sessions


SoundRoutes Sessions offer a unique and interactive musical experience. Take part in a dynamic afternoon harmony singing workshop and then perform in the evening alongside top professional musicians. Meet new people, improve your vocal skills, enjoy gorgeous harmonies and experience the thrill of singing on-stage!








The first of our Sessions series is called Ocean of Sound.  


Join Shona for an afternoon singing workshop and learn three close-harmony arrangements of Scottish songs inspired by the sea... 


You don’t need to be able to read music or have any previous singing experience - the aim of the afternoon is to have fun and in doing so, create some beautiful music.  


In the evening invite your family and friends to hear you perform in an intimate concert at one of our Ocean of Sound venues.  The short programme will feature top Scottish musicians Shona Brown (flute and vocals) and Kevin MacKenzie (guitar), as well as the Session participants.  


Blurring the lines between classical, folk, world and jazz, this is an extraordinary blend of music, not to be missed!  
















shona brown


Sound
Routes was founded and is run by flute player and singer Shona Brown. Shona has worked professionally in classical, folk and jazz genres but feels happiest somewhere in the middle.  Through SoundRoutes she aims to bring together her love for new music and community work by creating opportunities for the public to get involved in exciting cross-over musical projects.

As a performer, Shona has worked with a diverse range musicians including Mogwai, Barbara Thompson MBE, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, BBC Young Musician of the Year and Rockstar Entertainment.  She has a passion for ethnic musical traditions across the world and has so far made research trips to Slovakia and Marrakech as well as studying the folk traditions of Scotland.

As a teacher and choir leader, Shona has worked across the UK leading choirs, running creative workshops and teaching flute. She adopts a fun and creative approach to learning and enjoys working with people of all ages and backgrounds. She has a first class honours degree from the Royal Northern College of Music and a Masters with Distinction from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

As well as running SoundRoutes, Shona is also working on a solo recording project, due for release later this year.  


kevin mackenzie


Kevin Macken
zie is one of Scotland’s most in-demand musicians, with projects ranging from Trio AAB and the Scottish Guitar Quartet to the Finlay Macdonald Band and Jenna Reid. He has toured all over the world and has recorded on over 40 albums.

His groups have been featured along side guitarist Robben Fords power trio, Bob Berg and Mike Stern, the Crusaders and Seminal Jazz figure Ornette Coleman.

In 2001 Kevin received the prestigious ‘Creative Scotland Award’, which he used to write and record music for his nine-piece band ‘Kevin Mackenzie’s Vital Signs’. The CD gathered great reviews including album of the month in The Observer and CD of the week in The Guardian.

Some musicians he has performed with include Boris Kozlov,  Pete King, Benny Carter, Kenny Wheeler, Tommy Smith, Joe Locke, Bobby Wellins, Jim Mullen, David Berkman, Reid Anderson, Ari Hoenig ,Pettre Wettre. Jenna Reid, Alyth McCormack, John McCusker, Fiddlers Bid, Marie Fielding, Maggie Macinness, Sunhoney, Finlay Macdoald Band, Keep It Up, Karen Tweed,  Brian Finegan, Gino Lupari and many others.


booking details


These dates have now passed, please check back soon to find out about future events.