The Prisoner - Wes Mackey

Search Wes Mackey online in Germany, France or Belgium and you'll see that Europe has already discovered Wes Mackey where he is known for his incredible showmanship and uplifting performances.

In fact he is an honorary citizenship in Provence, France and Godfather to it's annual L'am Du Blues Festival in Lamanon.

For years he traveled under the radar in search of both his personal and musical identities and now, after close to 50 years as a professional musician Mackey is finally becoming recognized in North America and is busier than he has ever performing, writing, recording and collaborating.

The journey has been less than typical for a bluesman. Born and raised in rural South Carolina he learned to play the guitar from the seasoned old blues players of the Deep South and he is glad to have been part of that great bygone era. He eventually moved to Augusta, Georgia where he began working in small juke joints and dusty honky tonks and where his first “professional” gig paid 50 cents and a chicken sandwich.

Soon he found himself playing in the local bands that backed up touring greats like Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Reed, Stevie Wonder and many others. Affectionately known as "Static" for his troublesome stutter he spent many years on the road working as a sideman. While many of his contemporaries from the south migrated to other American cities Wes' path took a different course and he eventually moved to Canada where he garnered some early success in the country he now calls home.

Then Mackey faced some troubling challenges and was forced to drop out of the music scene entirely. When he was finally ready to get back on stage he had to start all over again. There were some artistic compromises but in order to keep working he had to diversify, playing everything from country to jazz. Realizing that he did not stutter when he sang he also added the foot bass pedals and moved centre stage. In the long run Mackey admits it helped to develop his unique and sometimes indefinable style.

It took some time but eventually he went from working those dusty honky tonks of the past to clubs, resorts, and five star venues around the world, including places like Russia, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Iceland to name a few.

With his life back on track he decided to return to the music in which his life was rooted and dedicated himself exclusively to the blues. At first unsure if his five star fans would warm up to the blues he decided to risk it all and it worked. When he is not doing concerts, festivals and shows he still continues to perform the circuit regularly in Vancouver.

Shortly after he released his aptly titled album Second Chance which reached near the top on many Canadian charts including CUIT of the Toronto Blues Society and Real Blues Magazine

His next release Mr. Blues (2005) was equally well received. Soon after he began touring Europe extensively. Encouraged by good reviews of the original material on Mr. Blues Mackey went on to record his latest release Beyond Words which has 8 original songs. The album was released in Europe in 2009 with a six week kick off tour that included uncharted territory in Croatia, Slovenia and Italy. The CD is due was released in North America in September 2009 and has also been very well received.