Marco Benevento
(The Royal Potato Family)
Marco Benevento has always played a key role in the development of the fusionistic-jazz scene in New York since the late nineties, but his newest album Me Not Me gives the listener the chance to learn more about this keyboard-extraordinaire during an intimate session of music featuring his trio playing a selection of their favorite tunes.
One can only imagine the amount of keyboards, pedals, and amps surrounding Benevento during the recording of the sessions for Me Not Me, from the layering of acoustic riffs with a hard, fuzzed out punch on "Now They're Writing Music" to the tinkering and twisting of dials during "Call Home." Melodies from earlier tracks can be heard mixing in and out of different songs on the album, leaving an odd feeling of confusion and excitement, especially during Deerhoof's "Twin Killers." Benevento takes full advantage of his solo moment in "Sing It Again," a familiar Beck tune turned classic composition by Benevento's free will on the classic piano before moving back into a group setting on "Friends." Hearing Benevento covering his favorite tunes is a treat, showing off his current and past influences with covers of "Golden" by My Morning Jacket to "Friends" from Led Zeppelin.
Me Not Me proves bassist Reed Mathis and drummers Matt Chamberlain and Andrew Barr have learned to connect and tune their ear's to Benevento's unique style since summer 2007; likewise for Benevento, who is changing up from his extensive repertoire with drummer Joe Russo. The duo provides a strong background rhythm for Benevento to paint a canvas of intricate strokes of resonating notes and well-times changes in tone and direction.
Although the album features other artists' material, Benevento opens up doors those others left untouched, taking each tune into a realm of its own with his special brand of dark funk and circuit bent madness. Sit back and get comfortable before pushing play on Me Not Me, because as the opening lines resonate over a resilient drum roll and thumping beat, you may find yourself melted into the couch until the album concludes.
Standout Tracks: "Golden," "Twin Killers" MATTHEW RECCHIA
