Born: May 5, 1967 Primary Instrument: Piano
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 in 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), Talking To Myselves (released 2000), Off 2 C The Planet (released 2002) as well as recent releases of Lulo Reinhardt’s “Live in Melbourne” CD & DVD (released 2008) & “Katoomba Birds” (released 2011).
John Shand The Sydney Morning Herald
“… 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….” Lloyd Bradford (Brad) Syke Australia Stage Online
“…the violinist’s ability to create transporting lines was matched by Mackenzie’s to plait dense rhythmic knots, and then untangle them into melodics denouements…” John Shand The Sydney Morning Heral
Brasil (2011)
Off 2 C The Planet (2002)
Talking to Myselves (2000)
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Primary Instrument:
Piano
Willing to teach:
Advanced students only.
Credentials/Background:
Enschede Conservatorium of Music - Enschede, The
Netherlands.
Escola de Musica - Brasilia, Brazil
JMC - Sydney, Australia
