Post by Joe on May 14, 2007 23:23:47 GMT -5
From sonicmusic.com
Instrumentation
Roseanne MacKenzie - Fiddle, Harmony Vocals, Whistle, Stepdance
Pauline Scanlon - Lead Vocals
Donogh Hennessy - Guitar
Rotating Special Guest - Piano, Fiddle
Biography
The MacKenzie Project is simply one of the most exciting new ensembles in Celtic music today. A "supergroup" of sorts, it features some of the hottest young performers from both sides of the Atlantic, with each member coming to the group from successful careers in their own right. The concept for the group grew out of Roseanne MacKenzie's desire to continue her career, especially as a touring artist, in the wake of the break-up of the well-known Cape Breton quartet The Cottars in the Summer of 2006. A dynamic fiddler, stepdancer, and harmony vocalist,17 year-old Roseanne thought it was far too early to hang up her bow and dance shoes. What she needed were some partners in her new adventure.
One of her first calls was across the Atlantic for a lead vocalist, the stunning Pauline Scanlon, 25. Pauline's vocals have been described as by one prominent critic as "singing [that] seeps into and ultimately unmasks the secrets of the soul." (Irish Echo, 2006). Former vocalist for the Sharon Shannon Band, Pauline is truly one of Celtic music' brightest young stars, and Roseanne is thrilled and honored to have her say yes to The MacKenzie Project. Pauline's touring partner, producer, and arranger is guitarist Donogh Hennessy, formerly of the groundbreaking Irish band Lúnasa. Donogh is a virtuoso and an innovator, and Roseanne is hugely excited to be working with him as well.
To round out the band on piano and fiddle (for mind-boggling twin fiddle sets), Roseanne is able to select from an all-star group that includes Kimberley Fraser, Ashley MacLeod and Howie MacDonald. Touring with the band most recently has been Cape Breton musician and personality Howie MacDonald, who has recorded and toured with some of Celtic music's biggest acts including the Rankin Family and Natalie MacMaster.
A world-class Celtic band at its core, The MacKenzie Project will bring to the stage a potent blend of styles and traditions, with concerts featuring everything from blazing Cape Breton fiddle sets, to powerhouse vocals, to precision stepdance routines; everything from ancient reels and strathspeys to Pauline's Celtic-contemporary take on songs such as Don McLean's "And I Love You So". The MacKenzie Project is soon to become an undeniable force on the Celtic touring scene.
Discography
The MacKenzie Project is currently recording its first album.
Roseanne MacKenzie recorded three albums as a member of The Cottars: "Made In Cape Breton" (2002); "On Fire" (2004); and "Forerunner" (2006).
Pauline Scanlon has released two solo albums: "Red Colour Sun" (2004); and "Hush" (2006).
Donogh Hennessy recorded five albums with the groundbreaking Irish traditional band Lunasa.
Instrumentation
Roseanne MacKenzie - Fiddle, Harmony Vocals, Whistle, Stepdance
Pauline Scanlon - Lead Vocals
Donogh Hennessy - Guitar
Rotating Special Guest - Piano, Fiddle
Biography
The MacKenzie Project is simply one of the most exciting new ensembles in Celtic music today. A "supergroup" of sorts, it features some of the hottest young performers from both sides of the Atlantic, with each member coming to the group from successful careers in their own right. The concept for the group grew out of Roseanne MacKenzie's desire to continue her career, especially as a touring artist, in the wake of the break-up of the well-known Cape Breton quartet The Cottars in the Summer of 2006. A dynamic fiddler, stepdancer, and harmony vocalist,17 year-old Roseanne thought it was far too early to hang up her bow and dance shoes. What she needed were some partners in her new adventure.
One of her first calls was across the Atlantic for a lead vocalist, the stunning Pauline Scanlon, 25. Pauline's vocals have been described as by one prominent critic as "singing [that] seeps into and ultimately unmasks the secrets of the soul." (Irish Echo, 2006). Former vocalist for the Sharon Shannon Band, Pauline is truly one of Celtic music' brightest young stars, and Roseanne is thrilled and honored to have her say yes to The MacKenzie Project. Pauline's touring partner, producer, and arranger is guitarist Donogh Hennessy, formerly of the groundbreaking Irish band Lúnasa. Donogh is a virtuoso and an innovator, and Roseanne is hugely excited to be working with him as well.
To round out the band on piano and fiddle (for mind-boggling twin fiddle sets), Roseanne is able to select from an all-star group that includes Kimberley Fraser, Ashley MacLeod and Howie MacDonald. Touring with the band most recently has been Cape Breton musician and personality Howie MacDonald, who has recorded and toured with some of Celtic music's biggest acts including the Rankin Family and Natalie MacMaster.
A world-class Celtic band at its core, The MacKenzie Project will bring to the stage a potent blend of styles and traditions, with concerts featuring everything from blazing Cape Breton fiddle sets, to powerhouse vocals, to precision stepdance routines; everything from ancient reels and strathspeys to Pauline's Celtic-contemporary take on songs such as Don McLean's "And I Love You So". The MacKenzie Project is soon to become an undeniable force on the Celtic touring scene.
Discography
The MacKenzie Project is currently recording its first album.
Roseanne MacKenzie recorded three albums as a member of The Cottars: "Made In Cape Breton" (2002); "On Fire" (2004); and "Forerunner" (2006).
Pauline Scanlon has released two solo albums: "Red Colour Sun" (2004); and "Hush" (2006).
Donogh Hennessy recorded five albums with the groundbreaking Irish traditional band Lunasa.