Marvin & Gentry: reviews

Review of Master Plan, three song download-

With new producer, Mitch Dane, singer/songwriters Marvin & Gentry have
given someone permission to take what they have previously achieved
with PEACE! and recently self-produced Marvin & Gentry recordings to a
new level. But this is a different season and a different time. And
the music is perhaps their best ever.

These three new original Marvin & Gentry songs - Master Plan, Time Flies
and Higher Than I - represent what M&G have always delivered to
us: upbeat positive lyrics, soulful acoustic rhythms and killer
harmonies. But with the addition of producer/engineer Mitch Dane at
the controls and a roster of some of Music City's finest musicians,
these songs deliver something technically different than on their
previously self-produced classics Stepping Stone and Violence of
Love. And it is as beautiful as it is honest.

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.

“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.

If you were a fan of Contemporary Christian Music from the late 80's through the 90's, this group might be more familiar by the name Peace, which it recorded under during a long association with former America member Dan Peek's forays into Christian music.
This decade has seen Ken Marvin and Brian Gentry following a more singer-songwriter style, evident on albums like 2004's Stepping Stone, influenced by such classic acts like Simon and Garfunkel or Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.

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.

*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.

"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.

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.