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Michel Petrucciani as captured by David Sinclair, one photograph from his amazing archive |
My father, David Sinclair, died peacefully yesterday, 25 March, at his home in Melksham, Wiltshire. He has now gone to join the love of his life, my mum Kathy Sinclair, whom he missed so much in the last 8 years.
I am sharing this with his close family and a number of his jazz friends, and would be grateful if the news could be passed on to many more across the music world. Please contact me for more information or email me (malcolm.sinclair@me.com) A service will be held in Wiltshire in early April, date and venue tbc.
David was a proud Scot, an immensely talented photographer – particularly considering how severely disabled he was – and the toughest man I ever knew. Since a car accident in 2014 he was downcast that he had lost his ability to inhabit London clubs night after night and spend time with his many musician friends. Yet, while the last year of his life was endured in even more pain than previous decades, he was happier than for many years and described last Christmas as the best he had ever had.
He leaves a legacy of three wonderful grandchildren, and an amazing photography archive including most of the pictures on the walls of Ronnie Scott’s, Pizza Express Jazz Soho, and the 606 Club in Chelsea. Oh, and a lot of tablet and ready salted crisps!
He would want me to share his immense appreciation for the love of his immediate family and the friendship of hundreds of people across the jazz world who cared about him and supported his work.
The flags at Tynecastle, Hampden, Ronnie’s, the London Jazz Festival, Stamford Bridge, and more should all be flying at half mast today.
David Sinclair 1935-2019 I will miss you Dad X
Malcolm Sinclair
Categories: News
very sorry to hear that Malcolm, condolences to his loved ones. It was always a pleasure to cross his path at one gig or another. His life of photographing the scene will live on in those photos
As an aspiring jazz photographer, I was inspired and fascinated by David Sinclair’s photos which adorned the walls of Pizza Express Dean Street jazz club. David leaves behind a tremendous photographic legacy which will no doubt inspired generations of jazz photographers and music enthusiasts to come.
Lee and Melody, thank you so much for your kind comments. For you and any who might read this, David's funeral is on 11 April in Wiltshire. All are welcome although I realise that few will come from London and the south east. His house is open all day that day for people to view his photography archive. Malcolm