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RAPID RIVER ARTS - Feb 2004
"ALWAYS"
Given his Western North Carolina roots, it should come as no surprise that Sinclair has a knack for making the listener feel comfortable right off the bat. His congenial vocals might initially remind you of Willie Nelson, before the cigarettes, but the subtle swing of the melodies set against some sprightly fiddle and dobro work accurately bring to mind those lost days of transistor radios and Bob Wills. There is a warmth and character to this record that eschews modernity for what matters most, creating a harmony between a performer and their audience. The playing is impeccable, the tone is genuine, and the songs, from the rhapsodic "Come Back With My Heart" to the more rustic "Rainy Day Blues", are as bright as a falling star. At just under 40 minutes, this album does what any proper guest should; it says what it needs to and never overstays its welcome.
~ James Cassara
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AMERICANA-UK
Bob Sinclair "Always" (Barrett Mountain Music Works 2003) The first thing you think of is Willie Nelson in the vocals, but soon you set all that aside as you get drawn in by the lilting swinging jazzy fiddle and the wry dobro which are effortlessly classy in an old-time radio way. You can imagine these songs drifting out of an open window from a radiogram as big as an armchair, dials like dinner plates and valves the size of carafes. It has the warmth of tone that reaches a creamy richness when the harmonising gels as it does on Lucky. The virtuoso Dobro playing keeps the whole thing lively and when it spars with the fiddle things really begin to fly. Gypsy flavoured songs like Morena sound natural and not hollow exercises. Jump In has a jumpin quality, your fingers snap and you're in the back of a convertible cruising down to the Friday night fish fry. The blues and pop also get a look in, this record will charm the hardest of hearts. It made me think of the laid-back cool of Hoagy Carmichael and that's high praise.
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MUSIC ON THE SQUARE - June 16, 2003
As we listened to Bob Sinclair and Victrola Club to get a feel for what they do, my wife commented that there is a 'Willie Nelson' quality about his singing, as well as his songwriting. There could be fewer higher compliments than that, and as I sat on a bench listening to them perform live, the fellow sitting next to me said the same thing. I was amused, but as Bob said later, he gets that all the time. These three guys rock, each carrying their own weight with talent and wonderful arrangements. Solos by Dick Hull on guitar and Joseph Hasty on bass give this trio a full rich sound that is difficult to pull off, especially live. I highly recommend these guys for practically any event or venue, large or small. The important thing is they will be having as good a time as anyone there, as they genuinely love what they are doing. Book this Band!!
~ Steve Cook, Director
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RANI ARBO - Signature Sounds
"Bob Sinclair's new CD, "Always," is a delightful throwback to the days when music was not over-produced, singing was honest, and you could tell just by listening that the performers were sporting big grins. Supported by some sweet and sassy dobro and fiddle playing and a solid rhythm section, Bob's original songs shine, with classic western swing-style melodies and lots of sad and tightly-crafted lyrics about lost love and rainy day blues. Everything here fits together in a satisfying and soulful way - I only wish I had a chance to see his live show!" |
VANCE GILBERT - Rounder/Philo Recording Artist
"It is as if A.P. Carter, the Gershwin Brothers and Hank Williams all came back to life and said, "Let's write a few more with Bob and then die."
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RUFUS SMITH - CDX Records
"The ol breathe of fresh air trick again, a light shown bright in the window of your soul...calling, welcoming you! It's Bob Sinclair's latest sonic delight "Always". A virtual tapestry of interwoven good times that will easily become one of your best friends for life! Recorded in North Carolina's Deep Gap at Lonesome Pine we find a strong supporting cast made up of some of the finest pickers anywhere! "Always" leaves the repeat on this listener's player engaged! It's like going back home!"
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LEA PRITCHARD - The Evening Muse
"Joe and I are really, REALLY fans of your music."
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IN-STUDIO PERFORMANCE, WBCW-FM 88.7 - June 17, 2003
Your performance at the studio was a hi-lite of the year so far. I think you will get spins because of it. I know the next time I do It Don't Mean A Thing...you get air-play. Very nice work. God Bless and thanks for supporting Public Radio.
~ Dennis Jones
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 2003
Local singer/songwriter, Bob Sinclair, was recently awarded the 2002-2003 Regional Artist Project Grant from local area and NC Arts Councils. He was selected from among other entrants because, as Grant Committee member Dwayne Cooley said, "He would well represent the artists of this region", and Cooley congratulated him on winning this prestigious award.
Not surprisingly then, Sinclair’s songs and performances are getting the attention of the broader musical community. He was invited to play 2 days at the nationally renowned music festival, Merlefest, in April of 2003. When asked about being selected to play for Merlefest Sinclair said, "There are hundreds of outstanding songwriters and performers out there who would give their last guitar string to play this festival. And I just feel very fortunate to be part of such an outstanding event. Being selected for the Artist Grant and playing Merlefest all in the past few weeks is just incredible", Sinclair finished.
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