If you have never seen Marco Benevento’s keyboard prowess, prepare to be wowed tonight as he and his band take the stage at The Sinclair in Cambridge.
The multi-instrumentalist’s mesmerizing music is a pulsating combination of dance rock, energetic jazz and psychedelic jam. One of the rocking indie pianist’s most popular songs off his latest live record, Woodstock Sessions, is “The Story of Fred Short,” named after a Native American man known for throwing musical bacchanals on the property Benevento now lives on in Woodstock, New York. The album was recorded in one single take at Applehead Recording in Woodstock, NY in front of a sold out studio audience.
Photo Credit: Calabro Music
We caught up recently with Benevento to find out who has inspired him musically, what a first timer can expect at one of his concerts and some of his favorite haute spots in Boston.
How would you describe your music?
It’s fun music that has elements of LCD Soundsystem and The Talking Heads. When I tell people that, it paints a picture of dance music, but with the instruments we have and the people we have on stage (there are just three people), it’s a smaller, more minimalist approach. Some of the songs are instrumental. It’s almost like mood music for a film, but mostly there is a lot of dancing.
Who has inspired you musically throughout your career?
I am a big fan of Leon Russell, Billy Preston and The Gorillaz so there is roots rock combined with the element of pop music.
Where are some of your favorite spots to play?
I love New Orleans, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Carnegie Hall was an incredible place to play.
Any favorite spots in Boston?
I love The Sinclair. We finally broke through in Boston. Last time we were here, we played to a packed house. People know what our band is like. Our music used to be just instrumental and only until recently I started singing with it. I went to Berklee College of Music and when I graduated, David Bowie handed me my degree. I’d like to give a shout out to all of my teachers there. When I lived there, I also used to love to go on bike rides to the Arboretum.
What’s it like coming home off a lengthy tour?
It can get pretty crazy traveling all of the time. I might have four days of shows then I am home for a day then I am off on tour for the next week and a half. It gets hectic, but I have been able to manage it so there is a good balance.
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