Customer Reviews

Play Pause Stop

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Play Pause Stop is a natural progression for Marco Benevento and Joe Russo. It's of a piece with their previous studio work Best Reason to Buy the Sun(the new one actually contains the song by that title?!), but in contrast, this new one, equally well-recorded in terms of sound quality, flows more than it rocks. But it's as good on headphones as it is filling your living room--or motor vehicle--and constitues a near-irresistible invitation to see The Duo in live performance

Though often thrown in with the jam band crowd, Benevento/Russo Duo are not truly best categorized as such. This new record is firmly steeped in rock motifs and structures yet fully incorporates jazz sensibilities. These are solid songs that capture the head as well as the heart. Will certainly appeal to fans of Silver Ray and other instrumental acts. Highly recommended.

The Benevento-Russo Duo's first album, "Best Reason to Buy The Sun" was an exciting and eclectic mix of songs, going from synthesized and effected deluge of sound (Becky, Scratchitti) to straight piano jazz (The Three Question Marks) and everything in between. My personal favorite track on that record was the beautiful "Sunny's Song" which had an indescribable feel and emotive quality that would just make you want to sing along with this instrumental music.

Happily, with this new album they focus their sound much akin to the feel they achieved on "Sunny's Song" and create a magnificent follow up. The title track is probably the best track, but there is plenty to like as the album progresses. Every song sounds filled with the same DNA and it all fits together very cohesively. Its full of sudden changes, rock 'n' roll feels, a bit of guitar and bass, powerful Half-time drum beats from Joe Russo, and amazing communication between the two players.

All together this is a fantastic album, one positively full of sound and feel. And if there's one thing you can't lose, its that feel.

great album, great guys - do urself a favor and see them live. they r even better in person.