CONCERT REVIEW- Irvine, California
We hosted Brian Gentry at our coffee house ministry (The Upper Room) in Southern California. All I can say is "WOW". It was an "out of the park grand-slam concert". Never have I received so many 'day-after' emails and texts from our guests saying how much they enjoyed Brian. Many of them said they can't wait to have Brian return because they want to bring friends.
Not only is Brian a tremendously gifted singer, songwriter and musician. It's his ability to weave his life's experiences and personal testimony into his concert that makes it all the more special. He has the ability to speak to a crowd as if he's speaking to you one-on-one. His unique charm and humility instantaneously warms the hearts of the audience and draws them in. Brian's vocals are crisp and clean with acoustic guitar that equals.
We're already talking with Brian about a return to the Upper Room. The only problem is... I don't know if we can wait unitl next year. If you're thinking of booking Brian don't wait too long... I have a hunch that his calendar is going to fill up quickly as word of his DIRT FOR A CROWN album gets around.
We can't wait to have him back...
Marvin & Gentry: press
CD Review of Dirt For A Crown
If you are familiar with the words and music of Marvin and Gentry, then you'll greatly enjoy this new one, Dirt for a Crown, a solo release from Brian Gentry. While all songs are written by Brian, many of the songs are laced with the familiar backup vocals of Ken Marvin who also produces.
This is Brian's best work to date which says alot because his past recordings have been some of the best of its type to come out of Nashville. In the acoustic singer/songwriting tradition, Dirt for a Crown goes to heights previously not reached. There is an element of familiarity but, then again, complete newness with each song. A refreshing and impressive work.
Wildwood Concert Series- Sunshine Coast, BC Canada
We had Brian Gentry come to perform at our house concert on May 1, 2010.
It is impossible to put into words to describe the experience.Through his story telling Brian wove a magical evening of song and
musicianship. He had the packed house in the palm of his hand the whole
evening. His ability as a song-writer and performer match up to anyone in
the industry. His songs are so brilliantly crafted that they are
accessible to people at a variety of levels. We are still selling copies
of his solo cd , " Dirt For A Crown" , even weeks after the show. Guests
who were not able to attend the concert are buying it as they have heard
from those who were in attendance what an amazing talent Brian is.In a few words, Brian blew people away. He so far exceeded people's
expectations for the evening that, now weeks later, people are still
commenting on being honored to have been a part of the experience. We
have had some pretty big names in Canadian music perform at our house
concerts. Brian Gentry's concert was by far the favorite of everyone. We
would have Brian back again in, as they say, a heartbeat.
Gentry performs
Nashville Recording artist Brian Gentry will perform on Sunday, May 2, at Crossroads Church at 1 p.m. (West Sechelt Elementary School). Brian Gentry of the duo Marvin & Gentry recorded under a long association with former America member Dan Peek's forays into Christian music as the group Peace. This decade has seen Brian Gentry following a more singer/songwriter style.
Berry Street mixes music, faith
Singer/songwriter Brian Gentry is utilizing a different forum to showcase tunes from his new CD Dirt For A Crown. Well known in the Contemporary Christian and gospel music camps through past releases with the group Peace and the duo Marvin & Gentry, he'll be performing songs from the solo work Saturday night in an CD release event at the Salvation Army Berry Street Worship Center, 225 Berry Street (corner of Berry & Meridian Street). It's the latest in a series of events the worship center presents as part of an overall mission of community service and inspiration through non-traditional and more unorthodox spiritual presentations.
“A Message for the Times”
In “Violence of Love,” Ken Marvin and Brian Gentry have fashioned a recording replete with enduring messages that somehow seem extraordinarily timely in these pressure-packed and oft-despairing days. Listen to “Slow to Say” and you’ll see what I mean. Other standout cuts include “ Love Will Get You By and “Song from the Deep.” A terrific recording from an acoustic-based duo whose work I’ve long admired.
Full Circle
- Nashville Band makes its way to Frankfort...
Music lovers who are inspired by Simon & Garfunkel, Lennon and McCartney should visit Watershed Cafe on Saturday, March 21 to hear new and old songs from Marvin & Gentry.
The duo Ken Marvin and Brian Gentry are making their way to Frankfort from Nashville to share some of their new songs from their new project, "Master Plan."
Marvin & Gentry have been in the studio teamed up with Grammy award winning Producer Mitch Dane from Jars of Clay.
"I guess you can call us a faith-based folk rock band," said Gentry, who said they have been compared to Simon & Garfunkel.
Marvin & Gentry became popular within the Christian market when they formed in 1987, with their albums "Safe Harbour" and "Light of the World."
During their seven years as a Christian folk band, they began writing and producing with Dan Peek of the band America. In 1994 they teamed up with Peek to form the group, Peace.
"After 20 years, we are back to our roots and have come full circle," Gentry laughed.
He said their goal now is to promote their new CD, "Master Plan," by touring different coffeehouses and churches. One of their first stops is the Watershed Cafe.
Mater Plan will not debut until the end of 2009, but Marvin & Gentry plan to play some of the songs from the album during their coffeehouse tour, and have already released songs digitally on their Web site, www.marvinandgentry.com.
The Watershed Cafe is located in the Trolley Barn at 11 Whte Street, Frankfort. The concert is at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 21.
Stepping Stone Review:
Great Story-Telling, and Terrific Harmonies
Not unlike the 60/70s duos Simon and Garfunkel and Seals & Crofts, Marvin & Gentry blend poignant storytelling and textured harmonies to create a refreshing mix of music that at once soothes and inspires. Included in this package are re-recordings of two songs from their debut album Safe Harbour-“ Fire of Life” and “Cowboy Stories.” Recommended to listeners who enjoy melodic ballads and/or songs of faith that are not contrived or preachy.
"Dan Peek, too, made a return of sorts in 1994 when he helped produce the new group Peace, comprised of his old friends Ken Marvin and Brian Gentry, in Nashville, Tennessee. Unlike their 1989 collaboration, Light Of The World, Marvin and Gentry moved away from overtly Christian songs and instead focused on a mellow, soft-rock sound, admittedly heavily influenced by America. On the Peace album, which was entitled Stronger Than You Know, Dan co-wrote three songs, and contributed backing vocals, electric guitar, and harmonica. The record was commercially invisible, being released in limited, mail-order fashion on Dan's own Seven Mile Records, but he was pleased nonetheless.
Brian Gentry and Ken Marvin who comprise Peace remind me very much of Dewey and Gerry when we first met... I have high hopes for Peace. In fact, Seven Mile Records is my own label put together specifically for the band. I have even toyed with the idea of joining them. That's how much I enjoy their stuff. For the moment, however, I am content to work behind the scenes. Additionally, I continue to write and record my own things. In fact, I feel like an "artist" again."
A hard act to follow... Dan Peek & Peace turned out two more wonderfully crafted albums, the self-titled PEACE, and the critically acclaimed Under The Mercy.
*MARVIN & GENTRY/ MILK 'N HONEY RECORDS (SPRING ARBOR)
"Crosby, Stills, Nash fans take heart! Simon & Garfunkel devotees, there's hope! As unbelievable as it may seem, here in the late 1980's you can still find the sweet, harmonious, melodic music that we "over-30" folks thrived on back in the late 60's and early 70's.
Safe Harbour bears an uncanny resemblance to the musical styles popular 20 years ago, but such timeless music should appeal to listeners of all ages. I'm surprised that the duo of Ken Marvin and Brian Gentry wasn't discovered earlier.
Marvin & Gentry are talented songwriters and performers, and I expect that we'll be hearing more from them in the months and years ahead."
M.B.
When I listen to this CD, I think "America" in the early days doing Positive songs. Yes and Dan Peek From "America" performs on one Song "On Wings Of Eagles",which is my favorate Song on the CD.
Although "Turn Turn Turn" is great as well.
If you enjoy acoustic driven songs then you will enjoy this CD.
Their best CD!, November 17, 2006
By A Fan (VA) - See all my reviews
This is their 3rd and IMO best CD. Their style is similar to many of the acoustic-based folk-rock groups of the 60's and 70's. It includes a nice cover of the Byrd's classic "Turn, Turn, Turn", and former America member Dan Peek contributes "On Wings Of Eagles". But my favorite is "Dance". A very strong CD!
Excellent CD!, November 14, 2003
By A Fan (VA) - See all my reviews
This is an excellent CD. 8 of the 13 songs are by former America band member and CCM artist Dan Peek. All the songs on here are good, the only draw back is that Dan's voice isn't as strong as it should be on some of his songs. Many of the songs have a harder edge to them, though there is plenty of acoustic based songs too. Best songs include Revolving Door, Windfall, Ocean Rolls, and Sweet Temptation. A very good CD!
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
Very good acoustic sound , November 14, 2003
By A Fan (VA) - See all my reviews
A solid album by Marvin and Gentry. Very good folk-rock, produced by former America member and CCM artist Dan Peek. If you like acoustic guitar music, you will probably like this.