January/February 2014: Neil Coligan
Denzal Sinclaire: Unforgettable!
Written by: Joanna MajokoDenzal Sinclaire—vocalist, pianist, percussionist, and actor—has easily become one of Canada’s most popular jazz vocalists. From his first note to his last breath, he possesses the ability to calm his listeners’ minds and take them on a journey through song.
Sinclaire’s career began in Montreal at McGill University’s Jazz Performance program. During his studies, he began a dynamic musical relationship with Bill Coon, a guitarist, composer, and arranger. Over the course of fifteen years, they have performed to rave reviews in a variety of musical settings. One of their most notable collaborations was their work on Unforgettable, a musical based on the life and music of Nat ‘King’ Cole. Sinclaire’s canny interpretations of Cole’s music launched his career and have made him one of most identifiable and original singers in Canada today.
Denzal Sinclaire has graced the stages of numerous concert halls and festivals around the world, and has appeared on several popular TV shows as well. He has performed with internationally-renowned jazz musicians such as Dee Dee Bridgewater, Jimmy Heath, Holly Cole, Barry Harris, and The Count Basie Orchestra—just to name a few. Along the way, he has gained notable admirers, including Grammy-winning artists Diana Krall, Dianne Reeves, and Branford Marsalis.
His three albums—I Found Love, his self-titled Denzal Sinclaire, and My One and Only Love—have been highly successful, garnering him multiple Juno Award nominations, a National Jazz Award for Best Album, four consecutive Jazz Report Magazine Awards for Male Jazz Vocalist, and France’s Choc Jazzman Award.
With his signature sound and his graceful presence, Denzal Sinclaire is perfectly fit for the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra’s Valentine’s special, “My One and Only Love.” With the orchestra’s support, he’ll melt your heart with classics from the Great American Songbook. He’s so popular with Winnipeg audiences that the WJO has added a Saturday concert to their regular Sunday concerts. Come early to hear one of the Winnipeg high school jazz orchestras.