The Mike MacKenzie Band
Calgary, Alberta, Canada | Established. Jan 01, 2011 | SELF
Music
Press
“Incendiary guitar playing, equally accomplished as a singer… There is certainly a substantial level of songwriting craft being employed here” -
“Strong classic rock feel, extraordinary musicianship… The guitar on this album is flawless and anyone who has a love for music can see how much emotion is put into each and every song” -
“Imagine Joe Bonamassa jamming with Jethro Tull… Heartfelt vocal and great guitar/organ interplay – storming prog rock” -
“A great mix of new and old, layered on a foundation of searing guitar and heavy bottom end” -
“One of the best bands we’ve ever had and we have music seven days a week!” -
I have never seen such impressive guitar work from a local band before. I actually could not even believe this band was local they were so good. Their instrumentals were just as captivating as their vocal tunes and they played like seasoned professionals that have been doing this for 30 years. I am actually quite surprised I had never heard of them before this, I thought I knew all the best bands in Calgary. This band is great, and I wouldn't be surprised if they were known worldwide one day. - Rebirth
Discography
Photos
Bio
With a diverse palette of influences, the Mike MacKenzie Band makes their presence known by being simultaneously powerful, bluesy and groovin’. Each member adds their personality to the dynamic melting pot and a potent brew is cooked up at every performance. Conceived in mid-2011 as a vehicle for MacKenzie’s accumulating original repertoire, the band has evolved far beyond initial expectations into the tour de force it is today.
It was through a culmination of experiences that Mike was led to assemble this unit, and musicianship along with flexibility was at the forefront of his vision. He had previously been engaged in several original rock groups, studied jazz at Mount Royal University and always had a deep-seeded foundation in the blues. Eventually the stars aligned and he was able to devise a product of all these important ingredients. The band is influenced by such predecessors as Deep Purple, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and The Allman Brothers, but undeniably have a sound all their own. Mike takes care of guitar and vocals and is joined by the top-notch cast of James Wise (drums), Tom Hart (bass) and Duncan McCartney (keys/sax). They treat every gig as an opportunity to break new ground, improve their sound and tightness, as well as leave an inspired, satisfied audience in their wake… and that is typically what they achieve.
Not long after their first batch of jam sessions and gigs, the group hit their stride and have since performed with a consistently high level of musicality and delivery. 2014 saw them play their highest volume of shows to date and 2015 is on track to be another busy and successful year. Expansion beyond their home turf of Calgary is fully underway, with an ever increasing amount of out-of-town dates throughout Western Canada. This recent period has also been very important as far as recorded material goes, with the debut Mike MacKenzie album “Natural Causes” being released in October 2014. Mike and the band are excited about the opportunities this will bring and aim to continue their ascent towards being a top Canadian act and an unforgettable concert experience.
Band Members
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