Well Bren, to answer your question, yes, Matt has a brother! But he informed us that we would have to go through the other MRS. McKenzie to get to him! Guess you will have to keep wooing Vinny, Bren! :)

Matt is the oldest of 5 kids: Mary, Sue, Joe and Judy. He was born in Phoenix and came to Nashville to pursue his career a few years back. Matt says he is doing just what he came to Nashville to do and his greatest joy is working in the studio.

When asked what he would most want to do that he hasn't already done, he stated that "Every day is an adventure. Sometimes it just doesn't feel like work at all!"

Matt and Patty Kickin' It Patty's Sound Engineer & Bus Driver Relaxing On The Golf Course.

But there is one thing that he would love to do that he has not done yet and that is play with Vince Gill. "Although Patty has toured with Vince, I have never been able to play with him. I usually watch the show from the wings, so working with Vince would be what I would most like to do."

Whatever Matt decides to do, we wish him all the best and know that it will be successful - he deserves no less! Matt, thank you for talking with us and it was great meeting you!

Eddie: We have asked all of the band members this question, so we will start by asking you who your influences were?
Matt: The Carpenters and Earth, Wind and Fire.

Eddie: Did you have any country influences?
Matt: Country music was the last thing I came into. I was into easy listening, pop sound. My schooling was in jazz.

Eddie: How long have you been playing bass and is that the only instrument you play?
Matt: I started in high school and yes that is pretty much it.

Eddie: When did you hook up with Patty Loveless?
Matt:I met Patty in 1996.

Eddie: Do you have a favorite song of hers?
Matt: I like "Nothing But The Wheel"

Eddie: What have you been up to these days?
Matt: I have been working with Don Williams

Eddie: Have you written any songs or had any of your own work published?
Matt: Nope.

Eddie: We have many folks who visit our site, who aspire to either write or sing. Do you have any advice for them in their endeavors to break into the music industry?
Matt: All of the people that I know have paid their dues... played a lot of clubs.. church.. if you are good you will get heard... nothing replaces experience.. Nashville is a bit hard .. not as many clubs...most of the good musicians make their living during the day...most of the great musicans ..

Matt On Golf Course

work day sessions... It's word of mouth .... if you are doing good work .. people will hear you.. people will talk... you make friends with others.. and hopefully if they like what you do.. you will make the contacts...

Eddie: Are you planning on going back on tour with Patty in June?
Matt: Hoping to. I didn't know there was a schedule already. We usually find out in April.

Eddie: Did you get a chance to play on Patty's new album she has coming out next year?
Matt:No. Last year we did a new recording of "If My Heart Had Windows" in the studio. I don't think that was released. But nothing on her new album.

Eddie: Matt thank you for taking the time to talk with me tonight. We really appreciate the work you do and hope to see you out on the road next June.
Matt: No problem! Thanks!

Discography:

Performing on 1986's debut album, Lyle Lovett, Matt had the chance to perform along side of Nashville's greatest musicians. Just check out the credits of Lyle's premier album:

Lyle Lovett

Jeff Borree: Drums
Rosanne Cash: Vocals, Vocals (Background)
Glen Duncan: Fiddle, Violin
Vince Gill: Guitar, Vocals
James Gilmer: Conga
Jon Goin: Guitar, Guitar (Electric)
Emory Gordy: Bass
Ray Herndon: Guitar, Vocals (Background)
John Jarvis: Synthesizer
Lyle Lovett: Guitar, Guitar (Acoustic), Vocals, Vocals (Background)
Steve Marsh: Saxophone
Mac McAnally: Guitar, Guitar (Acoustic)
Matt McKenzie: Bass
Tom Mortensen: Guitar (Steel)
Mark Prentice: Keyboards, Organ, Piano
Francine Reed: Vocals, Vocals (Background)
Matt Rollings: Piano, Piano (Electric), Synthesizer
J. David Sloan: Vocals, Vocals (Background)
Bob Warren: Drums
Billy Williams: Guitar, Guitar (Electric)

On Pontiac Matt once again paired up with musicians Ray Herndon and Vince Gill to help Lyle out on his second album. This time they were joined by Emmylou Harris, to lend her vocal support.

Don Williams
Borrowed Tales
Flatlands

Lee Greenwood
Holdin' A Good Hand

New Age Artist Jeanne Newhall Meeting Places

In 1986, Matt performed on a new age album entitled Meeting Places with artist Jeanne Newhall. He was to follow up with three more albums of Jeanne's: 1994's Zebra also in 1994, Conscience and in 1996 Soul Of My Own.

Amy Hart
Every Beat Of My Heart

Etta Britt
Hillbilly Heart

Sheila Lawrence
Crazy Quilt

Live Performances:

Lyle Lovett
Patty Loveless
Don Williams
Ricky Skaggs
Lee Greenwood
Maura O'Connell
Skip Ewing
1992 Presidential Inaugural

Television Appearances:

Grammy Awards
CMA Awards
ACM Awards
VH-1 Special
BBC Special
Grand Ole Opry
CBS Special
Austin City Limits
48 Hours
Lonesome Pine Special, PBS
Tonight Show
Late Night with Conan O'Brien
Arsenio Hall
CBS This Morning
Today Show
The Road, CBS
The View, ABC

Music Videos:

Patty Loveless
Don Williams
Lyle Lovett

Commercials:

Dodge
Ford
IBM

Tours With:

Bonnie Raitt
Ricki Lee Jones
Dire Straits
Vince Gill
Alan Jackson

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