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Coming on strong with a winning combination of sass and spirit, Atlanta, Georgia-based singer/songwriter Holly Gentry scores a bull’s eye with her debut album. Gentry’s soulful twang blends well with the lively and tuneful country-flavored Southern rock sound. Moreover, her clever and colorful lyrics dig deep into personal experiences to give the music its own distinctive and engaging identity: Whether addressing the challenges of motherhood on the rousing opening number “Rockin’ on the Inside,” or taking an old college boyfriend to task for compromising his values in the wickedly biting “Justin Timberlake Show,” Gentry maintains a winningly honest, sincere, and down-to-earth straightforward sensibility throughout. The arrangements keep things dynamic and melodic without ever becoming too slick or flashy. A very enjoyable and impressive album. - Jersey Beat
Coming on strong with a winning combination of sass and spirit, Atlanta, Georgia-based singer/songwriter Holly Gentry scores a bull’s eye with her debut album. Gentry’s soulful twang blends well with the lively and tuneful country-flavored Southern rock sound. Moreover, her clever and colorful lyrics dig deep into personal experiences to give the music its own distinctive and engaging identity: Whether addressing the challenges of motherhood on the rousing opening number “Rockin’ on the Inside,” or taking an old college boyfriend to task for compromising his values in the wickedly biting “Justin Timberlake Show,” Gentry maintains a winningly honest, sincere, and down-to-earth straightforward sensibility throughout. The arrangements keep things dynamic and melodic without ever becoming too slick or flashy. A very enjoyable and impressive album. - Jersey Beat
Rockin’ On the Inside opens up So Much More, and immediately provides listeners with Gentry’s stellar vocals and intelligent instrumental arrangements. Blending equal amounts pop, rock, and country proves to be a success for Gentry, as the momentum that she builds up over the first trio of songs (Rockin’ On the Inside, You Know You Should, and Justin Timberlake Show).
Hold Me starts out slowly but shines on the soaring vocal work of Gentry; hints of classic country artists like Martina McBride or Reba McEntire can be discerned. Ain’t No Way to Do has a country-rock vibe that builds off of the air of Aerosmith’s What It Takes and crafts a very current and catchy track. The interplay between the vocal and instrumental sides makes for an awe-inspiring effort; Gentry is able to keep things rolling with the follow-up to Ain’t No Way to Do, Everytime You Go Away. Everytime You Go Away is a track that will resonate with listeners that have been through any tumultuous times in this relationships. It is this ability to identify with anyone that is listening in that makes Gentry such a gem.
Child of Mine is the final track on So Much More, and it provides listeners with a sense of where Gentry has been on the title and where she may yet take listeners. Make sure to check out her website for a biography, song samples, and photos of Gentry. Here’s to hoping that she has a long and productive career; if her subsequent recordings are any bit as catchy as those on So Much More, this will be a certainty. Check her out today.
Top Tracks: Rockin’ On the Inside, Everytime You Go Away
Rating: 8.1/10
- Neufutur Magazine
Atlanta-bred Holly Gentry is a rare breed of musician. Although relatively young, her soulful delivery projects a blend of the road-worn, blue-collar living of Bruce Springsteen and the spirited vivacity of Emmylou Harris. In essence, she's a young body with an old soul.
SO MUCH MORE yields a potent stew of energetic, live-and-let-live country rock that has not really existed in this form since the late 1980s. While the majority of the music is blues-based, therein lies a sly flavor of pop buoyancy, like an adult who has regained the wide-eyed spiritedness of childhood.
It is the perfect foil for those who have grown weary of the carbon-filtered, Taylor Swift / Carrie Underwood manufactured-ness of the current genre. Gentry's package is 100% authentic; she believes every word she sings, and she is having a good time living her dream.
She genuinely sounds like an artist who performs for the sake of performing, and share with you some of the warmth of her life. Gentry is not without teeth or a sense of humor; "Justin Timberlake Show" tells the tale of a friend who had forgotten their roots, having "sold out faster than a Justin Timberlake show." Even when she is being spiteful, you cannot help but love her. Her voice is so effervescent that it keeps you smiling through the entire album.
With such a strong sound and the built-in potential for massive crossover audience appeal, I seriously doubt she will dwell in the underground for very long. - Music Emissions
Atlanta-bred Holly Gentry is a rare breed of musician. Although relatively young, her soulful delivery projects a blend of the road-worn, blue-collar living of Bruce Springsteen and the spirited vivacity of Emmylou Harris. In essence, she's a young body with an old soul.
SO MUCH MORE yields a potent stew of energetic, live-and-let-live country rock that has not really existed in this form since the late 1980s. While the majority of the music is blues-based, therein lies a sly flavor of pop buoyancy, like an adult who has regained the wide-eyed spiritedness of childhood.
It is the perfect foil for those who have grown weary of the carbon-filtered, Taylor Swift / Carrie Underwood manufactured-ness of the current genre. Gentry's package is 100% authentic; she believes every word she sings, and she is having a good time living her dream.
She genuinely sounds like an artist who performs for the sake of performing, and share with you some of the warmth of her life. Gentry is not without teeth or a sense of humor; "Justin Timberlake Show" tells the tale of a friend who had forgotten their roots, having "sold out faster than a Justin Timberlake show." Even when she is being spiteful, you cannot help but love her. Her voice is so effervescent that it keeps you smiling through the entire album.
With such a strong sound and the built-in potential for massive crossover audience appeal, I seriously doubt she will dwell in the underground for very long. - Music Emissions
Holly Gentry, an Atlanta based singer/songwriter, is thrilled to release her debut album, So Much More. Drawing on her South Georgia roots, Holly’s music is tinged with country, blues and southern rock. This musical foundation stems from years of listening to an amalgamation of artists that only the Deep South provides. Her strongest influences are her mentor Rhetta Butler, Pat Benatar, Stevie Nicks, Rory Bloch, Deana Carter, Brandi Carlile, The Eagles, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and the majority of female country singers who rose to fame in the 90’s. The songs recorded on So Much More reflect personal stories and recollections, which surfaced through Holly’s transition from young woman, to professional, wife and mother.
The CD quickly takes flight with Track 1 “Rockin on the Inside” a passionate intro piece that serves up driving rock rhythm, against an inviting vocal groove and well placed harmonies from Gentry. Track 2 “You Know You Should” is an impressive follow-up piece that serves up impressive R&B and slide guitar licks, thought provoking lyrical content against a grand slam chorus. Track 3 “Justin Timberlake Show” keeps thing moving in the right direction with its slamming guitar intro, infectious groove and seductive vocal delivery that flows and ebbs its way through to emotional fruition. As this CD slowly unfolds would classify this music as a very marketable Modern Contemporary Country with a Power Pop edge. Comparables are Reba MCentire, Dolly Parton, Shania Twain, Kelly Pickler, Kerri Underwood, and even Leann Rimes. The production quality is impressive and the musicianship of everyone involved is clearly above the bar. Along the way you will notice lush instrumentation with things like Saxophone, accordion, lap steel, fiddles, piano, organ, keyboard accents, horns, slamming guitar licks and solos, combined with lush harmonies layered everywhere. The rhythm section pushes the natural accents well. Now turning our attention over to Gentry - as for her vocal abilities she has an impressive and entertaining mezzo soprano with notable falsetto and appealing vibrato delivery. Her voice also works well within the confines of this power pop/country catalogue. Reading now from her bio: To realize her dream, Holly enlisted the help of producer Brian Molin and Grammy winning producer and engineer Don McCollister. Don McCollister has confirmed his platinum success as a producer with such top selling artists as Sister Hazel, Indigo Girls, Third Day, Shawn Mullins, and Caedman's Call. The majority of the album was recorded at Nickel and Dime Studios in Avondale and at The Quarry in Kennesaw, GA, where Molin brought together a stellar band of Atlanta and Athens notables. From heartfelt “Hold Me” and bluesy “So Much You” to grooving “Pretty Girl” to melodic “Aint No Way to Do” this CD has something for just about everyone. There’s even an impressive remake of 80’s Paul Young smash “Every time You Go” The CD ends with Track 10: “Child of Mine” he perfect finale statement for a catalogue like this.
It’s hard to find any noticeable weaknesses with this CD. All songs over 4 minutes tend to drag you to the finish line. The 10 song line-up is a bit short. Perhaps 2-3 more songs are needed to make this a fully loaded musical release.
From start to finish this debut release from Holly Gentry is an impressive collection of music. The music is highly marketable, uplifting, and very entertaining. The songwriting - an impressive snapshot of a marquee artist. All songs are consistent musical experiences, each one possessing a unique personality, flair and signature groove. Note for note, song for song this catalogue is extremely consistent and professional. At the end of the day Holly Gentry is a artists worthy of attention, spotlight and praise. - The Muse's Muse
Holly Gentry, an Atlanta based singer/songwriter, is thrilled to release her debut album, So Much More. Drawing on her South Georgia roots, Holly’s music is tinged with country, blues and southern rock. This musical foundation stems from years of listening to an amalgamation of artists that only the Deep South provides. Her strongest influences are her mentor Rhetta Butler, Pat Benatar, Stevie Nicks, Rory Bloch, Deana Carter, Brandi Carlile, The Eagles, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and the majority of female country singers who rose to fame in the 90’s. The songs recorded on So Much More reflect personal stories and recollections, which surfaced through Holly’s transition from young woman, to professional, wife and mother.
The CD quickly takes flight with Track 1 “Rockin on the Inside” a passionate intro piece that serves up driving rock rhythm, against an inviting vocal groove and well placed harmonies from Gentry. Track 2 “You Know You Should” is an impressive follow-up piece that serves up impressive R&B and slide guitar licks, thought provoking lyrical content against a grand slam chorus. Track 3 “Justin Timberlake Show” keeps thing moving in the right direction with its slamming guitar intro, infectious groove and seductive vocal delivery that flows and ebbs its way through to emotional fruition. As this CD slowly unfolds would classify this music as a very marketable Modern Contemporary Country with a Power Pop edge. Comparables are Reba MCentire, Dolly Parton, Shania Twain, Kelly Pickler, Kerri Underwood, and even Leann Rimes. The production quality is impressive and the musicianship of everyone involved is clearly above the bar. Along the way you will notice lush instrumentation with things like Saxophone, accordion, lap steel, fiddles, piano, organ, keyboard accents, horns, slamming guitar licks and solos, combined with lush harmonies layered everywhere. The rhythm section pushes the natural accents well. Now turning our attention over to Gentry - as for her vocal abilities she has an impressive and entertaining mezzo soprano with notable falsetto and appealing vibrato delivery. Her voice also works well within the confines of this power pop/country catalogue. Reading now from her bio: To realize her dream, Holly enlisted the help of producer Brian Molin and Grammy winning producer and engineer Don McCollister. Don McCollister has confirmed his platinum success as a producer with such top selling artists as Sister Hazel, Indigo Girls, Third Day, Shawn Mullins, and Caedman's Call. The majority of the album was recorded at Nickel and Dime Studios in Avondale and at The Quarry in Kennesaw, GA, where Molin brought together a stellar band of Atlanta and Athens notables. From heartfelt “Hold Me” and bluesy “So Much You” to grooving “Pretty Girl” to melodic “Aint No Way to Do” this CD has something for just about everyone. There’s even an impressive remake of 80’s Paul Young smash “Every time You Go” The CD ends with Track 10: “Child of Mine” he perfect finale statement for a catalogue like this.
It’s hard to find any noticeable weaknesses with this CD. All songs over 4 minutes tend to drag you to the finish line. The 10 song line-up is a bit short. Perhaps 2-3 more songs are needed to make this a fully loaded musical release.
From start to finish this debut release from Holly Gentry is an impressive collection of music. The music is highly marketable, uplifting, and very entertaining. The songwriting - an impressive snapshot of a marquee artist. All songs are consistent musical experiences, each one possessing a unique personality, flair and signature groove. Note for note, song for song this catalogue is extremely consistent and professional. At the end of the day Holly Gentry is a artists worthy of attention, spotlight and praise. - The Muse's Muse
Discography
So Much More (2011)
Photos
Bio
Holly Gentry, an Atlanta based singer/songwriter, is thrilled to release her debut album, So Much More. Drawing on her South Georgia roots, Holly’s music is tinged with country, blues and southern rock. This musical foundation stems from years of listening to an amalgamation of artists that only the Deep South provides. Her strongest influences are her mentor Rhetta Butler, Pat Benatar, Stevie Nicks, Rory Bloch, Deana Carter, Brandi Carlile, The Eagles, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and the majority of female country singers who rose to fame in the 90’s. The songs recorded on So Much More reflect personal stories and recollections, which surfaced through Holly’s transition from young woman, to professional, wife and mother.
To realize her dream, Holly enlisted the help of producer Brian Molin and Grammy winning producer and engineer Don McCollister. Don McCollister has confirmed his platinum success as a producer with such top selling artists as Sister Hazel, Indigo Girls, Third Day, Shawn Mullins, and Caedman's Call.
The majority of the album was recorded at Nickel and Dime Studios in Avondale and at The Quarry in Kennesaw, GA, where Molin brought together a stellar band of Atlanta and Athens notables.
Molin not only produced the entire album but contributed his unparalleled lead guitar skills. Both A.J Adams and Seth Hendershot of Athens’ favorite The Granfalloons and Blueground Undergrass pitched in. A.J. multi tasked on bass, slide and lap steel, while Seth Hendershot provided percussion. Atlanta keyboardist, Walt Austin and saxophone player Will Scruggs rounded out the album. Holly is thrilled that ace fiddler David Blackmon of Widespread Panic fame contributed to her version of “Child of Mine.”
Holly was born and raised in Thomasville, a small town in Southwest Georgia. She grew up the only child of an educator and banker. Holly was surrounded by a large extended family, including aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents just down the street and across town. Her days were filled with the pleasures of small town, big family living. Deep and wide spaces of quiet time to read, imagine, play and daydream - summer mornings bumping down ancient plantation roads in her Papa’s red and white Ford pick up to go check on his corn fields - afternoons rocking on the front porch with her mother - and there was always music.
Holly’s mother played piano for any church, kindergarten, elementary school and Brownie troop that asked. In moments of both frustration and happiness, she would sit down and play the antique piano Holly’s father gave her for their first anniversary. Her grandfather, a quiet and reserved man, would often burst into song, some made up on the spot and others he knew from church and radio. Musicality also trickled down from her father’s family. Holly’s uncle sang in doo wop and gospel groups, and her aunt was an accomplished pianist.
Holly grew up singing in church choirs, school productions and the local Music & Drama Troupe. Through it all, she learned a deep appreciation for the catharsis and joy that music could bring, and her earliest fantasy of grown up life included a long red sequined dress, a band, a microphone, and big blond hair (it was the 80’s).
Holly continued to hone her love of music on local stages as a teenager, and received a vocal scholarship to Wake Forest University where she graduated magna cum laude with an English major and music minor. After college, she attended law school at the University of Georgia, where she first began writing her own music as a means to keep her music alive. Upon graduating from University of Georgia School of Law, Holly accepted a position in Atlanta and began the daily grind of a civil litigation attorney. Music wouldn’t leave her alone, and soon became too loud to ignore. It was during this time she continued developing her songwriting and began to sing with local bands around the Atlanta area.
“When the student is ready, the master will appear.” For Holly, this maxim hit home when she began taking lessons with Rhetta Butler in 2002. Rhetta is Holly’s most profound musical influence, and is a mentor, teacher and friend. Over the years, Rhetta has taught in New York, Nashville and Atlanta. Ms. Butler is also a songwriter and recording artist who has been with Atlantic and Warner Bros. Records. Rhetta remains instrumental in guiding Holly to find her voice in both the literal sense and in songwriting, and continues to guide Holly’s musical path.
Recently, Holly collaborated on recording a duet with producer Bruce Bennett and Scott Patton, the famed musical director and guitarist of Sugarland. She is in the midst of songwriting and plans to reenter the Atlanta music scene now that she has given birth to her second child, Jay, born March 30, 2012. Holly lives in Atlanta with her tone deaf, but much loved husband Haynes, daughter Charlotte, son Jay and Chihuahuas Tallulah and Noelle. Holly’s greatest wishes are that her mu
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