By: MTS Management
Rene Benton’s new live album, “2 Live in O-Ma-Haw; Lyvv in Omaha,” offers a compelling sonic journey that mirrors the pulse and personality of his hometown, Omaha. Slated for release on November 30, 2024, the album serves as a “Documusical Xperience,” blending a fierce musical performance with stories rooted in the evolving landscape of the city. This record is much more than a showcase of Benton’s formidable guitar skills—it’s an exploration of place, people, and time, told through the language of music.
The first thing that strikes listeners is Benton’s eclectic fusion of genres. A veteran of the Marine Corps and a world-traveling guitarist, Benton brings a variety of musical styles to the table, each track a testament to his global influences and technical prowess. From the groovy, hard-hitting energy of “Push/Pull” to the funk-infused social commentary in “Nation of Struggle,” the album demonstrates Benton’s ability to weave together genres as diverse as progressive rock, funk, country, and jazz. The lineup, featuring his longtime collaborators Troy Johnson (bass), Todd Roberson (drums), and Algerian keyboardist Nidhal Keddah, adds a rich texture to the live performance, resulting in a tight, yet adventurous sonic experience.
Opening with “Push/Pull,” Benton sets the tone for the album with his signature guitar work—rapid-fire licks that are both intricate and emotive. His playing is technically sharp, yet there’s an underlying narrative to his solos that reflects not just his skill but his understanding of storytelling through music. It’s an opening statement that pulls the audience in immediately, creating anticipation for the musical journey ahead.
“East Meets West” continues in a similar vein, showcasing Benton’s penchant for blending cultures and sounds. The song feels like a dialogue between his influences from across the globe, with intricate time signatures, Eastern-sounding scales, and a Western rock groove. It’s a track that highlights his versatility and ability to make the guitar sing across various musical dialects.
Tracks like “Inner City Blues” and “Love is Pain” offer something different—vocal-driven songs that bring a more personal, introspective dimension to the album. “Inner City Blues,” with its soulful vocals, speaks to the struggles of urban life, reflecting the sociopolitical themes that Benton often touches on in his music. The smooth yet intense delivery feels particularly poignant in this live setting, drawing the listener deeper into the emotional core of the record.
“Love is Pain,” one of the notable tracks on the album, takes a turn into darker, more introspective territory. With lyrics like “My love is pain, a bloody valentine,” Benton delves into the complexity of love and heartbreak, offering raw emotion that contrasts sharply with his technical guitar work. It’s an intense listen, with its brooding atmosphere and slow, aching progression. The lyrics, dripping with melancholia, resonate with a universal sense of loss and longing, making this track not just a song but an emotional experience.
The instrumental tracks, including “Green Light Go” and “Steppin’ Out,” are pure showcases of Benton’s virtuosity. These songs serve as high-octane jams that highlight the cohesion between Benton and his band, particularly in the interplay between guitar and rhythm section. “Steppin’ Out,” with its catchy hooks and funky undertones, is particularly infectious, offering a lighter, more upbeat contrast to some of the album’s heavier moments.
Perhaps what elevates “2 Live in O-Ma-Haw” beyond a simple live album is its thematic depth. Benton describes the project as an exploration of Omaha’s evolving cultural identity, and that vision is reflected not just in the music, but in the way the album is structured. The city of Omaha becomes a character in its own right, with Benton guiding listeners through its streets, its struggles, and its triumphs. The “Documusical Xperience” concept gives the album an almost cinematic quality, making it feel like a documentary with a soundtrack rather than just a collection of songs.
The production quality is also worth mentioning. With the involvement of industry heavyweights like Tim Zick, Aaron Sprinkle, and Nino Laurenne, the album’s sound is polished but still retains the raw energy of a live performance. The immersive audio and Atmos mastering add a modern sheen, making the listener feel as though they’re right there in the front row of Benton’s Omaha concert.
In “2 Live in O-Ma-Haw; Lyvv in Omaha,” Rene Benton has crafted not just a live album, but a multifaceted experience that invites listeners to explore the intersection of music, history, and identity. It’s an album that will appeal not only to guitar aficionados but to anyone who appreciates music with depth, emotion, and a strong sense of place.
Published by: Josh Tatunay
