Fran Kent-guitar, vocals
Matt Gray-Banjo
Jeff Shippy-Fiddle
Bass-Jason Mellow
Influences
Bluegrass Music in General: Tony Rice, Sam Bush, Mountain Heart, Alison Krauss, Alison Brown,Bela Fleck, Claire Lynch,Hot Rize, New Grass Revival,Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, Earl Scruggs, Kruger Brothers, Cherryholmes,Cadillac Sky, Tony Trischka,Beppe Gambetta,Darol Anger, Mike Marshall, Rob Ickes,Gillian Welch,...Jonatha Brooke, Aimee Mann. Every one I listen to and like influences me.
“Fran is carving out a nice career for herself thanks in part to an effortlessly engaging, radio-ready style, Her musical savvy and obvious ability make her songs a compelling listen”
Goldmine Magazine
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"...timeless style with a delectable twang.”
Americana U.K
“Take it on faith, this is fine music from a musician who is honest, talented and quietly assured about her work.”
the Oregonian
"Her songs are all fluid and cerebral; Each is a solid statement on their own. "
The Statesman Journal
"Fran is one of the best singers in the Northwest Male or female. She's a wonderful guitar player too. When she's on stage, she's in command." KBOO Radio-Portland
BIO
Fran's musical stylings are a brand of high energy fast paced bluegrass, executed with a powerful right hand on the guitar and a spirited voice. Mind-engraining, effortlessly engaging, and gutsy are some of the words and phrases that critics have used to describe her music. The Pacific Northwest's "Music from the True Vine" (KBOO) after seeing a performance by Fran at the Aladdin Theater for an Oregon Bluegrass Association show described her voice as one of the best in the region.
“Music has always been the driving force in my life for as long I can remember. I started playing bluegrass pretty early on in 5th grade. The first artists that influenced me were Tony Rice, Sam Bush, Bela Fleck, Alison Krauss and folks like that. “
Fran has a diverse background that includes touring internationally as guitarist and singer for Capital Records/Warner Brothers artist Joni Harms. Growing up in Chicago offered Fran the privilege of studying with world-renowned mandolinist and guitarist Jethro Burns. Fran has been featured on the PBS Emmy Award winning program Art Beat and has received a grant which she competed for and won from the National Endowment for the Arts for her original music. In addition she has received several magazine and radio awards for her songs.
Fran currently sings, plays guitar and writes in the bluegrass band the Urban Monroes which she founded with bassist Jason Mellow. Together the Urban Monroes are engaged in taking over the world one blade of bluegrass at a time.
Fran Kent's Top Friend Space
Fran Kent has Some friends.
Thank you very much for your request. Your music is superb. My late wife's father, Charlie Collins, is a bluegrass picker and I want him to hear you. I will show him your page so he can listen. He has played with many of the greats. I hope you enjoyed my music. Please stop in soon and leave a comment letting me know what you think. Jimmy Parker Nashville, TN
Hey! Thanks for the friendship. I like the sound and your myspace page. I just recorded a new song “One Stoplight” The song is getting air play on WVIM Rebel 95.3 Check out my page and give me your comments
