Theatre critic by day, ivory-tinkling eclectic singer-songwriter by night; Rob Kendt has opted for an interesting combination of career and play. On this his second album, following his 2002 debut ‘I Hope It’s Me’, Rob Kendt displays a penchant for quirky eclecticism and invention that deserves to gain him more recognition for his musicality. Drawing on pop, Americana, jazz and show tunes, none of which I suspect he would deny as inspiration, ‘I’m Not Sentimental’, while not without occasional flaws, nevertheless rollicks along through the majority of its 40-odd minute duration in mostly entertaining fashion – never more so than when he employs his bizarrely winning interpretive skills on ‘Oops I Did Bungalow Bill’ which introduces Britney Spears to the Beatles like no one before or probably ever again!

A tad too lounge jazz in parts for me, Kendt’s slightly deadpan vocals – Ben Folds goes swing – might not be to all tastes, his arrangement skills however are beyond question. Backed up by a slew of impressive musicians, the playing throughout is flawless. Lyrically verbose at times perhaps – no lyrics included unfortunately which might have helped – Rob Kendt’s new album rewards patience spent, which reveal it to be deceptively pleasurable in parts – album opener ‘Lullaby’ with its irresistible flugelhorn and ‘Pick Me’, Kendt’s dabble with Americana featuring superb pedal steel courtesy of Sean Caffey (Gina Villalobos), two prime examples. Overall a surprisingly intriguing effort.




Track Listing