Michael MacLennan is a Scottish pianist, singer and songwriter. Brought up in the small village of Nethy Bridge in the Scottish highlands, he began playing the piano at seven years of age. Having won his place at the Royal College of Music, playing gigs 7 days a week, and writing two songs each day for a year, Michael MacLennan’s passion for producing awe-inspiring compositions cries out in his debut album ‘Wolves.’ Released February 20th 2012
Prior to moving back to Scotland, Michael supported himself by playing gigs across London where he caught the attention of Rod Stewart. Laying down his own interpretation of the classic Kriss Kristofersson track ‘For The Good Times’, Stewart tapped his shoulder and said ‘Bloody good job son!’ dropping him a £50 note. His songwriting skill is akin to the greats like Jackson Browne and Bruce Springsteen but harmoniously blends with the sounds of contemporaries like Damien Rice and Paolo Nutini.
While recording ‘Wolves’ from 2010 till 2011 and playing gigs all over Scotland and through out Edinburgh, Michael worked with many rising producers in the area, including Craig Ross and Garry Boyle. Together the trio found something unique, and their genuine collaboration is apparent in the finished work.Wolves’ is a timelessly brilliant album that could have been plucked from a California recording studio in the 70’s. Mesmerizingly talented beyond his years, MacLennan’s lyricism and instrumentation coalesce wonderfully. The first single on the album ‘To the Fire‘ is catchy, evocative, and relatable and is featured in the video below. Perhaps it is because the piano tracks were recorded amid heavy storms and fear of being snowed in but, ‘Wolves’ is the perfect album to drink a nice stout by the fireplace to on a cold winter night.
Tracks from his EP ‘History’ and recent single ‘To The Fire‘ have gained radio play on BBC Radio Gloucestershire BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio Nottingham, Blast 1386, Moray Firth Radio, Leith FM and Q Radio network. With many songs in his backlog and much more music to create yet, Michael MacLennan is a rising star and ‘Wolves’, set to release in February 2012, is a must listen for music fans of all backgrounds!
We at folking.com believe that this could be one of the most important debut release of 2012!
“Michael MacLennan’s songs are as timeless as they are heartfelt, an old school piano-fighter who allies true craft to infectious passion in his music. I often stick one or two of his tracks on my compilation CD’s so I can kid on I’m sophisticated.” – Christopher Brookmyre – Scottish best-selling author.
“Jaw-droppingly good on the show. I had to stop what I was doing and turn the radio up. Stunning!” –Pennie Latin – Senior Producer and Presenter, BBC Radio Scotland.
You must be logged in to post a comment.