Wes Mackey
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada | Established. Jan 01, 1962 | SELF | AFM
Music
Press
"Wes Mackey is a showman, charming and charismatic he captivates the audience..
Peppermint Blues Belgium
The joy, class and talent that Mackey brings to the music is front and centre..a reminder that the blues is not about being down on yourself,it's about using the music to lift your spirits and celebrate.
See Magazine.
After 3 encores he had to beg the audience to let him leave the stage..
Vincent Abate Blues Revue Magazine
Wes Mackey is a Bluesman with a totally unique sound and identity and very few emerging artists can lay claim to these very important and refreshing traits.
Real Blues Magazine - See Magazine, Maxwell Cafe Paris, Peppermint Blues, Blues Revue Magazine
How is it possible to sing so well, to have a perfect guitar playing, to play with his feet, to keep smiling and share his joy of life ? ..Wes Mackey, a phenomenon!...a wonderful showman. Charming and charismatic, he captivates the audience .. - Peppermint Blues
Wes Mackey's second album is an extremely satisfying CD of contemporary blues, with a varied program of originals and covers. The originals are particularly strong with "Who Do Da Voodoo?", "AngelGirl", "In My Neighbourhood" and especially "Mr. Blues" very much the equal of some of the more famous numbers here. "Mr. Blues" has a lyric worth quoting: "Mr. Blues, sorry but you have to go. Just got a letter from my baby and you can't stay here no more." ... a highly recommended CD.
- John Valentyn Toronto Blues Society
Mr. Blues "..a reminder that the blues is not about being down on yourself; it’s about using the music to lift your spirit and celebrate ..it’s an early runner for 2006’s top ten lists of Canadian blues release - See Magazine Edmonton
The following are the Top Five most often listened-to recordings in the BluesWax offices this week, February 16, 2006 (in no particular order):
1. David Gogo - Skeleton Key (Cordova Bay Entertainment)
2. Eric Lindell - Change In The Weather (Alligator Records) Release: April 4
3. Dr. John - Right Place, Right Time: Live At Tip's Mardi Gras '89 (Hyena Records) Release: March 14
4. Wes Mackey - Mr. Blues (Bluesline Entertainment)
5. Los Lonely Boys - Live at the Blue Cat Blues (Blue Cat Blues Records
- From www.blueswax.com
Discography
CD's Second Chance, Mr. Blues, Full Moon in Lamanon Beyond Words
Toronto Blues Society says Wes Mackey's new album is an extremely satisfying CD highly recommended.
BluesWax said this is a super-smooth and very groovin' album....
Wes is currently working on his next album as well a wide variety of collaberations in everything from hip hop to contemporary classical..
Photos
Bio
With more than 50 years in music he went from working the dusty honky tonks of Georgia to performing in five star venues, festival and concert stages around the world including places like Iceland, Russia, Malaysia, Hong Kong and many others.
Born December 12, 1942 he learned to play the guitar from the seasoned old blues players of the South. At the urging of his father he eventually left “Big Estate” in rural South Carolina and moved to Augusta, Georgia where his career really began.
His first gig paid 50 cents and a chicken sandwich but soon he found himself working in bands that would back up touring artists including Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Reed, Stevie Wonder and many others.
While he has attained some recognition abroad as an independent artist it has been challenging to garner the same attention in the US. After years of being a sideman Mackey’s journey took him to Canada where he developed a diverse and interesting career that gave birth to his eclectic take on the blues.
Even today at 74, Wes Mackey’s career continues to evolve. He recently began doing more workshops and presentations based on the storytelling tradition and the reviews have been phenomenal. After years of experimenting Mackey feels he has found his niche and is looking forward to bringing it with him on the road.
Band Members
Links
