At the age of 5, Val Sinclair gave her first public performance in Rushden Athletic Club, sat on the billiard table! Although her parents and grandparents were all singers/musicians, there was little opportunity for her to pursue her own musical talent so she ended up in a somewhat academic career in Cambridge.
She formed The Sinclair/Palmer Band and also began attending local jazz course. "I felt as if I'd been taken out of a straight-jacket". In 2004 the call came from the Galaxy Big Band and the rest, as they say, is history.
"It was hard to believe she had never sung with a big-band before" says band members, "she has a voice that really lifts the band, a sense of rhythm that really swings and a personality that connects every time with the audience".
".......I was blown away by the Galaxy Big Band and Val Sinclair's incredible talent for singing"......Paul Webber
She is still the band's resident vocalist but has also gained a fine reputation as an independent jazz/blues singer, performing with jazz musicians in the South East and East Anglia. She also leads an 8-piece band (THE Jazz/Blues Band) where she is joined by Martin Leigh on vocals."
The following photographs of Val and Martin were taken by David Avery of TAG Design, Cambridge, a unique and talented graphics design company.
WHAT THE PEOPLE SAY
"I've never known anyone who so many people fall in love with at first sight and sound - Rachel Russell"
"What a voice, what a stunner, what a performer - blues at it's very best"......
"She has a huge personality and is a very sophisticated lady but incredibly sensual. That's before she starts singing and then it's 'wow'"......
"Her voice has great richness and depth, ideal for jazz. It doesn't get better than that".......
"Where can I buy one of your recordings? It would be lovely to listen to that silky voice whenever the urge takes me, which would be quite often!"..............
She is at her best with live performing and makes her audience feel incredibly special. She admits to not particularly enjoying recording. "I just can't feel the passion somehow, singing to a wall in a set of headphones" she says.
Nevertheless her CD 'Livin' In The Slow Lane'
"Is excellent"
"Timeless"
"Gorgeous to look at, gorgeous to listen to"
"A great mix of jazz, blues and big-band"
"Some lovely songs there, and beautifully interpreted, presented etc. Band's not bad, either!!
"Fabulous vocals and excellent musicianship"
"Is that what they're saying?" she asks. "Actually, I'm just a home-loving woman who needs to sing the blues"!!
However, if you would like to purchase 'Livin' In The Slow Lane', please go to my website".
www.valsinclair.co.uk