Some musicians have such a profound command of their instrument that everything they do seems effortless, like a simple musical thought is all that would need to occur and their fingers will follow. This can be exhilarating to watch, but can also sometimes make it seem like what the musician is doing is easy and simple.
Bill MacKay is one of those musicians, and I am glad to see that he is continuing to rise in prominence in the independent music scene. This past year has seen the release of Locust Land on Drag City and it has garnered quite a few very positive reviews.Bill has been seen and heard on this blog since the very start and probably is the most documented musician here. Luckily, he brought two excellent musicians along with him -- bassist (and superb pedal steel guitarist) Sam Wagster and wonderful jazz percussionist Michael Zerang -- who I first saw in 1994 as part of the Vandermark Quartet. I spent my time living in Chicago (1994-96) seeing as many avant jazz shows as I possibly could, and a great number featured this multifaceted drummer. Zerang is just as comfortable with hand percussion (both Western and Eastern) as dominating a drum set, and it was incredibly enjoyable watching him throw in tasty fills at every opportunity.
Buy the new Bill MacKay album here.
Recording information:
BILL MACKAY
2024-10-17
Milwaukee, WI
Acme Records and Music Emporium
Bill MacKay: guitar and vocals
Sam Wagster: bass
Michael Zerang: drums
Setlist:
01 Pre-California (3:47)
02 When I Was Here (3:45)
03 Half of You (6:04)
04 Glow Drift (4:38)
05 Radiator (7:08)
06 Keeping In Time (4:12)
07 Grapes on the Vine/Locust Land (10:02)
Total time = 39:36
Microphones: Line Audio CM3 in ORTF
Additional Source: mono soundboard
Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre6ii at 32/96
Software: Audacity, Fission, xAct
Recorded with explicit artist permission by Richard Hayes
https://billmackay.bandcamp.com/
https://acmerecordsmke.com/
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