Bob Gentry
CD – ‘Bob Gentry’

-Dave Howell 

Filling out songs that are written and performed with an acoustic guitar is always a problem for a singer/songwriter. But Gentry solves this problem with a solid backing band and excellent production.
“Too Fast” opens the CD with a song that starts slowly, but builds up to a rocking high. “Babe” also builds, with the help of backing vocals and keyboards that support Gentry as his vocals reach a dramatic conclusion. 
“Upside Down” is a bit softer, but it is still propelled with upfront drums and electric guitar. Here Gentry adds interest by changing his vocals from soft to heavy and back again to support his story of anger and confusion.
“Alibi” is a ballad undergirded by Gentry’s piano playing. It begins by asking, “If I killed someone/I wonder if you’d still love me?” 
Not all the songs work. “Goldie Hawn” is a bit silly. “But I Do” is flaccid, with a “getting away” theme: “I’m livin’ in the tall palm trees/Can’t go back to the ball and the chain and the factories.”
One website calls Gentry a modern Elton John/Billy Joel/Joe Jackson. The description fits Gentry, who could become a big name with work like this. 
Web site at http://www.bobgentry.com .

-Dave Howell