Marco Benevento Provides Cathartic Relief, Covers INXS at Doug Fir Lounge in Portland, Oregon (SHOW REVIEW/PHOTOS)

The long-held superstition that Friday the 13th is an unlucky day was turned on its head last Friday, at least for those holding tickets to the sold out Marco Benevento show at Portland, Oregon’s Doug Fir Lounge. Over the course of a couple of hours, any trace of winter doldrums and holiday season woes were left in the wake of a joyous dance party.

San Diego’s identical twin psych jazz brothers, Mattson 2, opened the show. With Jonathan Mattson on drums and Jared Mattson on a double neck guitar/bass, the duo offered up a short set of jazz-rock that limbered up the crowd for the main event. They improvised their setlist, and Jared dedicated their “jammiest song” to the “jammiest person I know,” Neal Casal, the beloved Circles Around The Sun and Chris Robinson Brotherhood guitarist who passed away in August. The Mattson 2 had great energy and that special twin connection was evident in their lighthearted approach and musical cohesion.

Benevento took the stage with Drummer Dave “DB” Butler and bassist Karina Rykman. Clad in white, they matched their white instruments, Butler and Rykman with t-shirts reading “we’re using time for fun.” Truer words were never printed on a t-shirt. Rykman in particular plays with a joy that is infectious, a wide smile spanning her face as she drops some deep bass grooves. The trio played songs spanning Benevento’s ten years worth of solo endeavors, including several selections from “Let It Slide,” his latest studio album, which was produced by Leon Michels (The Arcs, Lee Fields). The title track, along with “Send It on a Rocket,” and “Solid Gold” were a few standouts.

Marco Benevento doesn’t stick to certain formulas. He’s apt to use electronic beats, powerful hooks and expansive themes to bring his visions to life. While building his songs in a live setting, the band seems to be confronted with a sense of discovery much like the audience is experiencing. The rhythm section both powerful and nimble, Benevento driving themes and twisting knobs on effects pedals. And then, when perfectly in the groove of a song, Benevento explodes into a piano solo that reminds us all of the keyboard wizardry that set the foundation for his solo career as a songwriter and bandleader. For example, the amazing runs up and down the keys in the middle of “Dropkick” left many a jaw on the floor. Several teases bubbled up during the improvisational sections. Britney Spears’ “Toxic” and Bananarama’s “Cruel Summer” were a couple that brought smiles from the crowd. Benevento invited the Mattson 2 out for a three-song encore, which included a cover of “Need You Tonight” by INXS and ended with what’s likely Benevento’s most well-known song, “At The Show.”

It’s been reported that when Marco Benevento was having trouble answering a question he often gets — how to describe the music he creates — a group of friends threw some ideas around and came up with “Hot Dance Piano Rock.” That seems a great description that keeps it simple without relying on all the superlatives that come to mind when experiencing this band live. No matter what day it is, those who see his show leave with a sense of being happy, and lucky. One thing’s for sure. Wherever Marco Benevento goes, a cathartic dance party is sure to follow.

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