Simple Irish Ballads And Songs For Singing by Tara Mackenzie

It was said early that Tara could sing on pitch before she could speak words.

The daughter of a West Belfast man (a wonderful singer himself) and an English woman from Barrow in Furness, both were strong advocates of traditional singing and rebel music, which in all cases the apple did not fall very far from the tree.

For Tara, growing up in the cultural melting pot of Malton, Ontario in the 70's, it was easy to continue on with the culture imported with her parents and live in Irish grandmother. The standard was having to take irish dancing lessons and she started playing any instrument she could get her hands on.

Tara spent most of her 20's roaming/playing gigs around Europe ( Ireland, Hungary,Romania, Netherlands) with YWAM in various Christian rock outfits doing everything from busking to sometimes playing at very large concert venues in many countries.

After falling for her handsome husband, she decided to move permanently to Canada in late 1998. The traditional music was always nearby and active for Tara as a solo artist. Primarily a singer, Tara also plays Harp, Tin whistles,keyboard and guitar on the recording.

One evening after being asked to open for a David Francey concert (he is a wonderful human being), She fell into playing several ontario folk festivals, notably on main stage at Summer Folk. One interesting story regarding this evening, is that Don Bird, an artistic director of note, uncharacteristically hired Tara ( an unknown to him) on the spot for a main stage spot opening the festival. An accolade many would chew their own arm off for.

Since, Tara has had the privilege to meet and share stages with many wonderful Trad/Celt groups in Southern Ontario, earning a modest reputation as a Trad singer with a memorable voice. For this, Tara is eternally grateful for the blessing of sharing time and space with passionate people who continue to hone the art of the historical and future music of the celtic countries.

all of this huffing aside, it is a lovely cd, you will enjoy it, please buy it either in it's physical or digital form. you won't be sorry. promise.

For interest sake, the musicians on this recording are as follows

Tara MacKenzie: Harp, Irish whistle,guitar, voice

Kiera McArthur: Cello, Voice

Trevor MacKenzie: Guitar, recording engineer

Tammy Kroezen: Piano; Piano Accordion

NIck Barclay: Piano

Joel Morelli: Guitar

Bob Robins: Guitar

visit Tara at MYSPACE

www.myspace.com/taramackenzie

also a great source for reviews and accolades...:)

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