This duoâs debut CD of original material is a feast of strong melodies, evocative vocal blends and lyrics, overlaying contemporary folk, dining with adult rock and a touch of country, in an issue based buffet.

11 MP3 Songs in this album (48:23) !
Related styles: FOLK: Folk-Rock, COUNTRY: Contemporary Country

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Details:
Formed in 1999 from a shared love of music, each other, and concerns that touch their hearts and sensibilities, MACKENZIE-JONES is songwriter, Steve Mackenzie (vocals, guitar) and Jean-Ann Jones (vocals).

Audiences consistently appreciate the duo's vocal blends, harmonies and Steve's sophisticated, yet earthy lyrics, which often elicit deep emotional responses. Both artists feature on songs that demonstrate their individual vocal beauty and dynamic strengths in a rich and varied act. Their songs relay their experiences, along with tackling issues such as alcoholism, substance abuse, domestic and global violence, with the occasional love gone wrong (and right) ballad, to lighten the load.

Born in New Zealand, Steve began singing and playing guitar at an early age. He was founding member and songwriter in successful recording and performing bands in New Zealand and Australia (FRIENDS, AIRLORD and MACHINE). AIRLORD's 1977 album, âClockwork Revengeâ is now a collectorsâ album, and has been re-released on CD in several parts of the world.

Jean-Ann, originally from Canada, has a background in classical piano and voice. Performing and recording international songs in over 22 languages with Sydney Australia's Solidarity Choir for eight years, she often featured in a solo capacity, at rallies, folk festivals, fund-raisers, and a wide range of community events.

Steve's songwriting talent was recognized when he was awarded the 2002 'Singer-Songwriter of the Year' by the Sydney Performing Arts Council for the albumâs title track 'A Rust Red Sky'. On Christmas day, 2001, while camping near Jarvis Bay, south of Sydney, they witnessed the sky turn a deep rust-red with clouds of purple and black. Intensified by a heat wave and strong winds, this was the beginning of a reign of fire, predominantly caused by arsonists, which by some estimates destroyed 80 of New South Walesâ bushlands. Roads to Sydney and southward were closed and many people were stranded, unable to reach their destination or turn back. Stories emerged of the bravery and selflessness of fire fighters, emergency personnel and utility workers who gave up their Christmas holidays to help in this crisis. There were also examples of stupidity from those that hampered these efforts, such as campers arguing with rangers for "just a little campfire".

All that remained of a once beautiful landscape of tree covered hills and valleys, was an undulating carpet of grey ash and black sticks pointing at a smoky sky. As Steve and Jean-Ann were evacuating a few days later, in this silent, desolate landscape, devoid of almost all life, their saddest moment was hearing the hauntingly lost and mournful call of a lone bird.

The second track, âDemonsâ was written following a stay in an Australian caravan (trailer) park, where they met two men sharing a cabin after being shown the door by their partners. The men talked of longing to be reunited with their families, but it was clear they were losing the fight with too many demons, in too many bottles.

Many "real stories" have inspired âReel Timeâ because looking back through our lives is like running reels of old footage. In doing so, it is possible for a person to get caught in a significant and powerful time in their past, and not be able to, or want to, return to the present.

In 'Listen Anyway' along side, and on equal standing with love in any relationship, should be communication. Without it, love may suffer.

âTidal Waveâ was inspired by the work of a group of police officers (The Odd Squad), in Vancouverâs skid row. A non-profit organization made up of these officers and committed community volunteers, started a program to help addicts living in Vancouverâs notorious east end. With their award-winning documentary, âThrough a Blue Lensâ, they also began a program in schools and universities highlighting the perils of substance abuse. This song is included on the Odd Squad benefit CD âOn the Beatâ along with 14 other tracks by Canadian songwriters illustrating the tough, and too often deadly life on those streets. .

âOne Eyedâ is dedicated to the "holier than thou crowd", the emotionally and/or intellectually blind, and anyone afraid of diversity in all its glorious sizes, colours and viewpoints.

Steve wrote a song called âThe Wrong Kindaâ Womanâ He then had to balance it up by writing Track 7, after Jean-Ann put her foot down (mainly on the throttle at Bathurstâs raceway, Mount Panorama). She figures he was impressed! Or maybe just scared. (Damn right!)

While âQuestionsâ could refer to many crimes committed against humanity throughout the world, this song was written in response to the horrendous atrocities and attempted genocide that took place in East Timor, both directly and indirectly through collusion and secrecy. The biggest question is always âHow could anybody do this to other human beings?â

The lilting Celtic influences in âThe Promiseâ tell a short story about a certain kind of love.

âBlack Iceâ was written to describe the indescribable cold shock of the loss of a deep love. It also coincided with Steveâs first experience of the Canadian winter. âMinus 37 degrees can kindaâ make you blue.â

Many listeners have described âChameleonâ as one of those songs they appreciate more with each listen, and in many cases it has become their favourite. Itâs always been one of ours.

(A note of acknowledgement with thanks to Jimmy Deguera of Australia Severe Weather for permission to use his photo taken December 25, 2001, on the 'Rust Red Sky' CD cover.)