GENTRI - Rise (2016)

A musical theater-influenced vocal trio from Salt Lake City, Utah, Gentri was formed in 2014 by LDS singers Brad Robins, Casey Elliott, and Bradley Quinn Lever. Inspired by the likes of Josh Groban, Alfie Boe, Michael Bublé, Andrea Bocelli, and Michael Bolton, the group's moniker is a combination of the words "gentleman" and "trio." Their mission statement is to "bring gentlemen back," a notion that was inspired by a conversation with one of Elliott's female friends, who was lamenting the lack of chivalry on the modern dating scene. The versatile vocalists and actors -- who met during a production of Les Miserables -- have performed (in their signature sport coats and pocket squares) on some of the region's biggest stages. Their eponymous, Shadow Mountain Records-issued, classical crossover chart-topping debut EP was produced by arranger/producer Stephen Nelson, and included five original songs and two spirituals. The full-length Rise followed in February 2016, and included the service-related single "Soldier" and a cover of Billy Joel's "And So It Goes." ~ James Christopher Monger.