Multi instrumentalist, composer and producer Sean Mackenzie is an eccentric wizard on a worldwide journey through music. His explorations into less conventional, indigenous sounds have seen him specialize in piano, the exquisite thumb piano (Kalimba) of Africa, and the beautiful Brazilian instruments of berimbau and pandeiro. Sean has composed and produced music for Nikatsu Film Studios in Japan, as well as his own albums, Talking to Myselves, Off 2 C the Planet and his latest album Brasil. He has been invloved in intensive workshops in Holland and Brazil. Sean tours with Lulo Reinhardt & is endorsed by Korg.
A premier artist in the fusion of world music.
Sean Mackenzie began playing the piano at the age of 9, by 11 he was performing his original works in competitions and by 15 had started performing professionally with jazz and rock bands. Since graduating from Queensland Conservatorium of Music in 1987 he has travelled widely composing, performing and teaching. With influences from all corners of the world, Sean’s music travels from one hemisphere to another and back again, connecting with people from around the world and exploring their voices. The beauty of Sean Mackenzie’s music is its undulating melodies, profound harmonies and creative improvisation.
Sean finds inspiration in the music of Brazil, Latin Americas, Africa, Asia and the European Gypsies. He developed a unique understanding and sound with music making him one of the exceptional musicians and composers of our time.
Sean was invited to Curso de Verâo, an International summer school for music in Brazil Sean conducted master classes and performed his own work with Jeff Andrews on bass and Kiko Freitas on drums. In The Netherlands, Sean worked at the Conservatorium of Music with percussionist Nippy Noya and in Japan Sean composed music for Nikkatsu Film Studios and recorded his first album “Talking to Myselves” with Ricardo Sagiorato on bass and Tommy Campbell on drums. In Australia, Sean has recorded 2 more albums - “Off 2 C the Planet” with Jimi Sofo on bass and Deva Permana on Kendang and “Brasil” with Christopher Soulos on bass and Calvin Welch on drums.
You can hear Sean on his new album “Brasil” (released 2011) as well as recent releases of Lulo Reinhardt’s “Live in Melbourne” CD & DVD (released 2008) & “Katoomba Birds” (released 2010), all available from Itunes.
Presently Sean tours with his own band & with Lulo Reinhardt.
Sean is available for performances & master classes.
Reviews
Album review for “Brasil”
Sydney Morning Herald
by John Shand
Mackenzie is a master storyteller. Every piano solo is a deftly shaped little narrative that unfolds compellingly from one note to the next. Those who have been enthralled by his work as foil to guitarist Lulo Reinhardt should enjoy Mackenzie’s own music, here consisting of nine Brazilian-flavoured originals. These are realised with bassist Christopher Soulos and drummer Calvin Welch, who mostly adopt an unusually minimalist approach, so the focus is kept on the compassion of those piano and electric piano stories. On Friends, Mackenzie swaps to thumb piano for a delightful introduction to a jazzier piece, while his berimbau playing on the title track almost steals the show.
Taken from a review of a Lulo Reinhardt Concert
by Lloyd Bradford Syke
Monday, 20 September 2010
“Besides Lulo, there were three compelling reasons for this: Sydney-sourced pianist (well, multi-instrumentalist, truthfully) Sean Mackenzie probably foremost among them. Mackenzie is so dazzling, he rivals Lulo for TKO performance. The constantly competitive, good-natured playoff, between the two, is nothing short of scintillating; a thrill a minute, as they push themselves and each other into new territory and to ever more dizzying new heights. This is, clearly, what keeps the band alive, kicking and in such high spirits: there's a palpable sense of mischievous fun.”
Education
Instruments
Teaching
1999
2004
2008
Performed with:
Recorded with:
Recorded Original compositions:
Note: All these documents will be only accessible upon booking confirmation.
All meals and drinks to be supplied whenever possible.
| Summary | Time | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
Jazz, Brazilian, original material and mainstream covers. |
3 hours | Start From $1,530.00 | Send Enquiry |
Jazz, Brazilian, original material and mainstream covers. |
3 x 45min | Start From $510.00 | Send Enquiry |
Jazz, Brazilian, original material and mainstream covers. |
3 hours | Start From $1,530.00 | Send Enquiry |
Jazz, Brazilian, original material and mainstream covers. |
3 hours | Start From $510.00 | Send Enquiry |
