| . |
A Seanachaidh for about 13 years now, my early life was growing up on the banks of Loch Lomond in a Glaswegian family of Scots and Irish descent. I quickly realised that music was my love, perhaps influenced by my maternal grandfather who was a piper and mandolin player. From Scotland the family moved all over the UK, much of the time in Cymry (Wales), where I learned a little Welsh.
While at university, I delved further into my culture's music, through folk guitar, Bodhràn and the Border Ballads - long story-like pieces dating from the 14-1700s. But in hindsight, I'd say I drifted away from the 'bloodline', as youth often do, into modern and academic music, and into the music industry. After a number of years, having decided to tour Scotland as a cure for the music industry, I gave up home and many possessions, taking to the road on a push bike. There, I gained an intimate view of Scotland's West Coast, like reuniting with a lost love, remembering the stories told to me of the places by my mother.
I remained a traveller for 5 years, covering most of Britain, Europe and California. One day I'll write a book about the adventures I had, if only to read it in my old age and laugh.
During my time as a traveller my love for Folk Song and Ballads grew. I would dig out of archives the older versions of these ballads and their historical story. Around campfires and at gatherings I'd tell the story as introduction then sing the ballad. After a while, the intro got to be longer than the ballad, so I realised I was a storyteller! I still sometimes sing songs as part of the cèilidh
Having expanded my interest out to Legends, Myths, Folk Tales, mostly Celtic, but also those from the native people's of the cold northern latitudes, the Saami, the Innuit, Chuchki. I began to realise that the old Folk Tales had a life of their own, like living beings. And that they fed me in some way, like food for my soul. I became more interested in the meanings behind the overt stories, the teaching aspects, the spiritual aspects. I realised, along with other writers, that a lot of the 'lost' Celtic Wisdom was in them.
At the end of the Milenium I took up training with the Ehama Institute of California, who are Keepers of the style of Earth Wisdom found amongst the indigenous people of America. Through this training, My understanding of Celtic Wisdom has been expanded.
I am married to Samantha MacKenzie and we are also business partners, Samantha handling much of the management of clients, weddings and creative projects.
 Home/Index |