Always

Hoagy Carmichael. Cole Porter. George Gershwin. No one can write songs like those guys anymore. You just can't write a new standard. Well, Bob Sinclair is re-introducing this true American art form on his debut release, "ALWAYS" (Barrett Mountain Music). With 11 original compositions in the old standard style, this disc is not a rehashing of some old tunes but a fresh new look at that song form. And like the standard song form, these songs incorporate jazz, ballads and even early country music and through them embraces the simple directness that characterizes good music of whatever genre. The title track to the album, "ALWAYS" gives you a clear sense of Sinclair's style and the economy of his lyrics when he distills love down to its purest sentiments in just a few words. "Don't ever wonder if my heart is true. Always. Always." Or the heartbroken sentiments on "Me and the Moon" where he lightly, but touchingly tells of love lost. "Just me and the moon. He stopped by to say hello. He knew that you had left me here and how it feels to be alone." But you also find lightheartedness on this record and an insight into Sinclair's wit and humor. On "Liza Jane", Sinclair tells the story of the girl who just wouldn't go away. Other album highlights include "Rainy Day Blues", "Morena" and "Lucky". But the whole disc is full of favorites; any of which could make the play list of radio stations world-wide. You will hear these songs on AAA radio, straight country and even easy listening. They are timeless and boundless. On "ALWAYS", Sinclair achieves what many songwriters attempt; he boils down universal sentiments to their essential form. It is deceptively difficult. But don't be misled by all this talk of old standards. This is not your father's music. It is music for today but with a wink and a nod to the great writers of the past.