Richard Todd said he liked SM's new Octet, and that he hopes...

>...to hear more from this genial and accomplished composer.

Then do check out the Kronos Quartet's CD "Short Stories," track 8:
'Physical Property' (14:26).  Elektra Nonesuch CD 79310 (Ottawa Public
Library D785 .7194 K76s).  Mackey plays guitar, accompanying the Kronos
4tet.  A wild lyrical ride held together with a strong rhythmic bounce.
If I had to put my fat finger on a misgiving, it may be a lack at the
more sensitive end of the musical spectrum.  All the same: nice just
to hang onto one's hat now and then.

In 1993, Mackey arranged a traditional Outer Mongolian piece called
'Kongerei' (3:38), complete with throat singing and a plaintive shepherd's
song.  That's on another Kronos Quartet CD: 'Night Prayers' (Elektra
Nonesuch CD 79346).  It does successfully evoke something like a lonely
shepherd's cry to the pitiless stars.  Then again, no doubt due to cultural
distance, and depending on mood, it might strike one as Cheech and Chong
just having fun with a mike.

There's also an arrangement of Willie Dixon's 'Spoonful' (4:29) on that
first CD.

Clearly a composer worth pursuing.

Bert B, in Ottawa