Kevin Mackenzie lives in Scotland. He has toured extensively and has recorded on many albums in a variety of styles.
In 2001 Kevin received the prestigious ‘Creative Scotland Award’, which he used to write and record music for his nine-piece band ‘Kevin Mackenzie’s Vital Signs’. The CD gathered great reviews including album of the month in The Observer and CD of the week in The Guardian. New Album PRIME: Play Standards coming early 2026
His groups have been featured along side guitarist Robben Fords power trio, Bob Berg and Mike Stern, the Crusaders and Seminal Jazz figure Ornette Coleman.
“This is a most enjoyable recording and I would unreservedly recommend it not just to lovers of contemporary jazz guitar but also to the wider jazz audience. I love it. “
BeBop Spoken Here
...an international-class jazz player” The Herald
“...a perfect contribution that completes an urbane study in measured jazz improv” BBC Music magazine
“Mackenzie demonstrates a composer's ear and vision that equals his improvising skills” The Guardian
“Cooking is the best way to describe award-winning jazz-guitarist, Kevin Mackenzie's stellar performance” Daily Record
“..an excellent example of what's going on north of the border” The Observer
More Info
Kevin Mackenzie
Guitarist, Composer, and Educator
Kevin Mackenzie is an acclaimed guitarist, composer, and educator whose work spans jazz, traditional Scottish music, and contemporary fusion. With over three decades of professional experience, he has established himself as one of Scotland's most versatile and innovative musicians.
Early Career and Education
Kevin's musical journey began in childhood, inspired by his father—a physicist who played multiple instruments including alto saxophone, clarinet, mandolin, guitar, and pipes. He started with classical guitar lessons with John Williams at Gordon Simpson's music shop and was active in the music department at Broughton High School, where he used cutting-edge recording equipment to transcribe jazz compositions.
His formal education includes a Post Graduate Diploma in Advanced Jazz from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama (1990), a BSc Honours Degree in International Studies from the Open University, and a Post Graduate Certificate in Higher Arts Learning and Teaching from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Jazz
Kevin's jazz credentials were established early when he won "Best Young Musician" at the Edinburgh Jazz Festival in 1987. He became a founding member of the John Rae Collective, performing alongside renowned musicians including Brian Kellock, Phil Bancroft, Colin Steele, Kenny Ellis, and John Rae. The group toured extensively throughout Europe and North America, recording the album "The Big If Smiles Again."
In 1991, Kevin moved to New York, where he lived on East 7th Street and performed with both emerging and established artists. He studied with jazz legends John Abercrombie and attended Barry Harris's workshops, while maintaining a residency at The Rooster Bar with bassists Joris Teepe and Boris Koslov.
Traditional Scottish Music
Kevin's exploration of traditional Scottish music began in 1992 with the formation of "The Giant Stepping Stanes," which featured prominent jazz musicians adapting traditional Scottish repertoire. His collaboration with concertina player Simon Thoumire in "The Simon Thoumire Three" proved particularly influential, blending Scottish tradition with jazz improvisation across two acclaimed albums for Green Linnet Records.
His innovative approach to traditional music accompaniment, combining extended harmony and rhythmic exploration. He has performed with leading traditional artists including Martyn Bennett, John McCusker, Karen Tweed, and Fiddlers Bid, and was a regular leader at Edinburgh's legendary Tron Session.
Major Collaborations and Projects
Kevin has been a member of numerous significant ensembles, including:
Trio AAB (with Phil and Tom Bancroft): Their album "Cold Fusion" won BBC Radio 3's Jazz Album of the Year
Scottish National Jazz Orchestra (SNJO): Featured in performances with Kenny Wheeler, Peter Erskine, Randy Brecker, Bill Evans, Makoto Ozone and others
Scottish Guitar Quartet: Toured internationally, including the Vienna Guitar Festival
Kevin Mackenzie's Vital Signs: A nine-piece ensemble funded by the prestigious Creative Scotland Award
Recent Work and Recordings
Kevin's discography includes numerous acclaimed releases:
- "Chiasmus" (2008) - featuring Julian Arguelles, Aidan O'Donnell, and Alyn Cosker
- "East of East 7th Street" (2009) - recorded in Brooklyn with Ben Perowsky and Boris Kozlov
- "Midnight Without You" (2014) - a duo recording with pianist Steve Hamilton featuring Blue Nile arrangements
- "Revenge of the Hammer Ladies" (2015) - contemporary compositions with New York alto saxophonist Loren Stillman
- "The Ballad of Future Joe" (2019) - original trio compositions with Alyn Cosker and Mario Caribé
PRIME 2023
Education and Teaching
Since 2008 Kevin has been a lecturer at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, teaching on both the Jazz Degree and Masters courses established by Tommy Smith, as well as the Scottish Music degree program. He holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Higher Arts Learning and Teaching and is Signalong certified.
As a guest educator, he has taught at institutions including Broughton High School, Strathclyde University, Limerick University, Newcastle University, Edinburgh University, and G.I.T. in London. He maintains a private teaching practice and regularly tutors at the Tolbooth in Stirling.
Recognition
Kevin's contributions to music have been recognised through various awards and honours, including the Creative Scotland Award and his albums receiving critical acclaim in publications such as The Observer and The Guardian.
Kevin continues to perform, compose, and teach, remaining at the forefront of Scotland's vibrant music scene while maintaining his commitment to both preserving traditional Scottish music and pushing the boundaries of jazz and contemporary music.