SCOTSMAN NEWSPAPER 5/7/12
MONDAY, 7 JULY 2014
MIDNIGHT WITHOUT YOU
JAZZ
Kevin MacKenzie and Steve Hamilton: Midnight Without You
* * * *
Laundry Room Music
Guitarist Kevin MacKenzie’s long-standing fascination with jazz’s rich tradition of guitar and piano duets is combined with a love of the songs of The Blue Nile in this project from two of Scotland’s leading jazz musicians. MacKenzie’s thoughtful instrumental arrangements of Paul Buchanan’s subtly crafted creations prove highly conducive to the process, retaining the authentic feel of the originals while opening out to inventive expansion from both players. The guitarist has chosen four songs from The Blue Nile’s second album, Hats, and two each from their debut, Walk Across The Rooftops, and the later unofficial compilation, Birthday Cards and Silent Music. Producer Calum Malcolm provides a direct link with the band, while the duo setting and their measured approach emphasises the elegance and intimacy in the music.
KENNY MATHIESON
