MacKenzie Theory was formed in Melbourne by lead guitarist, Rob MacKenzie (ex-Friends, King Harvest), with bass guitarist Mike Leadabrand and drummer Andrew Majewski in September 1971. At this time MacKenzie also met electric viola player Cleis Pearce at a concert in Sydney, while he was filling in with another group, and he was so impressed with her playing that he immediately invited her to join, even though she had no previous experience of playing rock or improvised music. MacKenzie Theory played instrumental jazz rock with elements of John Coltrane, King Crimson, Mahavishnu Orchestra and Santana. At early gigs they supported other artists including, Band of Light, Billy Thorpe & the Aztecs, Chain, Madder Lake or Spectrum.
They performed at the inaugural Sunbury Pop Festival in January 1972 and at the second festival in January 1973. Their track, "New Song And", was included on the triple live album, 'The Great Australian Rock Festival Sunbury 1973' which appeared on Mushroom Records in April. Their debut album, 'Out of the Blue', recorded live in the studio, was issued in July, and it peaked at #19 on Go-Set's Australian Albums chart in August. During September, Leadabrand and Majewski left and were replaced by Paul Wheeler (ex-Billy Thorpe & the Aztecs) on bass guitar and Greg Sheehan (ex-Blackfeather) on drums plus pianist Peter Jones.
MacKenzie Theory appeared at Sunbury again in 1974 and "Supreme Love" appeared on 'Highlights of Sunbury '74 Part 2'. They disbanded by mid-year before MacKenzie and Pearce travelled to the United Kingdom, their final appearance on 15 May was recorded and released as a live album, 'Bon Voyage' by Mushroom Records, although this was reportedly released against the wishes of Mackenzie, who felt that the performance captured on the album was below-par for the group. In December 2009, Aztec Music issued a remastered version of 'Out of the Blue' on CD.
Members
Rob MacKenzie (guitar), Cleis Pearce ([electric] viola), Peter Jones (keyboards), Mike Leadabrand (bass), Andy Majewski (drums), Greg Sheehan (drums), Paul "Sheepdog" Wheeler (bass)
'Out Of The Blue' (#24) 1973 Mushroom
'Bon Voyage (Live At Dallas Brooks Hall May Fifteen)' 1974 Mushroom
References
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacKenzie_Theory
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