Mackenzie,
a Gaelic vocal group of sisters Eilidh, Gillian and Fiona from the village of
Gress on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, is the result of many years
of involvement in the world of music and song - Gaelic music and song in particular.
Although they have been singing together since childhood they did not get together
to formally perform as a trio until 1996 when they were invited to perform on a
Gaelic music television programme. Soon after they recorded their first album,
Camhanach, and recently followed this successful debut with their second album,
Fama Clamosa, which was released in October 2002. Both albums include traditional
songs alongside their own compositions, with some tracks a cappella and some enjoying
accompaniment from an impressive line-up of guest musicians. The have also been
fortunate in that Sutherland born artist, David
Hutchison, has produced amazing artwork for both albums, and has allowed the
use of his three figure image as the Mackenzie logo. In
addition to their recorded works Mackenzie have also appeared at various musical
festivals and concerts in Scotland, France and Northern Spain including Celtic
Connections, Glasgow, in 1999, 2000 and 2002, and the Hebridean Celtic Festival,
Stornoway, in 1999 and 2006 Over
the years they have juggled careers, motherhood and music and have been exposed
to a wide range of musical and cultural influences. As a result, their own preferences
and tastes have developed and matured to reflect these - but the main influence
is still the Gaelic music and culture of their island home.
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this folk-carol on myspace... Poem 230 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (see my blog for details): CHRISTMAS SUNG SIMPLY
As gospellers have said, Beneath signalling skies, On land dusty to tread, A trough in a stable Was the strawy first-bed Of a divine baby - The forgiving Godhead.
A season for new hope - There then and here now; The yuletide of goodwill - There then and here now.
In respect of this chance, Beneath bright or dark skies, Faith's the star that we glance Attending Christ's churches And trying to enhance, With singing and ritual, Our God-loving stance.
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 162 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): TEES TO TYNE: FIRST IMPRESSIONS - SUMMER 2001
Where traditions are not so rare; Sea, country and works scent the air; A multitude of monuments, Planted tubs and patterned pavements.
The longish pedestrian malls; The remnants of defensive walls; Historic buildings are a gauge Of the respect for heritage.
Wheat, rape and pines in the fields; Estuaries guarded by shields; Long sandy beaches and wide scenes; Romantic-ruin go-betweens.
Rivers in parts licked by trees, Or fringed by boat clubs, wharfs, gantries, And crossed by practical delights - Varied spans, forming pleasing sights.
Fine churches headed at Durham; Football kits ad infinitum; Kept castles - one for study; Masonry behind masonry.
And, with moulding-works out that way, It’s somewhere for a longer stay..?
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 2 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): WALKABOUT WITH MY PEN
Once drove an old sedan, up north, From a place in Sydney to Cairns; Then to Kuranda I went forth, By train, to look without set plans.
I browsed through the trendy market, With fresh fruits of tropical kind; Walked to the creek through lush thicket - Nature’s hand giving peace of mind.
I dined in a scenic cafe; Then, outside, as I wrote for yen, Some passing Kooris called-out: “Hey, You go walkabout with your pen.”
Request or question, I don’t know - Assured voices, elderly men. That’s now several years ago, And I’ve seen the world - with my pen.
Hi there and many thanks for the add. It is really appreciated. If you get the chance please have a listen to my new track entitled "Alba" Hope you are having a great week. Keep in touch!
Check out our website www. festnfurious. co. uk for the first of our FREE MUSIC DOWNLOADS from festival artists, kicking off with Luva-Anna's Ballad o Boaby Smith.
Thanks for the add! Absolutely love your voices and songs -- any chance of hearing them "over here" some day? If not, guess I'll have to head "over there"...
Thanks for adding Rambles. NET to your friends' list!
Hey, if you would like your music to be considered for a feature on our site, be sure to send a couple of review CDs our way. (You can find the mailing address on our page.) We love to share new music with our readers!
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace -
2 of 230, walkaboutsverse.741.com: WALKABOUT WITH MY PEN
Once drove an old sedan, up north, From a place in Sydney to Cairns; Then to Kuranda I went forth, By train, to look without set plans.
I browsed through the trendy market, With fresh fruits of tropical kind; Walked to the creek through lush thicket - Nature’s hand giving peace of mind.
I dined in a scenic cafe; Then, outside, as I wrote for yen, Some passing Kooris called-out: “Hey, You go walkabout with your pen.”
Request or question, I don’t know - Assured voices, elderly men. That’s now several years ago, And I’ve seen the world - with my pen.
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