Freelance waster Bob's new book is called The Gag Trade, a memoir of misadventures set in the cut-throat world of TV comedy (www.lulu.com). His biography of jazz trombone star George Chisholm can be found at www.doctorsinuk.com
As an actor, Bob's been seen at the Edinburgh Fringe and many other festivals in the guises of Lord Buckley the dapper rapper, Squire Haggard the 18th century rogue and Inspector Flint, Scotland Yard's second-worst detective.
On the radio, Bob has presented, scripted and produced for three decades and was first heard on Jazz FM in its launch year of 1990. Other (lesser) stations he's haunted include all the BBC national networks and many of their local stations as well as the World Service; also BFBS, Blue Danube (Vienna), Capital, Classic FM, LBC and Oneword Radio, the UK's first national digital station where he presented Dr Sin's Laughter Zone for three years (and the show continues as a podcast).
Bob is 55 but looks 54.
Looking for Big Band and Trad playlists? Visit the programme page.
Interview With Bob Sinfield
1. What’s your favourite Jazz FM programme and why?
If I'm forced to discount the two I work on - the One O'Clock Jump which I present and Peter Young's show where I'm the tea-boy - I'd have to go for the Jazz Breakfast. For as long as I've known Chris Philips (21 years), he's had the uncanny knack of playing music that's both challenging and accessible...and he's not afraid to chuck us a jazzy curve ball at 7am.
2. What's the first record you bought and where did you buy it ?
'Blind Date' by Vivian Stanshall's Big Grunt from Knuckey's Record Store of Redruth (an emporium well-known to us all).
3. What’s the most embarrassing song on your iPod/in your collection?
‘The Magic of Lassie’ soundtrack with a deplorable stab at singing from movie giant Jimmy Stewart. He should have left it to the dog.
4. In your opinion, what's the greatest album of all time and why?
'100% Proof' by the Tubby Hayes Big Band. Tubbs was a prodigiously gifted arranger, composer and multi-instrumentalist - and this was his zenith. I first heard it aged 15 and it still moves me just as much today...and I don't think that's due to arrested development.
5. What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
The Mel Lewis Orchestra, all 17 of them, storming it on the matchbox stage of New York's Village Vanguard.
6. What’s your favourite live music venue and why?
The old Vortex above the pub in Stoke Newington Church Street: great bands, food and atmos by the cartload. Its Dalston replacement has all the ambience of a comprehensive school.
7. Jazz Is...
Well, either you get it or you don't. To quote Louis Armstrong: "If you need to ask, ain't no point in telling ya!"
8. In your opinion, who’s the most inspirational radio presenter of all time and why?
Humphrey Lyttelton: equally at home with jazz and comedy, my two great loves.
9. What’s been your most embarrassing moment in radio?
As an actor, depping for Harry Enfield in a dire Radio 2 sitcom. Officially, Harry was double-booked but I think he saw the script and ducked out.
10. What’s your favourite film and why?
"My Favourite Year" starring Peter O'Toole, about a rookie scriptwriter on a live topical TV comedy show. Having done my time in precisely that role on Jasper Carrott's BBC1 series, I identify strongly.
11. Who would you invite to your fantasy dinner party?
Gordon Ramsay, Marco-Pierre White and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.
I'd make the buggers eat veggie food all night.
Hi Bob, great show today – very relaxing – keeping me calm despite the school holidays, so a big thank you! Mishka
Hi Bob, Thanks for playing the Good Guys track. D’ya think anyone noticed that I sat down 12 bars early in my tenor solo? Oops.
Not until you mentioned it, Dave
Like Bob? Then ‘Like’ Bob!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bob-Sinfield/261205413926312
A splendid new Facebook site in a splendid new year for the splendid old chap!
Sir,
your program is infectious.
And your free-style finger tapping, to quote Dr Johnson (well known cucumber-hater) is both original and good. The part that is good is not original and that part that is original is not good.
Seriously, it’s avid listening.
Wow, Bob, Curtis Stigers on Jazz Fm! What a wonderful surprise!! I love JFM but you do (not you personally, mate) tend to ignore dear Curtis who surely must be one of the greatest in-tune, musicianly , living singers on the planet. Thanks, and I’m sure big Bob Dylan would have appreciated every note.
Hi Bob, how lovely to hear some the real old groovy guys (some still playing now! i saw quite a few of them in NewYork and New Orleans and of course at (if you remember the BBC jazz society Wood Lane!) I,m going to see the fabulous Gregory Porter at the Pizza Ezpress on 12th Feb and i can’t wait,after first seeing him in New York 18mths ago,hopeyou are well. love Patricia XXX
Thanks for introducing me to various sounds, including Caro Emerald.