The Night Watchmen

In 2001, Gentry put together a group of San Francisco Bay Area musicians, and called the band
The Night Watchmen.

The band changed members many times and continued to alter its sound from cabaret styled rock to theatre inspired pop to vaudeville soaked blues and jazz.  The quirky dark style of songwriting Gentry used then to fuel the band's "llumination" and "Lost In California" record releases.  But, as Gentry moved into a more introspective style, the band followed and added a jazz flavor to their final release "Rain Come Down".

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 Here are Gentry's words about each of the past band members:

John was the first official member of the Night Watchmen and he was who inspired the band name.  John worked as a warehouse security guard in his 20's and once told this story about how he used to pass the time destroying various things and creating bizarre night time games.  He and I also thought the very idea of being someone who watched the world at night and who viewed the dark corners of the world was inspirational.  John was really a guitarist who played bass cause it got him more work.  Without John, there would have been no Night Watchmen.  Even though he's gone, he's still part of my music.


 
     

Ryan was the first drummer in the band and recorded on "Illumination". He had been in at least two successful Bay Area bands by then, Spunjunket with John, and VaporRub.  He only played a few shows with us, but was instrumental in coming up with the drum parts for that first EP.  He now teaches and plays for a number of other artists including songwriter and friend, Jesse Brewster.
 
     

Corey came along at the right time.  He was fun, quirky, and really passionate about the Night Watchmen project.  We used to rehearse at random times at Renegade studios, and he always carried a great face.  He inspired the wearing of costumes for several months during the heavy circus phase of the Night Watchmen, played endless shows with us, and was the drummer for "Lost In California".


 

     

I saw Heather sing at an open mic and immediately asked her to sing back-ups for the band.  Her gospel rasp and mind blowing power defined where I wanted to take the band.  She played several shows with John, Corey and I and continues to pursue her solo career.



 
     


Mike Fox is a bad ass violinist.  In fact, he is the best violinist I have had the pleasure to play with.  I will never forget exchanging solo's with Mike at various gigs. 
He eventually rolled along to projects in South America and wherever else he may be now.

 
     


Cocco is a gospel, funk, rock and jazz vocalist and highly skilled sound engineer in the San Francisco Bay Area. She sang for the band for several months and a whole slew of shows. During times when it felt like the band was a weight around my neck, Cocco was always a hugely positive influence. We continue to be good friends and collaborate on projects together.







 
     


Jeff Hobbs is one of the greatest improv musicians on the face of the earth.  During the nearly 3 years he played in the Night Watchmen and the almost 5 years I have been able to play with him as part of the Three Blind Mice, the Starry Plough's Berkeley Poetry Slam back-up band that he leads, he has played saxophone, cornet, upright bass, acoustic and electric violin.  He's also a stilt walker, builds and repairs any number of instruments, and is known to play every horn and every stringed instrument on the face of the planet. 
Jeff played on "Lost In California" and some really great and some really bad Night Watchmen gigs (the bad ones were my fault).  Jeff is someone I always hope to play with and call a friend.



 

     

Alex joined the Night Watchmen just after the release of "Lost In California" and plays with me to the day.  He's a friend, a compatriot, and a staggeringly phenomenal drummer.  He's stuck with me through a lot, both good and bad.  He engineered, played drums, and co-produced "Rain Come Down" with me, engineered my "Tranquillo" solo record, and played drums on "No War".  It's hard to find great drummers, but even harder to find genuinely nice people, and Alex fits both.  I'll play with him forever if I can. 		 

     

Adam stepped into the roll as bassist when John left this mortal coil during the "Rain Come Down" sessions.  He played live shows with the Night Watchmen and with me for 2 years.  He also played on "Rain Come Down" and on "No War" and was instrumental in defining much of the material on "No War".  He continues to play with a variety of musicians around the Bay. 		 

     

I met Brett while working at Alchemia, and he and I wrote most of the material for the Wabi Sabi musical and for the band 10 Seconds of Silence while there.  It was 2 years before Brett and I ever performed our own material together.  Even though he was never really a Night Watchmen member, Brett was the most positive force behind the "No War" rehearsals and recording sessions.  He continues to pursue his career as a singer/songwriter and performer. I talk to him as often as I can. 		 




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