Liz Clark In Conversation with James Duncan Mackenzie – for Album of The Week – ‘Fibhig’ – 5th March 2022 at 12pm on CMR…
From the village of Back, and recently returned to live on The Isle of Lewis this album had been two years in the making.
Piping from the age of eight by his first tutors Pipe Major Nick Gordon and the late Pipe Major Iain Murdo Morrison. James went on to graduate of the University of the Highlands and Islands going onto the RSAMD – Royal Conservatoire of Scotland , graduating with BA(HON) in Scottish Muic. During his time there he played with the Scottish Power Pipe band under Chris Armstrong for two years. On leaving the Conservatoire he joined the band Breabach with whom he stayed till the beginning of 2020
He toured internationally with for over a decade playing Highland Pipes and wooden flutes. James is currently a member of Tryst, a 10-piece bagpipe group made up of some of Scotland’s most well-known contemporary pipers and composers. In 2019, James returned to competitive piping and won the Silver medal for Piobaireachd at the Northern Meeting piping competition in Inverness.
He has three solo albums to his credit and as well as a stunning tunes book of his tunes over the last 15 years
Artist appearing on the album
James Duncan Mackenzie: Pipes, Wooden Flutes, Whistles, Guitar
Alasdair White: Fiddle
John Lowrie: Piano, Harmonium
Luc Mcnally: Guitar, Bouzouki
Innes White: Guitar
Allan Nairn: Melodeon
Katie Mackenzie: Vocals
Backing vocals by: Calum Alex Macmillan, Fiona J Mackenzie, Seonaidh Macintyre, Cristin Mackenzie, Eilidh Cormack, Innes White
Additional recording by Innes White and Keir Long at Gloworm studio
Mixed and mastered by Scott Wood at Oak ridge studio
Produced by James Duncan Mackenzie
Fìbhig Tracks
- Ian’s Last Munro
- Fìbhig
- The Breasclete Monkey
- Katie Mackenzie
- Harbourmaster And The Activist
- Old Blind Dog
- John and Jill’s Welcome
- Cat And Mouse
- Solo Pipe Marches
- Gun Èirich Sinn Fhathast
Other releases :-
Tunes Collection – Sheet Music Book 2021
James Duncan Mackenzie CD Released 2013
Sròmos released 2018
As well as releases with Breabach (Band formed 2003 – received a Danny in 2005)in his 12 years with the band