Fans and music critics have compared Gentry Bronson and the Night Watchmen to an American Coldplay, Ryan Adams without the guitar, what Tom Waits was doing in the 70's and 80's, Tori Amos with testicles, in the same league as R.E.M., a slightly happier Nick Cave, and a grittier David Gray.
The Night Watchmen were formed in late 2001 by singer, songwriter and pianist Gentry Bronson. Gentry independently produced their 5-song CD EP "Illumination" in November of that year, which drew the attention of a few musicians and a handful of fans in Northern California. In 2002, the band line-up changed several times as they played at a wide range of Northern California venues from clubs to cafes, restaurants to roadhouses, and venues they now refer to as bilgewaters.
In 2003, Gentry independently produced their first full length CD, "Lost In California". Although the band's local fan base was still small, this CD did very well on music sites, receiving praise from around the world and giving the band a small but devoted international following.
By the time the "Lost In California" CD was unveiled at the Sweetwater in July 2003, the Night Watchmen had become a solid group of four professional musicians. Led by Gentry, backed by bassist and back-up singer, Dr. John Hudy, held together by drummer and percussionist, Alex Aspinall, and harmonically linked by violinist, saxophone and coronet player, Jeff Hobbs.
Through autumn and winter 2003, Gentry continued to market the band through fundraisers, non-profit music work, Bay Area music community development, constant emails and phone calls, and his vision that the Night Watchmen would focus on performing at quality venues for listening audiences rather than burning themselves out on bad venues, bad club owners, and pseudo rock stars with bad attitudes. |
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