ABOUT
"For the past twenty years, in his tucked away, world class studio in quiet, rural Pennsylvania, Bobby Gentilo has been making a loud noise." -Sallie Bengston Blue Heart Records
Take a walk through the world famous Cat Head Records in Clarksdale, MS and you will find more than a dozen albums with Bobby Gentilo’s name credited on the jacket.
Gentilo is an award-winning international record producer and musician who has worked and performed with some of Mississippi’s most acclaimed blues artists over the last 20 years. He is also a member of The Cornlickers, the backing band for the late Big Jack Johnson. More recently, The Cornlickers has been knighted official house band for the world famous juke joint, Red’s Lounge, located in the heart of Clarksdale. Its here where Gentilo performed with and learned from Delta icons like Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Terry “Harmonica” Bean, T-Model Ford, “Cadillac” John Nolden, Robert Bilbo Walker, R.L. Boyce, and countless others.
Born and raised in Washington DC, Gentilo was infected by Go-Go – a blend of funk, soul, and blues music unique to the region. “There were few boundaries. The color of your skin didn’t dictate what music you could or couldn’t play,” he explains, “All that matters is – can you groove?” Go-Go and Mississippi Blues both inspire couples to dance close and sweaty. It’s party music. The unique combination of these two genres became the foundation to Gentilo’s style.
Over the past ten years, Gentilo has also collaborated and performed with Colombian (S.A.) rock and blues artist Carlos Elliot, a kindred spirit similarly drawn to Clarksdale, MS and its music. Since 2013, the two have released 5 albums with multiple songs reaching #1 in Colombia, including "Neighbor Neighbor", created entirely remotely during the pandemic with musicians from around the world. Neighbor Neighbor is a reminder of the common ties that bind us, regardless of race, ethnicity or nationality.
Within his own musical journey—and while developing the best in others as a producer—he rejects the fear of failure. While still supporting artists in various supporting musical roles, Gentilo has stepped into the spotlight with his 2022 eponymous debut album, GENTILO.
SHOWs
10.26.2024 Giez, Switzerland @ Rock Bottom
