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David Sinclair's Acoustic Christmas is considered one of the "top 5" Christmas albums of all time in Vancouver, and one can easily see why. Sinclair has played in the major leagues for many years, touring with Sarah McLachlan and other big names. Applauded for his considerable guitar talents, Sinclair is the perfect fellow to interpret a dozen holiday tunes, both familiar and not. This is acoustic excellence along the lines of Leo Kottke.

As I've said many times before, a lot of great holiday music comes from Canada, and this is no exception. Sinclair plays with excitement and heart; this is not a successful musician simply "going through the motions" to crank out a seasonal release.

Sinclair's playing is dynamic and animated, yet low-key and emotive. His be-bopping, syncopated Away in a Manger makes a weary old standard spring to life; as a result, this is probably my favorite track among a group of strong contenders. Although The Water Is Wide is not strictly a Christmas tune, its gorgeous melody and introspective mood melded into the holiday backdrop with grace and ease. Every track is a winner, and Sinclair's sternly regimented March of the Toys is a fun way to bring the festivities to a close.

This evening my husband and I finished stringing lights and putting a garland on our tree. This was an ideal setting for Sinclair's upbeat, thoughtful, heartwarming artistry.

Acoustic Christmas is an instrumental treasure, one that would enrich anyone's holiday. Invite David Sinclair to your home this year as you party with family and friends--he is excellent company and may well become a permanent part of your seasonal traditions.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2009)

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From the liner notes:

David Sinclair: 6 & 12 string guitar, laudin, percussion
(A laudin (small lute) is a Spanish instrument with a similar range and sound to a mandolin)
Producer: David Sinclair
Executive Producer: Frank Ludwig


From the artist's Website:

For the second year, Acoustic Christmas was chosen as one of the Vancouver Province's top 5 Christmas albums, along with Bing Crosby, Aretha Franklin, Leon Redbone and Loreena McKennitt.

David Sinclair toured with Sarah McLachlan from 1993-2003 as her guitarist on the Lillith Fair, Fumbling Towards Ecstasy and Surfacing tours. Prior to working with McLachlan, he toured with k.d. lang on her Ingenue tour. Before he landed these two opportunities, Sinclair had already accomplished a vast and varied musical background on his own.

David Sinclair

Acoustic Christmas

Artist link

Track List