JUNO-nominated and Maple Blues Award winner Spencer Mackenzie is pleased to release his new album, Empty Chairs, via Gypsy Soul Records released today (February 20, 2026).
For nearly a decade, Maple Blues Award winner Spencer Mackenzie has been writing and recording true blues, showcasing the raw emotion and honesty the genre demands. There’s a familiarity and ease with which he approaches the music, almost as though it flows through rather than from him. The energy of his work is infectious, permeating through the listener until they, too, feel the heartbeat of the blues.
Produced by 2X JUNO-nominated producer and Emmy Award-winning mixer Ross Hayes Citrullo, guitarist of The Commoners, the album captures Mackenzie’s signature blend of gritty, introspective blues-rock.
Mackenzie’s high-energy, captivating performance is one that grabs the audience from the moment the first note is played. With numerous Canadian, European, and US shows performed, some of his most notable performances include the Montreal International Jazz Festival, Festival d’été de Quebec, Moulin Blues Ospel, Ribs & Blues Raalte and Kulturring Schöppingen Blues Festival alongside acts such as Walter Trout, Fantastic Negrito, Samantha Fish and Jesse Dayton, just to name a few. With an electrifying presence and his new album on the horizon, this left-handed guitar slinger shows no signs of slowing down, delivering performances that leaves the audience buzzing long after the final note.
The CD and vinyl edition of the album is available from www.spencermackenzie.ca.
The digital edition of the album is available from https://lnk.fuga.com/spencermackenzie_emptychairs.
Stream the focus track “Empty Chairs.” Watch the live performance video of Empty Chairs below
With his fluid phrasing, resonant tone, and expressive performances, one could believe Spencer Mackenzie was born on Beale Street. That, however, would be wrong. The lauded JUNO-nominated blues-rock artist hails from Southern Ontario and has steadily earned accolades, and the attention of blues aficionados from around the world. Leaving nothing behind when he steps to the stage, Mackenzie offers show goers a powerhouse performance, commanding his guitar with sophistication and prowess beyond his years.
“Empty Chairs can only further enhance the credentials of Spencer Mackenzie as a name to watch.” – Blues in Britain Magazine
“Still only in his mid-twenties, Empty Chairs proves he carries the triple threat of a great voice, gifted musicianship and superior songwriting craft to become an international force.”
– Blues Matters Magazine
Drawing on the legacy of blues legends while channeling the energy of modern blues rock, Empty Chairs fuses electrifying guitar, punchy riffs, soaring organ, dynamic vocals, and a powerhouse rhythm section. The album promises to be Mackenzie’s most personal and explosive work yet.
“With his new album, Empty Chairs, Spencer Mackenzie demonstrates why he’s considered one of the most promising names in blues-rock. Soulful vocals, fiery guitar, and songs that linger.” – Blues Magazine NL
“His high-energy new single, What You Do, is a lively rock ‘n’ roll explosion. The guitar bubbles like acid on a brand-new Corvette’s paintjob, while the voice is jackshaft oil and grit. Giant, spirited and refreshingly super brisk!” – Raw Ramp
“Shoot Me Down erupts with a rasping, gritty, blues-soaked guitar riff… slick guitar licks, killer Hammond-style keys, and a dark, delicious bassline give the track depth, swagger, and a real ballsy tone. A killer track you’ll reach for the repeat button for sure.” – Jace Media Music
