Happy Holidays!

I've kept this site going mostly because of the domain name and links to it from other places, and most of the cds list it as well; but most of my online activity happens now over on the Patreon page. You do not have to subscribe to enjoy some of the content there, including downloads of music; and it's the best place to see what I'm up to, musically and otherwise. Most of the next album is recorded and uploaded there - some of the tracks are available to the public! Be sure to say hey via a comment or post if you decide to stop by there! I would love to hear from you! Have a great holiday season! - Kenny

ps - you can tune into my jazz radio show each Tuesday from 3-7pm eastern (with a break at 5) via iHeart, or at 88.5 FM if you live in or near St. Augustine!

Schedule for June 2019

So! I'm resuming performing after a year and a half hiatus. The Bosendorfer Lounge is inside the Grand Bohemian hotel in downtown Orlando. Needless to say, they have an Imperial Grand. It's pretty sweet. See you there!

New Music!

Hello and happy Spring! Below is just a taste of the new tracks being recorded and posted at the Patreon site! A new album is in the works as well thanks to the supporters there. Please consider joining them and thank you for stopping by! - Kenny

New CD limited edition

There are a very limited supply (less than 100) of my new cd available to the public. $15 + free shipping!

1. 1-2-3
2. What Now My Love
3. L-O-V-E
4. Who Can I Turn To
5. Call Me
6. With These Hands
7. Michelle
8. Sneakin' Up On You
9. Everybody Loves Somebody
10. The Shadow of Your Smile
11. Dominique's Discoteque
12. I Should Have Kissed Him More

"New Scene" Now Available at Bandcamp!

Hello! My first jazz release in 7 years is out and available at Bandcamp! Since I've melded jazz piano with my electronic project Seven Octaves, I've put it out under that name. Have a listen and thanks in advance for your support! - Kenny

ps - I am not releasing the album to any other distributor, and cd copies are limited and reserved for patrons at patreon.com/sevenoctaves.

New Album Complete!

The new album "The New Scene" is complete. I'm releasing

it under the Seven Octaves moniker. Currently only available to subscribers at patreon.com/sevenoctaves. 12 tracks - all non-originals! Jazz piano & improv mixed with space-age synth sounds and both jazz rhythms & electronic beats. Subscribers also get a hard copy in a few weeks, along with all the other new music I've released and am making on that site. I am very happy with this recording - I hope you enjoy it, too! - Kenny 

New Music & Upcoming Album Alert!

It's been some time since I've released any new jazz music! You may know I record electronic music under the moniker Seven Octaves. Till now I've kept the two distinct and apart. A drummer and friend predicted about ten years ago that one day I'd find my own way to put them together.

Long story short - I'm making a straightforward jazz Seven Octaves album that will prominently feature my piano playing . It will also be all covers! I've decided to entirely remake Sarah Vaughan's 1966 release, a very fine album (featuring a young Bob James) made up of twelve 60's pop & easy listening hits, including "L-O-V-E", "What Now My Love?" "Who Can I Turn To" and the bossa nova selection below.

To cover the cost of production more directly, this will be a subscription-only release; available at Patreon. There are several subscriptions to choose from that start as low as $3 a month, and can be cancelled at any time. This album will not be released on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify or any other public venue. Tracks are released to Patrons as they are completed along with photos & videos. There are also more perks - links to free downloads of previous albums and any other material I record. To learn more about the album, see the track list or sign on to be a part of this project - visit my Patreon page. Thanks for stopping by - hope you dig the music! - Kenny  

This is the new official KMT website!

It was time for a change, the old site was getting too bulky and I was having to do all the updates by code, so this will be the new official site for Kenny MacKenzie Trio etc... If you are looking for Seven Octaves, that'll take a few weeks longer. I will post the domain name here when it's established.

Thank you for visiting! I'll be updating and adding to this site more often now that I can see what I'm doing! If you want to stay informed, follow this blog.

Warm regards! - Kenny

Where in the world is...

L-R: John Pellegrino, Ray Guiser, KM, Steve Prince
Photo: Charlie Boyer, Jazz-Blues Florida

Just a brief hello to catch up here on the blog, and to announce some upcoming performances!

"Where Have U Been?" Well, I've been a bit choosey about performances lately, whether or not there's a piano, or at least a crowd that listens, what the parking is like haha. A few highlights from 2014 were the superb Winter Park Sidewalk Arts Festival (with Barry Smith and the late, great, dear person Don Waldrop), The New Smyrna Beach Jazz Festival (in the Ray Guiser Quartet, pictured) and our 2nd Jazz Vespers at St. Cyprians in St. Augustine (with John Pellegrino - bass and Ray Winer - drums). Also hit the new jazz club 727 here in Palm Coast, with delightful Linda Cole as well as the trio. That club has since hit hard times and pared down to duos and lower pay. Keep your fingers crossed!

2014 also saw the release of my 5th album in the electronic genre, under the moniker Seven Octaves. It is by far the jazziest electronic album I've done (and coincidentally, also the best!) If you think you might be interested in that - you can hear a few tracks over on my Soundcloud page; my remake of "Do You Wanna Dance" being the jazziest of the 3 that are currently posted there. Oh yeah - I sing a little on this one...

Coming up in 2015 - the trio has been invited back to this year's Winter Park Sidewalk Arts Festival; hands down the most professionally run festival I've been a part of. That's the weekend of March 20-22. Not sure which day/time we're doing, yet. Another highlight will be our appearance in the Romanza Festival in St. Augustine. That date is Monday May 11th at 7:00pm.

Yes, a new album is always in the back of my mind. Logistics and affordability are the key issues. I'm a 'where there's a will...' kinda guy as well as a believer in God's great benevolence... when the time is right it will happen. Hopefully soon! Special thanks to the radio stations & djs that continue to include me in their playlists.

Thank you for including me in your life's soundtrack. Happy New Year! - Kenny

Just a quick post on my activities, since there's been no post since May. Apologies for being a poor blogger!

I've definitely enjoyed the hiatus from gigs this year, although I have done a few, including the New Smyrna Jazz Festival last week in the Ray Guiser Quartet. There are a few more in November, listed on the home page. I continue to play in a band called the Blue Notes every Wednesday for a dance down here - a lot of fun with excellent song selections; and we are by far the jazziest dance band down here. ;)

Radio show is going great!! (WFCF 88.5 St. Augustine) Again - too much fun! I love being exposed to artists I've overlooked as well as new jazz. It's all pretty vast, and a bit overwhelming, but I absorb what I can; dj-ing is a blast; and I love the various contact from listeners who can hardly contain themselves, sometimes. Jazz inspires!

The podcast has taken a break after 27 episodes, but I think we're coming back in November. Lots of work, but I'm happy with the results.

Once a month I'm releasing an electronic number (as Seven Octaves) for the rest of this year, free to download. Some of them will make it onto a new full-length. You can hear them easily on the Seven Octaves home page.

And finally, if you missed it, the trio put out "Rekeb" earlier this summer! You can hear/buy it on the updated home page, and there are new live selections on the Listen page, featuring Ray Parker on bass and Matt Kane on drums. New jazz works will be forthcoming, as the opportunities arise. Thank you for your support and for stopping by! - Kenny

New Single!

In a short while I'll be releasing a new jazz single. It's a track I was saving for the next album, and felt now was a good time. Just got the master back today, and now dealing with the old artwork problem... I've found a drawing I love - waiting for word from the artist. Thinking about maybe doing a Kickstarter thing for the next cd. We'll see what happens! - Kenny

Site spritz-up and the low-down...

 

KMT live in Jacksonville August 2012

Hello! Hope you are all doing well & have survived Sandy, Nemo, Q & all the other rascals that've torn through lately! I've been a neglectful blogger, for sure. I'm on a bit of a performing hiatus, as well, taking gigs here and there, but not really doing the trio thing just now. We'll see what Spring/Summer have in store!

Meanwhile - I've a bus-load of mov & wav files to sort through and make somethin' out of. While poking through them today, I found an odd gig at Jazzland where only the first 3 songs were recorded - so I mastered them & they are up on the listen page.

In addition - the home page has been tidied up some, and since I'm "on vacation", there's a list of a bunch of the social networks where you can find me, if you so choose. I'm not often on Pinterest or Last Fm, but they're up there anyway - you never know. I'm always on Facebook - if you friend me, maybe message and introduce yourself - "Hi I like your band" or "Hey wassup - I stalk jazz musicians..." - whatever!

Just trying to keep it fun! Thanks for stopping by - Kenny

First Podcast for 2013

 

Happy New Year to all! Hope you had a good holiday season - mine was splendid. Quiet at home, just the way I dig it. Lots of new jazz acquisitions, a turntable, new walking shoes and an always bright outlook. Jazz album sales were up 23% in 2011. Can't wait to see how 2012 did! Above is the latest Palm Coast Jazz podcast that I produce & co-host. Variety and stellar performances by familiar names and names you will want to know more about. Hope you enjoy it!  - Kenny

Cool Shot

What a day on July 30, 1972

(click to enlarge)

Photo by K'Abe. I'm really taken by this image on the inside gatefold of the album "CTI Summer Jazz at the Hollywood Bowl". I think it pretty much tells it's own story - but what an assemblage of musicians on a July day in LA. The size here doesn't do it justice - but there are a few interesting things to notice. To the left of Ron Carter is a little boy sitting in a chair. Not sure whose it is, but one would think he's sitting somewhere near his Dad so either Ron, Jack or Grover. Imagine the energy, sounds and feelings he must have been experiencing! Also, on the right - Deodato is leaning over the shoulder of Johnny Hammond, whatever he's doing/saying has caught the attention of Airto, Jack, Ron, Grover and the boy. About to listen to this one now :) - Kenny

Missing in Action...

in the booth at WFCF Saint Augustine

For the few of you who stop by here - I do apologize for not keeping things lively. And for those of you wondering what's going on with the band - I'm taking a little break. We had a nice run at Jazzland in Jacksonville, but John wasn't up for the drive anymore (he turned 80 in June) and I wasn't up for working in a new bass player just now. We capped off the summer with a packed house at the New Smyrna Library, and then one more Jazzland show.

In the meantime - I'm fully engaged in promoting the music of other Florida musicians with Palm Coast Jazz - which continues to do well; and I'm now a jazz jock at WFCF in Saint Augustine - a truly hip college station with 20 hours of jazz a week and no automation. It's a lifelong dream come true - and basically taking my love for sharing good music to another level. You can listen online Tuesdays 3-5pm (Eastern) via Iheart, and I'm actively blogging & tweeting in that context.

I haven't abandoned the piano playing thing lol, just taking it easy (very easy!). A new album has been in my mind for a while now - it will come to fruition I believe, but it may be a little while before it happens. A few collabs are on the back burner as well!

I encourage anyone who truly likes the music I put out to have a listen to the Palm Coast Jazz podcast. There is some fine, tasteful & even progressive music being made down here by some serious cats and kittens. Thanks for stopping by! - Kenny

Sounds Coming Out of Florida II

As many of you know - I've been producing and co-hosting a podcast for the last year that focuses on original music being created by musicians living in Florida. Although jazz does well in South Florida; it's a big state where the genre is languishing in some pretty big cities including Jacksonville (!), St. Augustine, Daytona Beach and Gainesville.

The podcast is designed to be that "one more" outlet for the composers & performers here in the state to gain a little exposure; and has done well, with a faithful audience all over the world and consistently high ranking in the jazz category.

For August I decided to buck tradition a bit and program music that requires more listener involvement. If you haven't heard artists like Ron Miller, LaRue Nickelson and Zach Bartholomew, I encourage you to have a listen and see what's really going down here in the South.

If you want to help us in this endeavor - simple things like clicking the Facebook "like" button, or sharing an episode on your wall or twitter go a very long way! Thanks in advance and God bless! - Kenny

more classical eye candy

Two more classical album covers that are unusual in a cool way; from my recent 'great acquisition'. The first is circa 1967 on RCA with the pink label - on 'dynaflex' (aka seriously floppy vinyl). The second is from 1976 on London, but no info on the painting is given.

Album cover painting by Barron Storey

painter not listed on jacket...

The Admiral's Jazz

I've recently come to experience that the adage "when it rains it pours" can sometimes go in a positive direction. I recently relayed how I acquired roughly 600 vinyl albums for $20; a collection I shall henceforth refer to as the 'great acquisition'. It has it's flaws, with a previous owner heavy on the magic marker, and a good portion of the music being classical - the least tolerable music for snaps and crackles. I've hardly put a dent in it as far as (cleaning and) listening goes, but I've certainly enjoyed myself.

I've also recently been performing in a 5 piece band that plays a weekly dance attended by senior citizens. The leader of that band, and a real good guy, is a former Rear Admiral of the Navy who, as it turns out, has in common with me an ear for good composition (imnsho) and likes jazz.

Long story short - one day he brought me to his car, opened the trunk and there was a banker's box full of pristine jazz vinyl. Turns out his wife wants him to clean house a bit, so I am now the proud owner of an immaculately kept (of course!) and pleasantly varied collection of piano and saxophone jazz (my friend is a trumpet player). Oscar, Zoot, Stan, Dave McKenna, Art Tatum & lots more, a handful are of significant value. Again - I've hardly scratched the surface listening thus far.

I've had some poor health the last few months - I'm feeling better now, but I'm thankful to God for these unusual blessings that have been like a warm tonic to my soul, and for the ones that are yet to come! - KM

Below is "Moonlight in Vermont" originally from the album "Reflections" pictured above.

Sounds Coming Out of Florida

Above is the latest episode of the podcast I produce and co-host - "Palm Coast Jazz"; which features original compositions from musicians residing here in the Sunshine State. It has turned out to be one of the most rewarding undertakings of my life - to be exposed to so much creativity & talent, along with many of the musicians themselves who are friendly and down to earth. Hearing the music is inspiring, and it's encouraging to see the response of listeners from all over the world who agree - there's some amazing and highly listenable music being made here! Hope you enjoy the show :)
- KM

Good Manners Live with Shenole Latimer

We had a reunion of sorts with Shenole Latimer this past Saturday at the New Smyrna Beach Library - part of his Southeast tour. Great to see him and play again, especially on his new compositions. It's been 2+ years since we played last, but it felt like there was no gap at all! Thanks to Gloria Mariash for the video! - KM