Music
Press
"Babe" has a hook, a surprising one, given its initially subdued start consisting of Bob Gentry backed by soft percussion, guitar picking, and delicate piano. This Folk-like beginning, juxtaposed with a ballad-esque refrain "don't give up on me now," makes "Babe" a surefire winner in the pop arena. With the success of bands like Matchbox 20 and the Goo Goo Dolls, Gentry is ready-made for mass appeal. - IM Magazine [Independent Musician ver. 2.0]
The self-titled solo debut from former Moisture frontman, Bob Gentry is an amazing collection of pop songwriting from this ex-Detroiter. Most of the 10 selections were written and performed by Gentry, while two were collaborations with producer David Tyson of “Black Velvet” fame, while the final track “Saltwater Clouds” features renowned poet Rod McKuen. Each song displays Gentry’s knack for writing solid pop songs and ballads. Each one is heartfelt, personal and memorable. He traverses a variety of moods on the album from emotional conflicts, (”Babe”) to humorous (“Goldie Hawn”). Whether accompanied by guitar or piano, the highlight is the vocals, which sound slick or rough depending on the song, at times sounding like Dave Pirner of Soul Asylum. Stronger tracks include “Still in Love,” “Alibi” and the song “My Door.” While most of the album is on the melodic, quiet side, the rock element stands out. While pop radio audiences embrace such artists singing about “bodies being a wonderland”, they should look further to find unique artists such as Bob Gentry. – Sue Summers - http://www.altarnative.com
[pictured: Corey Feldman and Bob Gentry]
Actor Corey Feldman sends out a message of peace and love at the after party of this years New Music Weekly Awards. Corey was one of our official hosts and led off the song finale "Revolution" to a standing crowd. Also joining in the action is recording artist Bob Gentry who brought actress and academy award nomi-nee Sally Kirkland. You can see Bob Gentry in concert soon as he gets to release a new solo album. - New Music Weekly [July 2, 2004]
After a California version of Moisture caught the ear of a record industry professional, the group was offered a contract and appeared on the Farm Club label television show on the USA network. Shortly after the show aired, however, the label went out of business.
Even if the fairytale didn’t come true that time, Gentry said the experience did give him valuable contacts within the recording industry.
Of late, Gentry’s been writing songs and performing with Grammy-winning songwriter and poet Rod McKuen (whose “Seasons in the Sun” was frequently covered by Moisture in concert) and Grammy-winning producer/songwriter David Tyson (author of the Alannah Myles hit, “Black Velvet”). He’s also producing for other artists.
The change has aided his artistic development as well.
[for more on the story: http://www.candgnews.com/editorial/2003/june/11/artsandentertainment/gentry.html ]
- C and G News
Discography
"Bob Gentry: Bob Gentry"
"Moisture: Moisture"
"Bastard: Moisture"
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
VIDEOS at BobGentry.com
A native of Detroit, Michigan, Bob Gentry proved to be an incredible musician at a young age, learning to play both piano and guitar on his own and amassing a repertoire of over 50 songs by age seventeen.
In his teen years, Bob found some success with the all-original rock band Moisture. Touring the Detroit club scene, Moisture attracted a dedicated following and was nominated for Best Rock Band at the Motor City Music Awards. The group was also asked to perform at Chicago’s Independent Label Festival; the first track of the Festival’s compilation CD was Moisture’s.
"I was very introverted when I was young. I was writing songs for myself with meanings that I thought no one would get. But, people found the lyrics resonated with their own lives and it helped me to realize that we all share some common experiences. By the time I was playing with Moisture I thought I had to be loud and hard-edged—that getting it in your face was the only way to get people to listen, but eventually I realized that I didn’t need to do that."
After recreating Moisture with new members in Los Angeles, the band performed on the USA Network and Canada’s MUCH Music Network, and was immediately offered a recording contract by FarmClub, then a label under Interscope Records.
Now a solo artist, Bob writes and performs with Grammy winning artists including poet/singer/songwriter Rod McKuen, best known for songs such as "Seasons In the Sun," "If You Go Away," and the Oscar nominated "Jean," and David Tyson, writer of the hit "Black Velvet" performed by Alannah Myles.
His first self-titled, self-produced album has recently earned him a spot in the top 5 Male Singer Songwriter (2006) category from the JPF Awards while the first single from the album, "Upside Down," earned him the LA Music Award for Rock Singer Songwriter of the Year (2006). The single has also found its way to regular rotation on Adam Curry’s podcast and was voted as one of the top ten PodSafe songs by associated podcasters. Several of his other songs and original score work can be heard on various films and television programs including Fox's "Bones," and the upcoming film "Anderson's Cross" as well as on NBC's StarTomorrow music competition where he reached the Top 5 of 100 acts chosen to participate.
Bob is currently in the studio working on his next project. Tony DeFranco of the famous DeFranco Family and James Lee Stanley (known to many as the 5th Monkey) appear on the album singing back-up vocal tracks.
"As I have grown musically, I think I have found a middle ground. My lyrics often still have double and triple meanings but now they’re not such a puzzle. Nothing is made up, it’s all from life experiences, and I think people can hear that and really identify with the music because of it."
A prolific and dedicated writer and musician with over 500 songs in his repertoire, Bob continues to write new songs, perform, and produce albums for other artists. He currently resides in Hollywood, California.
Bob is endorsed by Yamaha and proudly plays and records exclusively with Yamaha instruments. For more information on Bob Gentry, check out BobGentry.com.
Band Members
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