Brian McKenzie has a new EP out, Resolution, sure to bring out your country swagger...

...It’s as if McKenzie was always heading toward the laid back country style he showcases in “Resolution.” His talents progressively become more and more refined.

...On “Resolution,” his singer-songwriter talents find a comfort level as he eases into songs such as “Tennessee,”...  McKenzie sticks close to crooning much like some of the better contemporary country artists getting air play. In the end, ‘Resolution’ is a straight up, authentic country disc that smartly suits Brian McKenzie's talents.

Brian McKenzie: Resolution

Country-rock singer-songwriter with a ‘70s vibe

One time metal guitarist (with the group Kilgore/Smudge) Brian McKenzie was drawn to singer/songwriter roots music as a mental escape from tours “packed like damned sardines in a cargo van.” He transitioned from electric guitar to acoustic relocated from Rhode Island to Nashville for a couple years, and honed his songwriting with the city’s pros. Now returned to the Ocean State, he’s cut this 7-song release. Judging by the retro country rock of the first two tracks McKenzie seems to have been listening to some classic B.J. Thomas sides, along with radio hits from one-time stars like Gallery, Lobo and the Stampeders. The productions are modern, but the melodies and harmonies sport a terrific ‘70s vibe. The remaining tracks are solid, hinting at Chris Isaak’s romantic croon and the thoughtful style of Gordon Lightfoot.

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Words about "...and always September" : February 21, 2007 Motif Magazine Brian McKenzie, releases CD Sometimes you just know when an artist gets it right. We're not necessarily talking about commercial viability or hit-making potential. On the contrary, getting it right should mean something far more substantial in the world of a creator. In Brian McKenzie's case, the singer-songwriter, who splits his time between Providence and Nashville, accomplished his mission with dexterity and integrity to spare. Catapulting leaps and bounds away from his beginnings as founding member of the acclaimed Providence hardcore metal band Kilgore (Smudge), McKenzie has meticulously developed his songwriting prowess into a finely sharpened tool, which he now uses as a device for catharsis rather than attack. His latest solo project, …and Always September, is a deeply personal statement, which McKenzie readily admits, "came from a really dark time for me, but was sort of my therapy. I am happy that I chose the notes that sounded like I felt inside." Sadly, some artists go a lifetime without discovering that truism. Luckily for fans of his quality work, McKenzie truly puts that axiom to practice. Keeping Brian McKenzie's soul-bearing in mind makes the listening experience all the more worthwhile. Tracks like "Better Days" display a certain sense of internal denial which everyone with a heart has struggled with at one time or another: "Hoped that I would just hear you say you missed me like I missed you - It's ok, keep telling myself there will be better days ahead - And they say time is the healer, so I'll write it down a thousand times, till I heal.""Disguised" presents another facet of McKenzie's often complex mood, this time spotlighting ire and disappointment. Borrowing some ever-so-subtle shades from Dylan's 1975 divorce decree "Idiot Wind," McKenzie skillfully expresses some real hurt within the lines, "You left without a trace, your once angelic face, now I can't recognize you - What kind of fool was I to believe those words? They crumble into nothing, And all I did for you, all I gave to you, you can't even say goodbye." As with most of the projects hailing from Joe Moody's Danger Multitrack Studios, "…and Always September" is a highly polished piece of recorded work. Employing a rather clever and understated technique, Brian McKenzie utilizes looped bass lines and drum machines parts to accentuate his own guitar playing and vocal styling, thus complimenting his lyrics rather than eclipsing them. Although comparisons have been made to John Mayer, Chris Isaak, and even Depeche Mode, Brian McKenzie remains a unique and singularly talented example of the best of what the local scene has to offer. Read more: http://www.myspace.com/brianmckenzie#ixzz14vk4LYIn

Former metal guitarist sings Nashville

 

 

Brian McKenzie releases new CD

Updated: Thursday, 10 Mar 2011, 11:21 AM EST
Published : Thursday, 10 Mar 2011, 11:21 AM EST

(FOX Providence) - Former Metal guitarist, Brian McKenzie, is now singing Nashville with a 70s vibe. He's back in Rhode Island, and just released a new CD.

After spending what he calls "a couple of grinding years on the road with Kilgore", McKenzie says he "put down the axe, picked up my acoustic" and left the band, spending two years in Nashville.

McKenzie says, “Resolution is my most mature CD yet. The time I spent in Nashville shows on this one.”

Prior releases include “Days Like These” in 2003 and in 2004, “and Always September.”

The Brian McKenzie band members, all Rhode Island natives are:

• Brian McKenzie: vocals, guitar.
• Caleb Cook: bass.
• Chris Piccirillo: drums.
• Lisa-Rose McKenzie O'Connor: back up vocals

“Resolution” is available on Itunes. Brian McKenzie's website is: www.brianmckenzie.com