The name MacKenzie, or MacCoinneach in Gaelic, means literally, "Son of Kenneth", whose name in turn is derived from the Gaelic for "fair" or "bright".
Mackenzie, a Gaelic vocal group of sisters Eilidh, Gillian and Fiona from the village of Gress on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, is the result of many years of involvement in the world of music and song - Gaelic music and song in particular. Although they have been singing together since childhood they did not get together to formally perform as a trio until 1996 when they got invited to perform on a Gaelic music television programme. Soon after they recorded their first album, Camhanch, and recently followed this successful debut with their second album, Fama Clamosa, which was released in October 2002. Both albums include traditional songs alongside their own compositions, with some tracks a cappella and some enjoying accompaniment from an impressive line-up of guest musicians. In addition to their recorded works Mackenzie have also appeared at various musical festivals and concerts in Scotland, France and Northern Spain including Celtic Connections, Glasgow, in 1999, 2000 and 2002, and the Hebridean Celtic Festival, Stornoway, in 1999.
Over the years they have juggled careers, motherhood and music and have been exposed to a wide range of musical and cultural influences. As a result, their own preferences and tastes have developed and matured to reflect these - but the main influence is still the Gaelic music and culture of their island home.
Eilidh won the coveted National Mod Gold Medal in 1987. She recorded an album on Temple Records entitled Eideadh an Sgeulachd and later became a member of Mac-talla. Gillian, also a National Mod Gold Medalist has performed extensively as a solo singer, and in duo with Eilidh, over the years. She now lives and works in Edinburgh where she is a solicitor. For four years Fiona toured and recorded with the band Seelyhoo before becoming a member of the group, Anam, who have albums released by JVC and Linn. She is currently in talks with a producer and record company regarding her debut solo album which she plans to record later this year. All the songs will be Fiona's own compositions in both English and Gaelic which she has been writing over the past few years.
Mackenzie is the most beautiful act of Gaelic song to be found on the folk music scene. Eilidh, Fiona and Gillian Mackenzie are three young girls with bittersweet voices, creating a heavenlike soundsphere - absolutely stunning!
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