BON VOYAGE

Rob MacKenzie was pretty well known in Melbourne, Australia in the early seventies for his legendary guitar work. He built this reputation by playing a lot of live gigs with his band MACKENZIE THEORY, and also prior to that in other bands. So of course when they recorded their debut album it was done live in studio to a small audience. Rob said he was not happy with that recording. They are a four piece by the way of bass, drums, guitar and viola. The viola player Cleis Pearce is classically trained and can bring it. MacKenzie had this idea to have the bass and drums be in this repetitive groove while he and Cleis would improvise over top doing whatever they felt like. Every show was different.

"Bon Voyage" is the second and final release from 1974 and it has a different rhythm section than what was on the first record from 1973. The new drummer and bassist were from other bands and play more in the rock mode. They brought in a more professional sound and this record does groove at times. Rob was stressed big time at this event as he was having issues with their management, and also knowing this show was going to be recorded and he wasn't happy with the first one, and so on. It turned out to be one of their more milder concerts. They were known for being over the top with the shredding, putting on an entertaining show. The vibe wasn't right this night.

MacKenzie would end up leaving the country after this. I guess everyone wants a piece of you when you have this kind of talent, and Rob wanted none of that anymore. Like the first album I have trouble enjoying this at all, it leaves me cold. I really don't like MacKenzie's style. Peter Jones is a guest here playing electric piano and bringing some class to the rough proceedings.

The highlight would be parts of the longest track "Clouds" which over 15 1/2 minutes, while the long drum solo on "The C Thing" is my low point. 3 stars.