James Mackenzie is one of the five members of Breabach, a Scottish contemporary folk group. Along with Calum MacCrimmond, Ewan Robertson, Megan Henderson and James Lindsay, Mr Mackenzie has picked up accolades in the folk world for their music.
Their fifth studio album, Astar, arrived last year, celebrating the musical influences the band have experienced on their travels. A pipes, flute and whistles musician, Mr Mackenzie, 27, looks ahead to their visit to Banchory.
HOW DID THE BAND COME ABOUT?
It started in 2005 but I was not one of the original members. The album Bann was the first one I became involved in, in 2011. For the others, the group began at Celtic Connections and I got involved when I came to Glasgow University and joined them on a two week tour. It was my first experience of touring and was a scary experience.
HOW DID YOU FIND JOINING AN ESTABLISHED GROUP?
I was about 18 or 19 at the time and they were great and welcoming. I did a few gigs with the group and then joined them full time.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INTO PLAYING MUSIC?
I learnt piping at school and had a year at the UHI Benbecula campus. I find traditional music inspiring and playing with others. Then I went to the Conservatoire and got into traditional music that way.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT FOLK MUSIC?
One of the main aspects is that it is a very social thing. We are not playing on our own. All of the band are based in Glasgow. Here, you can go out and play tunes or hear music every night of the week if you want.
HAVE YOU PLANS TO RELEASE MORE MUSIC?
Astar was the most recent album. At the moment we have no firm plans to record or plans for new material. Maybe at the end of the year we will possibly get into the studio.
HOW DO YOU FIND THEEXPERIENCE OF TOURING?
We work closely with the agents who put together the tour diary. It lasts a few months. I like visiting all of the places.
WHAT WILL YOU BE PLAYING AT THE GIGS DURING YOUR TOUR?
It will be a number of pieces from Astar and a selection from previous albums. We might take some half-time requests. There is usually a fair bit of audience participation, singing along and interaction.
WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR AUDIENCE MEMBERS TO EXPERIENCE AT YOUR GIGS?
I suppose we want them to experience a varied show. There are two sets of bagpipes, flutes and whistles and great singers. We cater to a lot of folk and we want them to enjoy our upbeat gig.
Breabach are playing at the Glassel Hall in Banchory tonight, Thursday, March 2, and tomorrow, Friday, March 3. See http://breabach.com/live/live-dates
