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"We also hosted Matthew Hinsley for a concert and masterclass. A performer of rare caliber, Mr. Hinsley is breathing new life and virtuosity into the troubadour tradition, performing works of old and new with faultless techinique and his beautifully clear tenor voice." - Mischka Gerken, President-Oberlin Guitar Club
“…Matthew Hinsley, on Passions Move, actually sings and to good effect. Even to the point of taking on the affect of the period he is singing from, whether it be Dowland's plaintive, Elizabethan clarity or the pseudo-operatic musings of Giuliani… The Dowland is without doubt the most successful performance on the disc. Hinsley's clear voice works perfectly on these reflective, melancholy, sappy and wonderfully self-involved tunes. His vocal sensitivity and obvious guitaristic ability shine through and surely must be quite an effective presentation when seen live… The playing is delightful for, for once, the guitarist is listening to the singer and vice-a-versa. The shadings of musical color and vocal color, vocal rubato and guitaristic rubato, and all other common musical tools are perfectly synchronized.” - Andrew Hull, Guitarra Magazine
“The song cycle Five Poems of Emily Dickinson was written in the summer of 2002 on a commission from tenor/guitarist Matthew Hinsley of Austin, Texas. Hinsley had already performed and recorded several of my Canciones para niños, and having seen his amazing performances (singing and accompanying himself at once), I wanted to write a cycle specifically for him that would show his abilities to best advantage… Knowing Hinsley's considerable abilities as a guitarist/singer, I felt free to write fairly challenging parts for both guitar and voice with full confidence that he could pull it off, and he does so with an ease that takes one's breath away.” - Jonathan Kulp, Composer
“Hinsley’s selections offered a personal look at the performer, illuminating the artist’s warm sense of humor, easygoing demeanor, expressive voice, and exceptional guitar-playing skills…Throughout the evening, Hinsley played more than just the challenging dual roles of musician and singer, he was a knowledgeable and inviting guide to a world of music that is clearly close to his heart, and at which he excelled with a smiling grace.” - Robi Polgar, Austin Chronicle
“…wonderful recording. We heard the CD you gave us…and we love it. You have a very beautiful voice. We are sure you will be successful because what you do is pretty unique and you do it really well…Congratulations!” - David and Maria Russell, Guitarists
“Very enjoyable…an enviable talent of being able to sing and play the guitar so well at the same time. Although there are many singers who accompany themselves on the guitar, very few have the ability to coordinate the intricate technical demands of both the voice and the guitar in classical repertoire such as this.” - Frank Koonce, Guitarist
“Matthew is a wonderful musician on the classical guitar. His playing is clear, thoughtful, expressive, and above all, always musical.” - Adam Holzman, Guitarist
“Hinsley plays the classical guitar with rare clarity and composure…” - Michael Barnes, Austin-American Statesman
“He cradled his classical guitar on his lap and without introduction began to fill the space surrounding us with some of the most beautiful music I’ve heard in a very long time… The Guitar’s strings talked to us… and it was a peaceful, magical moment.” - Linn Woodard, The Newcastle Weekly
“…he was absolutely amazing, both as a virtuoso performer and as an “ambassador of music” to the audience. Matthew did more than perform an inspiring and flawless set. As he performed he gave insightful, engaging, highly accessible explanations of the pieces…” - Gene Raymond, Robert McArthur, McCallum Fine Arts Academy
“…a talented and dedicated performance artist.” - Jack Brannon, UT Dean’s Associates Report |