SPENCER MACKENZIE // EMPTY CHAIRS // ALBUM REVIEW

In a recent interview, I discovered that Spencer Mackenzie picked up his first guitar at age 5! Now that really is an early start. As he studied at university, his tutor suggested he listen to Stevie Ray Vaughan. S.R.V. was an unknown artist to the young Mackenzie, but his dad pointed him in the right direction. Mackenzie’s feel and understanding of the Blues started there. It takes him right up to the magnificent Joe Bonamassa.

Empty Chairs incorporates these influences and many more. Fellow Canadians, The Commoners have a huge part to play on this album. Ross Hayes Citrullo is the producer; Miles Evans-Branagh plays piano/ keyboard; and Adam Canon plays drums.

The title and opening track are a powerful, poignant anti-gun statement co-written with his dad. It deals with the Parkland shooting in Florida, America, where 17 people were killed. ‘Empty Chairs’ is the result of their deaths. Another big song from the album is ‘Frozen Hearts’, whose lyrics deal with children taken from their parents and placed in residential homes. The riffs are defiant, and his voice is full of soulful, raw emotion. Both the songs mentioned have been released as hard-hitting singles. ‘Shoot Me Down’ may appear to continue a theme, but it doesn’t; it explores a relationship in which no matter what you do, you get it wrong. Mackenzie delivers a frustrated, angry vocal with some edgy lead guitar.

On a lighter note, ‘Trip’ is about having fun and getting out there; it is built around a driving rhythm section as our bluesman demands “Let’s Go” in an authoritative manner, and apparently, it is great live. ‘Till I Get To You’ is more reflective and personal, it is full of soul and has a vibe of its own, the keys play a big part in this song. By these tracks alone it is clear that Spencer Mackenzie has the quality to be the new king of the Blues, at the age of 25 the worlds biggest stages beckon.

From Blues to heavy Blues Rock, our guitarist from Ontario really shows his stuff with a take on Rory Gallagher’s ‘Don’t Know Where I’m Going’. It is faithful to the original, with Mackenzie putting his unique style on it. You might not know where you’re going, but I do, right to the top, my friend. On the way there can you invest in some new Jeans! (watch the videos to see what I mean).

JUNO-nominated and Maple Blues Award winner Spencer Mackenzie is pleased to release his new album, Empty Chairs, via Gypsy Soul Records, Feburary 20th.

Review: Paul Mace

The CD and vinyl edition of the album is available from www.spencermackenzie.ca.

The digital edition of the album is available from https://lnk.fuga.com/spencermackenzie_emptychairs.

Stream the focus track “Empty Chairs.” Watch the live performance video of “Empty Chairs.”

“EMPTY CHAIRS” – NEW ALBUM
CD & VINYL | DIGITAL

“EMPTY CHAIRS” – FOCUS TRACK
STREAM | YOUTUBE

EMPTY CHAIRS – ALBUM TRACK LISTING

Empty Chairs (4:29)
Trip (3:25)
What You Do (4:28)
Don’t Know Where I’m Going (3:11)
Till I Get to You (3:57)
Frozen Hearts (4:09)
Helping Hands (3:18)
Why (3:58)
Shoot Me Down (4:08)
Won’t Find Her (3:18)
Evil (3:57)

ABOUT GYPSY SOUL RECORDS

Empty Chairs is Spencer Mackenzie’s third studio album released with Gypsy Soul Records, a label defined by soulful artistry and uncompromising vision along with other extraordinary artist including The Commoners, Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar, Bywater Call, Marcus Trummer, just to name a few. With his continued partnership, Spencer’s new album will be embraced and elevated by Gypsy Soul Records, whose dedication to his craft ensures it reaches the hearts and souls across the globe with creativity that knows no bounds.

SPENCER MACKENZIE