Floating between the orbits of the jam and indie worlds, the Benevento/Russo Duo has its own brand of two-instrument rock. Keyboardist Benevento uses both hands to their full extent, playing bass notes with his left hand on one keyboard and laying down lead parts that sound like they could come surging out of a guitar amp with his right on a second keyboard. Russo’s drumming can range from Zepplin-esque rock to boundary-pushing jazz.
The Duo made its mark on the jam world when it teamed up with ex-Phish bassist Mike Gordon at a Headcount benefit. Since their first collaboration, the Duo has toured as a trio with Gordon on a few occasions and played the 2005 festival circuit. When combined with Gordon, the Duo is a different band, now with a third instrument to feed off of and a whole repertoire of Gordon and Phish covers to explore. Together they’ve been labeled “The Trio” or “G.R.A.B.” Last fall, the band broke out Phish’s classic “You Enjoy Myself,” which featured a guitar solo by Joe Russo and Phish’s signature mini trampoline jump, and also walked out on stage and played a one-song set – a 56-minute version of Phish’s “Foam.”
The Duo released its first studio album, the critically acclaimed Best Reason to Buy the Sun, last April. The group also took home a Jammy award for “Best New Groove,” capturing a new audience of fans in the process.
Next for the Duo is a plethora of spring and summer festivals. Currently on a spring tour, the band will play the Langerado, Jam in the Dam, Wakarusa and Ten Thousand Lakes festivals, the last of which will feature Mike Gordon. The group recently wrapped up recording sessions on its latest record, which has no release date yet.
The Benevento/Russo Duo performs tonight at the Recher Theatre in Towson. The Benzos open with doors at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12, with a $3 charge for those under 21. For more information, call (410) 337-7210.
– By Rudi Greenberg
