie Johnson. Add to that If Jesus Comes Back (as a Mexican Man), with it's combination of ragtime guitar and religious speculation and the pro-reefer anthem Two Drags, and the result is an album that covers a lot of thematic bases.
"I'm not doing this to be any kind of preservationist or historian. The reason this music is still alive is because people can hear it for the first time and understand it; the basic subject matter never changes. It doesn't matter if you're a student or a salesman or a sharecropper, when you get your heart broken it always hurts. My song Back In The Day is kind of about that; younger people have it just as tough now as their grandparents did, just in a different way, and that's why the blues keeps attracting people."
With it's old time sounds and modern day sensibilities, Dave MacKenzie's Solo proves that that the country blues is still alive and kicking because, in the right hands, one guitar is more than enough to get the groove going.
Solo started out as an answer to years of audience requests for acoustic versions of some of Dave's older songs. "But I wound up recording almost half an album's worth of new material. Whenever I get ready to make a record, that's when the new songs start showing up. I don't know, maybe there's something about the studio that attracts them." The new collection of songs includes That Rainy Day's Coming, inspired by elder blues-statesman of St. Louis Henry Townsend, Two Girlfriends, based on an idea by Willie McTell, and A Better Way, a country blues gospel song in the tradition of Blind Willie Johnson. Add to that If Jesus Comes Back (as a Mexican Man), with it's combination of ragtime guitar and religious speculation and the pro-reefer anthem Two Drags, and the result is an album that covers a lot of thematic bases.
"I'm not doing this to be any kind of preservationist or historian. The reason this music is still alive is because people can hear it for the first time and understand it; the basic subject matter never changes. It doesn't matter if you're a student or a salesman or a sharecropper, when you get your heart broken it always hurts. My song Back In The Day is kind of about that; younger people have it just as tough now as their grandparents did, just in a different way, and that's why the blues keeps attracting people."
With it's old time sounds and modern day sensibilities, Dave MacKenzie's Solo proves that that the country blues is still alive and kicking because, in the right hands, one guitar is more than enough to get the groove going.
Downbeat, July 2003, Frank-John Hadley
MacKenzie shows so much empathy for country blues doing his tradition-bound songs and his adaptations of Muddy Waters’ “Too Young To Know” and Sleepy John Estes’ “Little Laura” that you have to wonder why this singer/guitarist/dobro player isn’t better known. Maybe it’s because the Nashville picker puts perfecting his art before self-promotion.
MacKenzie shows so much empathy for country blues doing his tradition-bound songs and his adaptations of Muddy Waters’ “Too Young To Know” and Sleepy John Estes’ “Little Laura” that you have to wonder why this singer/guitarist/dobro player isn’t better known. Maybe it’s because the Nashville picker puts perfecting his art before self-promotion.
Guitar One, July 2003, Dave Rubin
The Nashville cat plays solo acoustic country blues like nobody’s business on this excellent set of mostly original tunes. His wood, steel, and 6- and 12-string guitars display maximum warmth and resonance. MacKenzie struts his stuff like a modern-day Robert Johnson on “Two Drags”.
The Nashville cat plays solo acoustic country blues like nobody’s business on this excellent set of mostly original tunes. His wood, steel, and 6- and 12-string guitars display maximum warmth and resonance. MacKenzie struts his stuff like a modern-day Robert Johnson on “Two Drags”.
Blues on Stage - June 2003, Gordon Baxter
This year marks the tenth anniversary of Hey Baby! Records, the company started by bluesman Dave MacKenzie. All three of his previous albums were very well received on both sides of the pond. MacKenzie's latest effort, "Solo," where he concentrates on playing acoustic guitar appears destined to follow suit.
The opener, "That Rainy Day's Comin'," which was inspired by financial advice from Henry Townsend, offers a good snapshot of MacKenzie's talents. He is an adept slide guitarist, with vocals that always fit the song just about right. Like all the tunes here, it was recorded live in the studio. Those listening out for MacKenzie's wry sense of humor have to wait until the third track, "Two Girlfriends", which also features some fine fingerpicking on a song based on a Blind Willie McTell theme.
All the tunes are MacKenzie originals, with two exceptions. The first is Sleepy John Estes' "Little Laura", where MacKenzie uses slide guitar to fine effect. The only other cover is also dominated by slide guitar, when MacKenzie delivers an impassioned slice of delta blues with Muddy Waters' "Too Young To Know".
There is plenty of fingerpicking guitar on display too, and when it is combined with MacKenzie's humorous lyrics it is certain to raise a smile on anybody's face. Classic examples of this are "Big Ol' Girls" "If Jesus Comes Back" and "Rats In My Bedroom" The image of roaches racing rats around MacKenzie's home on the latter is one that certainly stays with you!
MacKenzie's more serious side is best exemplified by "Back In The Day" which tackles the notion that things were better "in our day." MacKenzie points out that people went through hard times, and he, for one, does not want to go back. His guitar playing on this one calls to mind some of Lonnie Johnson's finest work, straying towards jazz territory. He also veers into this area with some nice jazzy chording on "She Ain't No Southern Girl" as he highlights the differences between northern and southern girls.
After "Jumpin' On Jefferson" where MacKenzie name checks two of Nashville's finest blues artists--Marion James and Johnny Guitar Jones--and "Stumblin' Home" MacKenzie rounds off in style with "A Better Way" Once more the tune is dominated by slide, this time shifting more into Gospel territory. Blind Willie Johnson shines through on a rousing song that ensures that you do not forget "Solo" in a hurry.
"Solo" is another mighty fine album from Dave MacKenzie. Anyone who likes acoustic blues will find plenty here to enjoy. The album works as background music, and equally rewards those who like to analyze the music and/or the lyrics. "Solo" will certainly be in this reviewer's top 10 albums for 2003. Highly recommended.
This year marks the tenth anniversary of Hey Baby! Records, the company started by bluesman Dave MacKenzie. All three of his previous albums were very well received on both sides of the pond. MacKenzie's latest effort, "Solo," where he concentrates on playing acoustic guitar appears destined to follow suit.
The opener, "That Rainy Day's Comin'," which was inspired by financial advice from Henry Townsend, offers a good snapshot of MacKenzie's talents. He is an adept slide guitarist, with vocals that always fit the song just about right. Like all the tunes here, it was recorded live in the studio. Those listening out for MacKenzie's wry sense of humor have to wait until the third track, "Two Girlfriends", which also features some fine fingerpicking on a song based on a Blind Willie McTell theme.
All the tunes are MacKenzie originals, with two exceptions. The first is Sleepy John Estes' "Little Laura", where MacKenzie uses slide guitar to fine effect. The only other cover is also dominated by slide guitar, when MacKenzie delivers an impassioned slice of delta blues with Muddy Waters' "Too Young To Know".
There is plenty of fingerpicking guitar on display too, and when it is combined with MacKenzie's humorous lyrics it is certain to raise a smile on anybody's face. Classic examples of this are "Big Ol' Girls" "If Jesus Comes Back" and "Rats In My Bedroom" The image of roaches racing rats around MacKenzie's home on the latter is one that certainly stays with you!
MacKenzie's more serious side is best exemplified by "Back In The Day" which tackles the notion that things were better "in our day." MacKenzie points out that people went through hard times, and he, for one, does not want to go back. His guitar playing on this one calls to mind some of Lonnie Johnson's finest work, straying towards jazz territory. He also veers into this area with some nice jazzy chording on "She Ain't No Southern Girl" as he highlights the differences between northern and southern girls.
After "Jumpin' On Jefferson" where MacKenzie name checks two of Nashville's finest blues artists--Marion James and Johnny Guitar Jones--and "Stumblin' Home" MacKenzie rounds off in style with "A Better Way" Once more the tune is dominated by slide, this time shifting more into Gospel territory. Blind Willie Johnson shines through on a rousing song that ensures that you do not forget "Solo" in a hurry.
"Solo" is another mighty fine album from Dave MacKenzie. Anyone who likes acoustic blues will find plenty here to enjoy. The album works as background music, and equally rewards those who like to analyze the music and/or the lyrics. "Solo" will certainly be in this reviewer's top 10 albums for 2003. Highly recommended.
"Dave Mackenzie chops a lot of sound out of an old acoustic, and Old, New, Borrowed & Blue rings with pure six-string joy.”
- Blues Review
DAVE MACKENZIE - OLD, NEW, BORROWED & BLUE
Old, New, Borrowed & Blue - $20
Living Blues, March/April, 2000
Whether covering the songs of his blues heros (Arthur Crudup, Muddy Waters, Furry Lewis, Sylvester Weaver) or singing one of his lyrically fascinating originals (try Preachin' to the Choir or Girlfriend Blues' tale of sapphic betrayal),singer/songerwriter/ acoustic guitarist Dave MacKenzie plays and sings with an easy and unassuming style that belies his mastery of pre-war blues guitar, both slide and picked. MacKenzie's skill with the Robert Johnson cannon (Me and the Devil) is far better than most, and Jet Lag Johnson (a darkly hillarious musician's lament many will be familiar with) is just one of this disc's vignettes portraying life on the cusp of the new millennnium. If you like Roy Book Binder Old, New, Borrowed & Blue will be in your CD player a lot.
Whether covering the songs of his blues heros (Arthur Crudup, Muddy Waters, Furry Lewis, Sylvester Weaver) or singing one of his lyrically fascinating originals (try Preachin' to the Choir or Girlfriend Blues' tale of sapphic betrayal),singer/songerwriter/ acoustic guitarist Dave MacKenzie plays and sings with an easy and unassuming style that belies his mastery of pre-war blues guitar, both slide and picked. MacKenzie's skill with the Robert Johnson cannon (Me and the Devil) is far better than most, and Jet Lag Johnson (a darkly hillarious musician's lament many will be familiar with) is just one of this disc's vignettes portraying life on the cusp of the new millennnium. If you like Roy Book Binder Old, New, Borrowed & Blue will be in your CD player a lot.
Blues Access, Spring 2000
Dave Mackenzie is extremely comfortable with the old ways. His sterling Old, New, Borrowed & Blue spotlights just 6 strings and one voice, recorded live at The Nest, Nashville, TN. Though he does a Furry Lewis cover and a few more oldies, the meat of this release is MacKenzies easy-rolling originals, sung in a weary voice a la J.J. Cale and loaded with poor man's poetry. MacKenzie's sharp wit is sometimes turned on himself. After he cuffs a few notes on one cut, he says, "This is the kind of guitar playing keeps Chet Atkins up at night...laughing like crazy." But if you ain't Atkins you're liable to find MacKenzie a spirited player and singer who mesmerizes throughout this truely fine set.
Dave Mackenzie is extremely comfortable with the old ways. His sterling Old, New, Borrowed & Blue spotlights just 6 strings and one voice, recorded live at The Nest, Nashville, TN. Though he does a Furry Lewis cover and a few more oldies, the meat of this release is MacKenzies easy-rolling originals, sung in a weary voice a la J.J. Cale and loaded with poor man's poetry. MacKenzie's sharp wit is sometimes turned on himself. After he cuffs a few notes on one cut, he says, "This is the kind of guitar playing keeps Chet Atkins up at night...laughing like crazy." But if you ain't Atkins you're liable to find MacKenzie a spirited player and singer who mesmerizes throughout this truely fine set.
Blues Review, April, 2000
Dave MacKenzie chops a lot of sound out of an old acoustic, and Old, New, Borrowed & Blue (Black & Tan Records) rings with pure six-string joy. The rhythm section bookmarks MacKenzie's nimble chords and licks without smothering them; his singing leaps above the mix. Best Cut: the medley of Steel Guitar Rag and I'm So Glad.
Dave MacKenzie chops a lot of sound out of an old acoustic, and Old, New, Borrowed & Blue (Black & Tan Records) rings with pure six-string joy. The rhythm section bookmarks MacKenzie's nimble chords and licks without smothering them; his singing leaps above the mix. Best Cut: the medley of Steel Guitar Rag and I'm So Glad.
"The first thing you notice about Dave is that he is a superb guitarist, whether on acoustic, electric or slide, and mandolin (all of which are featured on this CD), with a penchant for story telling in his often wry and humorous lyrics...”
- Blues Gazette (Belgium)
DAVE MACKENZIE - ALL NEW SLENDER MAN BLUES
All New Slender Man Blues - $20
Blues Gazette (Belgium)
This CD like Dave's previous release "Rats In My Kitchen", carries the following warning on the CD case: PURIST WARNING: This album contains some songs which are not blues, but don't let this put you off, because although Dave plays a variety of Southern roots music, it will all have appeal to most blues lovers and especially those whose particular preferences tend to the acoustic based styles of the genre. The first thing you notice about Dave is that he is a superb guitarist, whether on acoustic, electric or slide, and mandolin (all of which are featured on this CD), with a penchant for story telling in his often wry and humorous lyrics, which at times are so entertaining you either don't notice or forget that a particular song is not a straight blues. The first track "Start the Party" does exactly that, a real swinger that features elements of jazz and Western Swing with Dave's superlative guitar picking propelled by the excellent rhythm section of Oscar R. Veterano (guitar), John Vogt (bass) and Paul Griffith (drums), and doesn't ease up until the final track "Sure 'Nuff Shame" (a shame that it finishes so quickly), a song that draws its influences from a wide eclectic base but is highlighted by some great guitar picking, Blind Boy Fuller style. In between we are treated to some stunning slide and mandolin on "Slender Man Blues", a song that extols the virtues of the tall, scrawny lover when it says "If you want to find the sweetest meat, you got to get right down to the bone", which mixes Muddy and Yank Rachell replete with Hammie Nixon style harp (another of Dave's multi-talented facets), the swinging N'awlins styled "Honeymoon Mambo" with more of that haunting slide and Longhair styled piano from the Rev Billy C. Wirtz, the late night feel of "Blues Give A Lesson" with Dave's understated guitar meshing flawlessly with Wirtz's mellow piano and the Yank Rachell styled "What She Like To Do" where Dave bemoans the fact that "what she likes to do all night, takes me all night to do". If you take heed of the purist warning and give this CD a miss, you'll be missing out on a real treat from an artist who is a songster in the old tradition, based in the blues but primarily an entertainer, able and willing to play whatever the situation and audience demands.
This CD like Dave's previous release "Rats In My Kitchen", carries the following warning on the CD case: PURIST WARNING: This album contains some songs which are not blues, but don't let this put you off, because although Dave plays a variety of Southern roots music, it will all have appeal to most blues lovers and especially those whose particular preferences tend to the acoustic based styles of the genre. The first thing you notice about Dave is that he is a superb guitarist, whether on acoustic, electric or slide, and mandolin (all of which are featured on this CD), with a penchant for story telling in his often wry and humorous lyrics, which at times are so entertaining you either don't notice or forget that a particular song is not a straight blues. The first track "Start the Party" does exactly that, a real swinger that features elements of jazz and Western Swing with Dave's superlative guitar picking propelled by the excellent rhythm section of Oscar R. Veterano (guitar), John Vogt (bass) and Paul Griffith (drums), and doesn't ease up until the final track "Sure 'Nuff Shame" (a shame that it finishes so quickly), a song that draws its influences from a wide eclectic base but is highlighted by some great guitar picking, Blind Boy Fuller style. In between we are treated to some stunning slide and mandolin on "Slender Man Blues", a song that extols the virtues of the tall, scrawny lover when it says "If you want to find the sweetest meat, you got to get right down to the bone", which mixes Muddy and Yank Rachell replete with Hammie Nixon style harp (another of Dave's multi-talented facets), the swinging N'awlins styled "Honeymoon Mambo" with more of that haunting slide and Longhair styled piano from the Rev Billy C. Wirtz, the late night feel of "Blues Give A Lesson" with Dave's understated guitar meshing flawlessly with Wirtz's mellow piano and the Yank Rachell styled "What She Like To Do" where Dave bemoans the fact that "what she likes to do all night, takes me all night to do". If you take heed of the purist warning and give this CD a miss, you'll be missing out on a real treat from an artist who is a songster in the old tradition, based in the blues but primarily an entertainer, able and willing to play whatever the situation and audience demands.
Mick Rainsford
This creator and performer of boogie\rag has his etiquette: "Purist warning: this album contains some songs which are not blues." One understands this attitude, which treats friends to guitars (acoustic and electric), slide, mandolin, backed up by bass, drums and piano if need be, is far from being sad or congealed in the fillets of grilles. As a signer and instrumentalist, Dave is strongly honest in a domain already saturated by affectation.
I contacted Hey Baby Records for Dave MacKenzie (above). But the most beautiful discovery is his companion, Adie Gray, and her voice. Don't believe that modest, down home "back porch" sleeve. On a repertoire in large part of Dave and which one would believe comes from an anthology of traditionals, Adie offers a collection of folk grass, with touches of blues and gospel of absolute beauty. Beautiful voice, vibrant harmonies and accompaniment on a biblical level with Wynonna Judd, Albert Lee, John Hartford, David Schnaufer and other less known but good players. Listen to "Mr. Roy", a touching allusion to her childhood, with Roy Acuff "on the radio", that should talk over a kid. A musical family, in every sense of the word, like the real food, the revelation of this chronicle: an album that is again on our turntables and which one doesn't tire of. Bravo...
This creator and performer of boogie\rag has his etiquette: "Purist warning: this album contains some songs which are not blues." One understands this attitude, which treats friends to guitars (acoustic and electric), slide, mandolin, backed up by bass, drums and piano if need be, is far from being sad or congealed in the fillets of grilles. As a signer and instrumentalist, Dave is strongly honest in a domain already saturated by affectation.
I contacted Hey Baby Records for Dave MacKenzie (above). But the most beautiful discovery is his companion, Adie Gray, and her voice. Don't believe that modest, down home "back porch" sleeve. On a repertoire in large part of Dave and which one would believe comes from an anthology of traditionals, Adie offers a collection of folk grass, with touches of blues and gospel of absolute beauty. Beautiful voice, vibrant harmonies and accompaniment on a biblical level with Wynonna Judd, Albert Lee, John Hartford, David Schnaufer and other less known but good players. Listen to "Mr. Roy", a touching allusion to her childhood, with Roy Acuff "on the radio", that should talk over a kid. A musical family, in every sense of the word, like the real food, the revelation of this chronicle: an album that is again on our turntables and which one doesn't tire of. Bravo...
Le CRI (France)
" . . . it all flies by so smoothly you can almost miss the fact that he's quite a player, tasty, economical, and very accomplished. . . .well above the blues crowd vying for the hand-speed record. Nice." - Dirty Linen
" I really like Dave's songs . . . fine additions to the country and party blues repertoire." - Blue Suede News
" An excellent set of acoustic "Southern Roots"music that encompasses blues, gospel, western swing, and string band elements . . . Give this CD a listen. I'm sure you won't regret it."
- British Blues Connection
" Want to hear some great, new, original blues tunes? This guy is destined for bigger things." - Texas Blues Magazine
" . . . a real treat from an artist who is a songster in the old tradition."
- Blues Gazette (Belgium)
" . . . it all flies by so smoothly you can almost miss the fact that he's quite a player, tasty, economical, and very accomplished. . . .well above the blues crowd vying for the hand-speed record. Nice." - Dirty Linen
" I really like Dave's songs . . . fine additions to the country and party blues repertoire." - Blue Suede News
" An excellent set of acoustic "Southern Roots"music that encompasses blues, gospel, western swing, and string band elements . . . Give this CD a listen. I'm sure you won't regret it."
- British Blues Connection
" Want to hear some great, new, original blues tunes? This guy is destined for bigger things." - Texas Blues Magazine
" . . . a real treat from an artist who is a songster in the old tradition."
- Blues Gazette (Belgium)
"He is an artist of Tom Waits, Randy Newman, and Jimmy Buffet's caliber...(the songs) are original jewels created by a knowledgeable craftsman."”
- IL Blues (Italy)
DAVE MACKENZIE - RATS IN MY BEDROOM
Rats in My Bedroom - Out of Print
Blue Suede News
Boy is this music refreshing! Take my word for it - if you like country blues with a sense of humor, you'll love this.
Boy is this music refreshing! Take my word for it - if you like country blues with a sense of humor, you'll love this.
Performing Songwriter
Hard to pick a fave - his 11 originals are so consistently crafted, accessible and credible. . . it's a jukebox hoot.
Hard to pick a fave - his 11 originals are so consistently crafted, accessible and credible. . . it's a jukebox hoot.
Acoustic Guitar
... mellow, soulful slide guitar, clever original songwriting, and an easygoing singing voice. This release is grounded in Southern roots-both black and white-but is hardly a museum piece, as MacKenzie gives freshness to a mixed bag of traditional licks.
... mellow, soulful slide guitar, clever original songwriting, and an easygoing singing voice. This release is grounded in Southern roots-both black and white-but is hardly a museum piece, as MacKenzie gives freshness to a mixed bag of traditional licks.
IL Blues (Italy)
He is an artist of Tom Waits, Randy Newman, and Jimmy Buffet's caliber . . . (the songs) are original jewels created by a knowledgeable craftsman.
He is an artist of Tom Waits, Randy Newman, and Jimmy Buffet's caliber . . . (the songs) are original jewels created by a knowledgeable craftsman.
BluePrint (UK)
All in all, a pleasant listen from a performer I'd very much like to see playing live in Britain.
All in all, a pleasant listen from a performer I'd very much like to see playing live in Britain.
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