1960s southern, Mississippi-Delta diva, husky voiced singer Bobbie Gentry may have only recorded six solo albums, plus a duet record with Glen Campbell yet through her timeless composition “Ode To Billy Joe” her name is one that still rolls off the tongue.
Featured on the twin, 50-song set not only are the hits, but a wealth of wonderful performances from Gentry on songs every bit as interesting and good to go with duets by Glen Campbell. Liner notes from country journalist, compilation man and former editor of Maverick magazine Alan Cackett help fill in spaces of the career and life outside music of a truly remarkable talent. As for material the listener is spoilt, well and truly. As she takes the listener through the state of Mississippi where she grew up in song and heap more beside. Her husky voiced tones and ability as a songwriter set her apart from the pack, the imagery of her songs made her music sound akin to a 200w bulb in a small room. Gentry’s looks, before gaining a record contract she did some modelling ensured she wasn’t one to be ignored on or off stage.
For her own songs “Okolona Bottom Land”, “Papa, Won’t You Get Me Go To Town? “Penduli Pendulum”, “Courtyard” and “Chickasaw County Child” and funky “Mississippi Delta” alongside her 3 million selling hit single an enviable standard was set. Gentry in many ways was ahead of her time; as she utilised traits of those who had gone before her with a fresh brave outlook as she took her music not to country honky tonks, but often bigger more lavish surroundings.
She was astute and daring regards the material she covered too. As you had the likes of The Beatles, James Taylor, Jimmy Webb and a killer version of John D. Loudermilk's “Tobacco Road”, John Hartford (“Gentle On My Mind” w/ Glen Campbell) alongside r & b flavoured “He Made A Woman Out Of Me” (Donald Hill & Fred Burch) and with Campbell in tow “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head” and “Mornin’ Glory”. Plus a song originally done by The Everly Brothers “All I Have To Dream” , “Less Of Me” (one of their best recordings) and the likes of pop country string warmed “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again” to go with her own terrific fare “Jessye’ Lisabeth” and with blasts from harmonica and piano “Delta Man” (Leon Russell; I question is that is him on piano? I would not bet against it) and Harry Nilsson’s “Rainmaker”. There is more too; I have no got to her stellar version of “In the Ghetto” or her sparkling version of Doug Kershaw and Billy Deaton's cajun favourite “Louisiana Man”.
Maurice Hope