Inspired by the Beatles and the sound of the early 60's, Trabue started writing music at age twelve. Since then he has penned over 150 musical compositions.
At age thirteen, Trabue began his apprenticeship with King's Recording Studio. Owner, Don King, recognized Trabue's musical talent and took him under his wing. King believed in Trabue and worked diligently for many years to promote him during his apprenticeship. Herein, you will find several very early recordings produced by King. Trabue recalls "Don was like a father to me. We developed a close friendship that I honor to this day.".
At age thirteen, Trabue built his first electric guitar in 8th grade shop class. Said Trabue "Well, our teacher said we could make anything we wanted and I wanted an electric guitar so bad that so I opted to make one as my term project. It never occurred to me that I couldn't so I did.". At the end of the term, Trabue had produce a beautifully designed and perfectly working electric guitar for which he received an A-. The guitar is still in Trabue's possession.
Throughout his teens, Trabue continued to write music prolifically, formed the Fungis, his first band, and continued to work for King. He also repaired and even decorated guitars and drum kits (See pictures below). Of the Fungis name, Trabue said "Steve Dawson, my childhood friend, came up with the name. It was a play on words. Get it? Fun Guys and fungi or fungus. (laughing) No one ever got it and if they did they never saw the humor in it. They thought it was gross.".
In 1971 he teamed up with Kevin Sterner and Dennis Neff to form Gentry, Neff and Sterner. Like all musicians, they performed in local venues. With near revulsion Trabue stated "I hated playing out. I much prefer working in the studio. That's where the magic happens.". And work in the studio, they did. During their union they recorded many of the songs that both Trabue and Kevin wrote. A number of these earlier recordings can be found here on OS.
In 1974 Dennis drifted away from the threesome to work with keyboards, Arvin Pierce. You can currently find Dennis on OurStage. Trabue and Kevin continued on to develop their song writing and work in the studio. "He's a hell of a song writer and singer." Said Trabue of Kevin. "He's also the best bass guitarist I've ever heard. He's even better than Chris Squire (Yes). He has a truly unique style that I could pick out anywhere.".
In 1977, at the urging of Bruce Bolin, then marketing Director for Gibson Guitar Company, Trabue and Kevin traveled to Nashville and met with producer, Pete Drake (George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Bob Dylan, Jethro Tull, Kenny Rogers and many more). Drake's bio can be found in Wikipedia. Trabue and Kevin played for Pete in his office and after only three songs Pete offered to produce the duo siting that they were reminiscent of "early Bee Gees". The first studio time, album date and tour was set that very day.
Two days after the meeting with Drake, Trabue received a phone call from Kevin that decisively killed the record deal with Drake. In 1979 Trabue and Kevin finally parted ways over yet another issue. Angry and despondent over the lost opportunity with Drake, Trabue sold all of his musical instruments, dismantled his studio and abandoned music altogether. For the remainder of the time until recent, Trabue indulged in his many other artistic talents (see Trabue's MySpace personal Page).
In 2006, Trabue saw "Fleetwood Mac Live In Boston" on PBS' Sound Stage. Watching Lindsey Buckingham perform inspired him to have a final fair well for his music. Said Trabue of the show "I was blown away. I mean, just because the Drake thing fell through...well it was stupid. I have all this material that nobody's heard. I figured if Lindsey, who was like 56 at the time, if he could still do it, then I still have time.".
So, here he is today digitally re-mastering the many songs he wrote, recorded and produced and presently producing new material. But there's a twist that Trabue didn't count on. After he joined OS and MySpace he started receiving expressed interest from other artists to work with him. Some of these artists include Alesya Frolova, Mikle Krizanovski, JJHV7 and 3d papabear, Rootsdaniel, Jenny Dwyer and Rob Swanson.
The first artist to contact Trabue was Russian singer Alesya Frolova who proposed a duet remake of "Still I Love You". Next came Russian rock guitarist Mikle Krizanovski. Mikle is currently creating an overlay of his incredible guitar work on an earlier work by Trabue which is due out some time in June 2009. Trabue has also teamed up with Alesya and Victor Sopelcin to collaborate on yet another duet for Alesya".
Many OS listeners have compared Trabue's music to Marillion, David Bowie, Talking Heads, Triangle Fire, Jim Croce, James Taylor, Bread, Jethro Tull, Michael Gira, Harry Nilsson and Jarboe. In his online comment on MySpace, Mikle Krizanovski had this to say about Trabue's style "I have long thought - what it is like? But it's like nothing on earth - you original! This songs style named TRABUE !!!!!!".
Trabue's intention to simply drag out his old music and dust it off for everyone to hear has evolved into almost an underground following of listeners and artists alike. Trabue hopes that for whatever reason you listen to his music you will find something in it that you can relate to and enjoy. He also hopes that he can be of assistance to new artists needing direction and welcomes their solicitations.
Meet My Younger Brother, Mikle Krizanovski
Mikle Krizanovski
What an exciting time this is for me. I finally found my younger brother! Miki is 43 years old, married, has three fantasic kids and lives in Krasnodar, Russian Federation!
We found each other on OurStage. I ran across him while sampling some of the music on OurStage. When I saw his picture I was in disbelief. We looked so much alike. I wrote and mentioned it to him. He, too, immediately saw the striking resemblance and replied "YES!!! During the first instant when I have seen a photo, I have thought - Trabue.". After numerous eMails we determined that we are, indeed, brothers!
Interestingly, Miki is one of the most talented musicians I have ever heard. His main instrument is, you guessed it, guitar. In fact, Miki won 1st place in Guitar Solo, June 2009 on OurStage. The little creep rocks my socks off!
YES! We Are Working Together!
OK, everyone's been asking if we're going to work together. Well, in view of Miki's major win on OurStage, I guess now is a good time as any to announce that, YES, Miki and I actually have been secretly working together on something very special for some time! Miki's taken an old song of mine and breathed fire into it! We plan to release it in the next few weeks. If you would like to be notified of it's release, write me and I'll put you on the list.
Big surprise of the year - the purchase of a new family member - Trabue Gentry! This is so cool! Thank you very much for your attention and care! I very much appreciate your evaluation of my modest works! It warms my heart!
TRABUE, WANTED TO WISH YOU A LOVELY CHRISTMAS AND ALL THE BEST FOR 2010..BEEN SUCH A PLEASURE TO BE INTRODUCED TO YOU AND YOUR AWESOME MUSIC THIS YEAR..ALL THE BEST TO YOU IN 2010..
We are so glad to inform you that our new album "Not the end" is available now! Hope you will like it. Special greetings from us and Bulgaria, God bless!
About your new post: "The Difference Between You and Me"...
It never ceases to amaze me just how broadly your music styles can expand--a true statement about the scope of your talents!
This song has that 'country style' delivery and catchy chorus. To me though, the message of the lyrics are profound. We cannot (and should not) try to be someone we are not. It's when we acknowledge and accept the differences between us, that we have peace.
A fun song with a message, and as relevant today as it was when written 35 years ago...
You've outdone yourself this time, Trabue! This latest song reveals your abilities to excel at engineering, as well! You have overlayed your recent guitar and voice on a 35 year old tape, added Mikle's guitar (all the way from Russia, no less) and have created this incredible work of art, "Lost in the Wax"!!!!
I wish you all of the best with your new endeavors, Trabue. I am certain that you and Mikle should collaborate regularly. There's no doubt that you make a fantastic team!
hey T this is a very progressive song love the changes and mikky did not over do it on guitar It was just right ill be waiting for the next one gods blessings to you D&J
I'm late with your "Happy Birthday" wishes here on My Space, Trabue, but that does not mean that I wasn't thinking of you on June 26th.
As friends, over the years, we've been through the spectrum of ups and downs life can throw at anyone. You've tought me more than any other soul about the downs; with your head still head high.
I'm so very proud of you, Trabue. I dig your music more than ever; just don't get so busy that you forget to take care of Toby. :)
Well hello Mr Gentry..Thank you very much for accepting my friendship here in Space Land..lol..
I've actually been here playing through all your songs...While I've been waiting haha..
Wow !!Just saw Greg's comment here..So nice of him to say that...and your comment on his page was pretty awesome too !!!You certainly have a way with words Trabue..xoxo
I see you're on ReverbNation. You can connect with me at http://www.reverbnation.com/brendamacintyre. I'm listed there as the #1 World/Reggae Artist for Toronto Canada & keep a fairly steady spot in the World/Reggae Top Ten globally as well.
I'm very glad that I met( Mikle forwarded you to my page) you on Ourstage and we decided to sing a duet together.I can't even imagine that it could ever happen in my life with a such talented songwriter like you Trabue.We are on different continents now and able to create such a powerful song-Tell me Why.By this song we open and unite various cultures, music tastes,emotions and souls.It's one of the first steps in the relationship and frienship of Russian and American. This is truly awesome what we are doing. It's historical! It'll be a hit of 2009!I'm sure!
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