@calum-mckenzie
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Calum McKenzie is a Dundee based composer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist whose career spans jazz, rock and Celtic folk. A master of the bass, double bass ,rhythm guitar and vocals, McKenzie is renowned for his fluid ability to anchor a track while driving its melodic direction. He has a natural ability to control vocal dynamics and phrasing, navigating complex jazz harmonies and transitions with ease.
A cornerstone of his career is his 27 year tenure with Havana Swing, Dundee’s premier gypsy jazz outfit. Joining in 1987, his double bass work and vocals propelled the band to major stages like Glastonbury. More than a bass player, McKenzie was a key creative force for the band. His original compositions such as “Hotel Du Palais”,“the Fifth Man” and “Uncle Frank” are staples of their acclaimed album “Django’s Lion” and showcase his deep understanding of gypsy jazz arrangements.
He has laid down swinging basslines for world renowned guitarist Martin Taylor, top jazz vocalist Alison Burns, and the legendary jazz trumpeter JimmyDeuchar.
Beyond Havana Swing, his strong groove has benefitted virtuoso Gypsy Jazz Masters like Lulo Reinhardt and Angelo De Barre.
Calum has an invaluable arsenal of talent that keeps him continuously in demand both in the studio and on the stage.
Havana Swing - gypsy jazz medley from the Bute Jazz Festival 2014
Duration: 00:25:06
Description:
0:00 Deed I Do (Fred Rose)
2:55 Django's Tiger (Django Reinhardt)
6:27 Swing 42 (Django Reinnhardt)
9:50 When Day Is Done (Katsher/De Silva)
13:10 Topsy (Durham/Battle)
17:21 Troublant Bolero (Django Reinnhardt)
22:07 Route 66 (Bobby Troup)
Visit Havana Swing at http://www.facebook.com/HavanaSwing
Havana Swing are:
Walt Smith (clarinet)
Dave Rattray (lead guitar)
Ashley Malcolm (lead guitar)
Calum McKenzie (double bass / vocals)
"'Deed I Do" is a 1926 jazz standard composed by Fred Rose with lyrics by Walter Hirsch. It was introduced by vaudeville performer S. L. Stambaugh and popularized by Ben Bernie's recording. It was recorded by influential clarinettist and bandleader Benny Goodman as his debut recording in December 1926 with Ben Pollack and His Californians. Ruth Etting's rendition of the song became a top ten hit in 1927.
"(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66", often rendered simply as "Route 66", is a popular song and rhythm and blues standard, composed in 1946 by American songwriter Bobby Troup. It was first recorded in the same year by Nat King Cole, and was subsequently covered by many artists including Chuck Berry in 1961, The Rolling Stones in 1964, and Depeche Mode in 1987. The song's lyrics follow the path of the U.S. Route 66 highway, which used to run a long distance across the U.S., going from Chicago, Illinois, to Los Angeles, California.
