Mac MacLeod
| Mac MacLeod | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Keith MacLeod |
| Also known as | Mac MacLeod |
| Born | 9 July 1941 |
| Origin | St Albans, Hertfordshire, England |
| Genres | Folk, blues, rock |
| Occupation(s) | Guitarist, bassist, singer-songwriter |
| Instruments | Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Bass guitar, sitar, flute |
| Years active | 1959–present |
| Labels | Gazell, RPM UK |
| Associated acts |
Hurdy Gurdy, Amber |
| Website | MacMacLeod.co.uk |
Mac MacLeod (born Keith MacLeod, 9 July 1941, St Albans, Hertfordshire) is an English musician who was a part of the Hertfordshire folk and blues scene from 1959 onwards. He played in St Albans alongside Mick Softley, Maddy Prior and toured with John Renbourn. Influences include Softley, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, Derroll Adams, Jesse Fuller, Big Bill Broonzy, Snooks Eaglin, Reverend Gary Davis and Davey Graham.
MacLeod was an early influence on Donovan, and was the bassist for the original line up of Hurdy Gurdy which also inspired the Donovan song, "The Hurdy Gurdy Man". MacLeod has also worked with Argent. Other bands MacLeod formed of note include Soft Cloud, Loud Earth with Mick Softley and the acoustic based band Amber.
In the early days in The Cock and later The Peahen pubs, MacLeod was a regular and one of the few finger pickers around. He often played with other musicians of note: the flat picking Mick Softley and school friend Maddy Prior. In the summer time MacLeod travelled to the South West where he made friends with John Renbourn. The two busked together from around 1961 to 1964.
In 1964 MacLeod and Renbourn recorded three demos together; 'South Coast', 'Cocaine' and 'Train Blues'. Donovan was influenced from 1961 onwards by MacLeod's finger picking and the flat pick styles made popular by Ramblin' Jack Elliott which had been a big inspiration on Mick Softley and 'Dirty Hugh'. MacLeod taught Donovan claw hammer style and finger pick techniques (see Hurdy Gurdy) and many songs from his folk blues heroes. Donovan said in an interview for Beat Instrumental in May 1965 titled 'Donovan's Big Influence? It's Not Dylan!' "The man who encouraged and helped me most was a fellow called Keith 'Mac' MacLeod. I've known him for about three years, and he's taught me everything from chord progressions on the guitar, to how to appreciate folk and real blues".
...
Wikipedia