BLUES MATTERS MAGAZINE
MEDIA
“This album proves that Spencer carries the triple threat of a great voice, gifted musicianship and superior songwriting craft to become an international threat.......Spencer Mackenzie Superstar in the making.” Blues Matters! UK
"With sharp songwriting, commanding performances, and production that hits hard without losing clarity, Empty Chairs stands as further proof that Spencer Mackenzie is one of the most compelling voices in today’s blues rock.” Blues Rock Review, US
"Joe Bonamassa meets The Black Keys or something like that ... Spencer Mackenzie merges blues with alternative rock to a high-proof mix. A very small tick country coolness is also mixed with this strong drink." MusiX Germany, DE
“If blazing guitar with no holds barred blues-rock is your kind of thing, then this album should definitely become part of your life.” Guitarist Magazine, UK
"Spencer Mackenzie was compared to a young Joe Bonamassa during his introduction – putting undue pressure on him – but in many ways, the comparison fit: His voice is similarly bright and like Joe, Mackenzie’s guitar playing, drawing on the past legends of the blues genre, reveals him as a torchbearer." Vincent Abbate 30th Schöppingen International Blues Festival Schöppingen, DE
“Empty Chairs can only further enhance the credentials of Spencer Mackenzie as a name to watch.” Blues in Britain, UK
"The guitar bubbles like acid on a brand-new Corvette's paintjob, while the voice is jackshaft oil and grit....Giant spirited!" Raw Ramp (UK)
"Empty Chairs promises to be his most personal and explosive work to date." Blues Magazine NL
“From start to finish the album rarely takes its foot off the pedal.” R’N’R Magazine, UK
“This is an excellent album with no weak tracks on it." Fireworks Magazine, UK
“Empty Chairs won’t leave many of them empty for long — this is blues rock built for stages, road miles and turning the volume up just a little higher than you probably should.” Rock The Joint Magazine, UK
“This album proves that Spencer carries the triple threat of a great voice, gifted musicianship and superior songwriting craft to become an international threat” Blues Matters! UK
"Spencer Mackenzie celebrates his first nomination at the Junos for his album Preach To My Soul at the age of 25. He seduces with his powerful voice and expressive guitar playing." Sors-Tu Festival d'été de Québec
'This is music will make you feel something, maybe even grab you and shove you up against the wall.....This feels like the beginning of something big, maybe even huge.' Gonzo Okanagan, CA​
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"His rich vocals and crisp attack on guitar should garner even more attention with this commanding mix of original blues-infused soul and blues-rock." Chicago Blues Guide, US
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“His guitar playing is crisp and clean even as it delivers some down- to-the bone licks…He’s got the blues power in his soul...” Blues Blast Magazine, US​
"Spencer Mackenzie has a few things that older blues veterans can’t speak to and those are his strengths at this point–his youthful hope with an eye toward the future… and he’ll be the one taking the blues there with him. Believe it!" Rock and Blues Muse, US
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"Preach To My Soul, could well be the major international breakthrough of Spencer MacKenzie." Concert Monkey, BE
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"Spencer's songwriting, vocals and guitar playing all display continued growth and maturity - which has lead to the creation of an album that can stand with the best of contemporary blues releases.” Toronto Blues Society, CA​
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"The proof, as someone once said, is in the pudding, and Mackenzie is not only a mean guitarist with a throaty and surprisingly mature voice, but he has an obvious innate feel for the blues that some players spend a lifetime not connecting to." 100 Percent Rock Magazine, US
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"His guitar playing, both on Gibson and Fender is equally astonishing. Now that’s so many greats in the genre have already passed away it is very refreshing to hear that such a youngster continues the tradition so richly and passionately.”OOR Magazine, NL
"Virtuoso pulls out all the stops in his new album!" Concert Monkey, BE
"Mackenzie puts his artistry on full display with his seasoned melodic phrasing and creative tone-crafting to fit whatever moods he pursues." JAZZ.FM91, CA
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"As is often claimed in such cases, Spencer Mackenzie turns out to be something of an old soul transported into a young body. How to explain if not that at barely 22 years old, his guitar playing expresses so much the still vivid memory of heroes of yesteryear?" Paris Move, FR
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"Niagara Blues master Spencer Mackenzie has been topping himself with every release and his latest phenomenal album, Preach to My Soul, is no different. This Gypsy Soul Records release (distributed by Warner Canada) is a massive step forward." Blues Lovers Hamilton, CA
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“His strength is his natural aptitude for the blues…” “Spencer Mackenzie’s new album, 'Preach to My Soul' will surely fascinate the true blues crowd, while crossing the barriers inspiring soul and roots fans…” Rootstime BE
"Working with producer Dean Malton and on one track none other than Eddie Kramer, he has moved into the big leagues." Toronto Blues Society, CA
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"Goodbye Lucille is the best musical tribute to BB King I've ever heard." Blues Matters Magazine, UK
"On Cold November, he aims to warm people’s hearts instead of their libidos. He’d give crooner Sam Smith some stiff competition if the two ever performed together." Blues Blast Magazine, US