Scottish guitar icon leads a band that is both powerful and deeply lyrical, presenting contemporary jazz with folk, funk, blues, and fusion

Kevin Mackenzie Electric Quartet

Join us at The Merchants House of Glasgow for an exceptional evening of high-octane contemporary jazz, led by one of Scotland’s most revered guitarists and composers.

The Kevin MacKenzie Electric Quartet delivers a thrilling performance built on fiery interactive improvisation, electric grooves, intricate energetic melodies, harmonic twists, and tight, intuitive band interplay. Seamlessly blending contemporary jazz with rich influences from folk, funk, blues, and fusion, MacKenzie’s songwriting and virtuosic playing bring together a deep sense of lyricism and undeniable rhythmic energy.

"Mackenzie demonstrates a composer’s ear and vision that equals his improvising skills." — The Guardian

"…a perfect contribution that completes an urbane study in measured jazz improv." — BBC Music Magazine

" 'Cooking!' is the best way to describe award-winning jazz-guitarist, Kevin Mackenzie’s stellar performance." — Daily Record

Featuring a heavy-hitting lineup of Scottish jazz luminaries, this is set to be an unmissable night of world-class music.

The Lineup

Kevin MacKenzie – Guitar

Paul Towndrow – Alto Saxophone

Chris Quinn – Electric Bass

Stephen Henderson – Drums

About Kevin Mackenzie

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Since 2008 Kevin has been a lecturer at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, teaching on both the Jazz Deg

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