The MacKenzie Blues Band - Back road revelation

Back Road Revelation | Debut Album

In one year, the MacKenzie Blues Band has set a wrecking ball upon Grey-Bruce and Simcoe Counties with their driving, high energy live shows and are poised to get the attention of the Canadian blues scene. Mastered at the famous Abbey Road Studios, their debut offering, “Back Road Revelation” Is a songwriting journey into the lives and characters, (some fictional and some very real), encountered at a small magical backwoods roadhouse.

The track list, creates an intrigue that is uncommon on a debut release. The relatable songs are about redemption of the human condition and dealing with painful issues. You get the idea that the sky is falling, but somehow there is a silver lining and a path to better times. This album is a seismic juxtaposition of tragedy and hope, with a little bit of fun and flirting along the way.

Back Road Revelation does not follow the typical 12 bar formula, as it explores all byways leading to the heart of the blues. Drawing on the electrical traditions of Buddy Guy, Jimmy Page, and to some extent texas blues greats like SRV and ZZ top in the guitar end, melded with face punching melodic vocals delivered over the 3.5 octave range of singer Tara MacKenzie. It is glued together with the snappy, funky pulsing groove of Dawson and Weir.

Musically, the band explores the flavors of southern gospel, electric rock blues, shuffle and soulful bluesy ballads. “I’m Gone”, covers the gut wrenching revelation that a 20 year marriage is over, with no last hurrah. On “Don’t Let the Devil Get on Your Train” Dawson shines with his seething, rumbling bass line. In contrast, “Treat Me Like I’m Trouble” is a sassy flirty song with the right amount of grinding harmonica,along with tasty organ underlay. It has lyrical innuendo, pop and sizzle. The only cover song on the album is “Heavy Love” made famous by Buddy Guy, was chosen for it’s groove, lyrical content and swagger.

In scope, palette, and composition, "Back Road Revelation" is an exciting and solid debut from this band that is on a mission to become a household name in the blues community and this is that first step, on a journey of a thousand miles.