31/08/2005
Another month passed, but the good news is that it is still summer! A recent find from Sweden via a friendly DJ, Jonas Engberg, is a rare copy of 'Josie' which Mac recorded back in 1966 as part of a complimation EP. A review of the gig with Don by Sara Loveridge is now on Lemonrock, click here to read it.
10/07/2005
It was bound to happen sooner or later... but what a wonderful gesture by his old friend. Donovan’s UK tour wound up in Oxford last night and Don invited Mac up to the gig - and told him to bring his guitar, too. The tour has been celebrating the Beat Cafe culture of the sixties where Mac and Don first met each other, as well as promoting Don's new album of the same name. Wholly in the spirit of the times, Don pulled Mac to one side during sound-check and taught him a song Mac had never heard before. He then told him Mac was playing acoustic lead on that same track during that evening’s concert! Professionally unphased at all times (honest!), Mac was introduced to an excited audience by Don as a “blues maestro” and Mac’s playing didn’t let him down! The first song was ‘Refuge Of Love’...! After which Don switched to blues harp while Mac sang and played solo acoustic guitar on ‘It Hurts Me Too’. A huge cheer filled the Town Hall at the end of the brief re-union and left fans wanting more of this wonderful collaboration. You never know!
02/06/2005
Mac met up with the godfather of Engligh folk/blues, Davy Graham last night at a launch evening in London. We tried to get a photo of these two pioneers together, but we were just a bit slow with the camera!
11/05/2005
Mac, Andrew Morris, Phil Smee & Good 'Ol Gyp
Mac went on a trip down memory lane last night when he was a special guest at his old friend Donovan’s surprise birthday party. Mac took part in a private ‘This Is Your Life’, presented by DJ Liz Kershaw. Behind the curtain with Mac was John Cameron (arranger on Donovan’s classic Mickie Most era recordings) and Gypsy Dave, better known as Gyp to you Donovan fans. Also floating was Ralph McTell, Julie Felix, Bill Wyman, Rolan Bolan and many other faces from past and present. Also there was an old friend of Mac’s, Neil Rice of lighting experts Optikinetics. Don and Mac were delighted to spend some time together and there are rumours that we may see more of them together in the very near future....the latest issue of ‘Get Thy Bearings’(June) has an in depth feature on the Birthday bash as well as an extended version of the ‘Record Collector’ ‘What’s Been Hid’article.
21/04/2005
Blimey - and he’s going back again! Mac’s returning to the Rose & Crown in Sandridge on 30th April, this time will the full band, for another evening of musical fun and games. The set starts at 9pm, but as ever, the beer really is excellent so we’d understand if we see you earlier at the bar!
27/03/2005
Any eagle-eared Mac fans may have heard the rare sound of his harmonica playing last night in Sandridge. Mac joined Zombies rhythm section Jim and Steve Rodford and the rest of the Rodford Files for an impromptu bit of fun at the Rose & Crown. It’s getting to be a regular haunt isn’t it?
20/03/2005
A big thank you to everyone who came along to the Maltings Arts Theatre last night. Mac had a great time, despite some sonic difficulties, and a good time was had by all. In fact, he’s enjoying the acoustic approach so much he’s agreed to play a solo evening in Sandridge to see if there’s a new career direction beckoning once again. So, on 2nd April get yourself down to the Rose & Crown in Sandridge. The food’s quite good, too!
10/03/2005
Mac’s just got back from a week long trip to the beautiful city of Dublin where he met with a number of promoters and agents interested in bringing his unique sound and story to the Emerald Isle. According to Mac, it’ll take a while to set up as the lead times are so long, but watch this space all you Irish Hurdy Gurdy fans! Apparently the Guinness was very good, too....
01/03/2005
A date for all your diaries - Mac will be appearing with his full band at The Maltings Arts Theatre in St Albans town centre on 19th March. In a new twist, it’s going to be stripped back to the acoustic dynamic, as he’s appearing as part of the popular ‘Acoustic Lounge’ mini-festival series. Mac is headlining the night with support from three great other acts - Clive Batkin & Joel McDermott, Nick Stephenson and the Blue Review. Tickets are £7.50 on the door but Mac has a small number available for only £6 - email us to secure yours before they all go!
13/02/2005
Mac’s been holed up in his studio for the last day being interviewed by music writer and researcher Andrew Morris about the St Albans music scene of the sixties, the birth of popular folk and his shared experiences with old friend Donovan. In an unrehearsed move, Mac also performed solo acoustic versions of several early favourites including “San Francisco Bay Blues” and ‘Candyman”. The interview was for KFOK Radio in the US and is due to be broadcast in June. Check out www.kfok.org for details. We’ll also try to bring you the solo acoustic versions mentioned above - you’ll just love ‘em!
29/01/2005
A late Christmas gift to y’all - Mac’s doing a bit of a secret gig in a couple of days as a thank you to his nearest and dearest for all their support over the last year. And this is no ordinary gig - oh no! It’s at Cafe Monsoon on Verulam Road in St Albans which just happens to be one of the best Indian restaurants in the area. The band will be eating afterwards and everyone is welcome to join them! Tickets for the gig are free but are severely limited and must be obtained in advance - send us an email (see contact page) and we’ll send an e-ticket back if there’s any left!
02/01/2005
And a happy New Year to you all! Mac is off down to his old stomping ground of Newquay for a bit of festive r 'n' r (that rest and relaxation - not, this time, rock ‘n’ roll!). Guitar in hand, he hopes to finalise several new songs that have been in development over the last couple of months.... Where does all the time go?!
The latest from Mac is that his music studio, Cloudburst in Hertfordshire, has been fully upgraded and is now operational. Mac has already laid down some basic tracks (some with Bernie and Mark) for new songs in development. Watch this space! It is hoped by all that there will be at least one new tune to be heard and enjoyed at Mac’s next gig which will be....Thursday, November 17th at The Horn in St Albans. It’s been a good year or so since Mac last played at the legendary venue (as he says, “I don’t want to over-do it!”) and the urge was felt to get the amps out and do a bit of rockin’. Mac’s on stage at 10pm, joined by Bernie Devine on guitar, Mark Burr on drums and Ruth Tidmarsh on bass and bv’s. There is even a chance that the legendary 'Rocketchild' could join them on stage, but that depends on commitments. Capable support comes from Wind ‘Er Up led by Gary Allen. Since Mac’s last few outings have been stripped back (the sound, not Mac!) this is sure to be a fun one for band and audience alike. It is also one of the last chances to see Mac before he goes off to Australia for the winter so you know you don’t want to miss it - See you there!
30/09/2005
