December 5, 2007

The Benevento / Russo Duo at Higher Ground
Thursday, Nov. 15

Larry Frisoli | photo editor

Marco Benevento of the Benevento/Russo Duo runs his keyboards, organs, and even toys through many types of effects. (Larry Frisoli, photo)

Depending on where you see the Benevento/Russo Duo you’re in for a unique experience.  This two-man-band produces a full, multi-layered sound on its own, but when joined by guest musicians the equation is completely changed.  To kick off its winter tour the Duo performed at the Higher Ground Ballroom with special guest Brad Barr of The Slip, and supplied the rhythm section for the opening act, Chris Harford and the Band of Changes.

As Harford’s band performed, the crowd trickled into the ballroom, many not expecting to see Joe Russo behind the drum kit or Marco Benevento on the keys.  I’m guilty of avoiding opening acts at all cost, especially at venues like the Higher Ground, where once you’ve entered, there’s no re-admittance.  All I knew about the opening act was that it was “alt rock,” which didn’t strike my interest.

But I was surprised with what I got from the tail end of the opening act, which was a soulful rock ballad stretched over ten minutes that included a comedic monologue by the front man, Chris Harford.  On guitar was Scott Metzger, who had played with the Duo in the past, and at one point formed the Led Zeppelin cover-band Bustle in your Hedgerow with the Duo and Ween’s bassist Dave Dreiwitz.  It was possible that I missed out on hearing Harford’s band play a Zeppelin number earlier in the set.

Chris Harford and The Band of Changes will tour central Europe as an opening act with the Benevento/Russo Duo. (Larry Frisoli, photo)

I had brought my camera for this event, sneaking it past security was no problem.  I shot a bit of the opening act before set break, and waited for the Duo to get set up.  Knowing one of the security guards, I asked if it was cool to take a closer look at Benevento’s intricate set of keyboards, pedals and various gadgets.  I also took a shot of Russo’s extensive drum kit and electronic drum sampler.  Right after that, some senior security guard made me give up my memory card.

He said that I could get the photos back at the end of the show, so I didn't worry too much and decided to let it be.  Then the Duo came on, and although I didn’t have my gear I was happy to be still in the building.  Higher Ground’s security isn’t very lenient when dealing with unruly fans.

Once Russo and Benevento got on stage the Duo opened with “Something for Rockets,” off its latest album Play, Pause, Stop—the crowd was immediately energized.  Throughout the past four years, the Duo consistently brought in a reasonable crowd and built a fan base in the area.  This was my 19th show since I first the Duo at Nectar’s in 2003. Before I saw the show I wasn't a fan of heavy feedback and electronic drums—but their musicianship reached me and I became an instant fan. Each musician has way of feeding off the crowd, and changing the feel of their songs with poised nonverbal communication with each other.

For this show the theme was broadly spaced and ambient, extending introductions on songs like “Becky,” and “Walking, Running, Viking.”  After playing a couple of songs as a duo, Barr came on to play guitar and add to these atmospheric jams.  Barr was a good fit for this show, as he provided subtle guitar phrasings and heavily affected noodles to compliment Benevento on songs, “Echo Park,” “Scratchitti,” and “Play, Pause, Stop.”

Joe Russo (right) and Marco Benevento get heavy. (Larry Frisoli, photo)

A fellow journalism student, Tyler Machado had his camera and was able to let me shoot a few photos using his gear.  I was very happy that I was able to take at least some photos form the main act.

Nearing the end of the set, Barr left the stage and the Duo continued with a new, unnamed song.  Duo completed its set with “9x9,” and then encored with Mephiso featuring Barr on guitar and Vermont resident Mike Gordon also playing the six-string.

Gordon proved to be a tasteful guitar player, and his solos were a stand-out addition to an already great show.  When walking through the crowd to get a different angle for a shot, I noticed one solo to be particularly soulful and funky.  I looked up and saw that it was Gordon hitting those notes, and bar was playing farther back with a more atmospheric style.  Although the Duo provides a complete sound when it’s just two men, much is added by fellow musicians, and Gordon always proves to be a solid addition to the Duo.