Russell Sinclair - Bought & Sold
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| Russell Sinclair - Bought & Sold |
Release Date: Out Now
Plymouth based musician Russell
Sinclair is rapidly developing a 'name' for himself as a bit of a modern Blues
legend but it's the fact that he can throw in a bit of Swing and Roots that
makes him really stand out for me. This latest album, 'Bought & Sold', is a
fantastic advert for his various talents and gets off to a flying start with
the instrumental 'The Rock' - presumably an ode of love to the former wrestling
persona of Dwayne Johnson. Listeners are treated to a full band tune that would
either work as a musical interlude on Happy Days or be some fantastic music for
a cheesy American voice over artist to introduce a chat show host over. Album
title track 'Bought & Sold' is a more slow burning, Louisanna style Blues
tune with snake hips and seductive organs whispering away in the back room.
It's party time again on 'Mr Bigshot' as things get groovy with a slick horn
section and some more excellent organ work giving Sinclair the space for his
vocals to take flight.
There's a more country vibe on
'Brave New Day' with some shuffling drums and lots of lyrics about long blonde
hair and drinking while the mandolin tinkles away in the background. There's a
slightly Latin vibe to 'Beautiful War' while 'Bigger Man' settles in to a more
Sunday afternoon style with some lazy saxophone and drums that are emerging
yawning from a New York apartment bedroom with a semi and serious bed hair. The
Boogie-Woogie of 'Born Blind', however, is absolute triumph as Sinclair makes
his guitar sing and wail while the rest of the band pull all the stops out
including some excellent harmonica work. There is a delicate feel to 'Face The
Rain' which gives us a chance to experience Sinclaire stripped back to acoustic
guitar and raw vocals as a countrified ballad builds superbly.
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| Russell Sinclair in full flow |
The wonderful 'Cigarettes &
Whisky' is an absolute triumph and shows just why Sinclair and his band are in
such high demand as a live act around the UK with energy bursting from every
note and beat. Swing is usually seen as more of a dance move these days but
Sinclair is bringing it back with an authentic
feel and a whole lot of passion to boot. There is a slightly vaudeville
feel to 'My Oh My' as a kazoo makes an appearance but, as with every tune on
this collection, there is an honesty and joy behind the performance and the
songcraft. The album closes on 'Turn It Black', a beautiful banjo lead tune
that conjures up imagines of long grass, longer afternoons and denim dungarees
with a button missing. Long, ramshackle trains will roll through the American
country with this tune rattling between the wheels and hobos humming along.
Russell Sinclair was an unknown to me before hearing this album but he sounds
like he's been singing these songs for decades and perfecting them along the
way. He's a real talent and a pioneer for bringing original Blues and Swing
music back to the UK scene - who would have expected that to come out of a
South Devon city, eh?!
More information: https://www.facebook.com/russellsinclairmusic/?fref=ts
Listen/Download Here: http://russellsinclair.co.uk/
Live Dates:
5th November - The Blues Bar & Grill, Plymouth
6th November - The Lopes Arms, Plymouth
7th November - Oval Tavern, Croydon
12th November - Refectory Bar, Plymouth
13th November - B-Bar @ Barbican Theatre, Plymouth
19th November - The Blues Bar & Grill, Plymouth
26th November - Refectory Bar, Plymouth
28th November - Celtic Beer Festival, St Austell
19th December - Annabels Cabaret, Plymouth
16th April - The Carclaze, St Austell