Concert Reviews By Gary Jared / April 17, 2024 In the heart of the nation's capital, the Black Cat transcended into a haven of sonic exploration on April 12, 2024, as Marco Benevento and his band, Karina Rykman (bass) and Chris Corsico (drums), unleashed a barn-burning extravaganza in support of their latest opus, Barn Burner: Live at Levon's. The live album, recorded over two nights in the hallowed walls of The Barn at Levon Helm Studios, served as the blueprint for an evening of musical alchemy that left no soul untouched. Before delving into the metaphysical journey curated by Benevento and company, the night opened with the spectral echoes of Ghost Funk Orchestra, setting the stage for what was to come. The nine-piece funk group got the crowd dancing early with their layered sonic tapestry of horns, belting vocals, and smooth dance moves.Marco Benevento at the Black Cat As the clock struck Benevento Hour, the crowd erupted in feverish anticipation, akin to disciples awaiting communion. With a flicker of the keys, Marco and his backing duo unleashed a storm of sound, plunging the audience headfirst into the realm of "Coyote Hearing." The room pulsed with electrifying energy as each note reverberated off the walls, weaving a tapestry of sound that enraptured all who bore witness. From the pulsating rhythms of "Dropkick" to the cosmic voyage of "Send It On A Rocket," Benevento guided his audience through a kaleidoscopic odyssey of sonic landscapes filled with keyboards, synths, and psychedelic effects pedals. Karina Rykman's basslines served as the tether, grounding the ethereal melodies in a primal groove, while Chris Corsico's percussive onslaught propelled the music to transcendent heights.Karina RykmanKarina RykmanThe barn-burning fervor reached its zenith with a blistering rendition of "Atari," igniting a frenzy of ecstatic dance among the faithful congregation. As the set continued with "Bus Ride," Greenpoint," and "Heartbeats," Benevento's fingers danced across the keys with the fervor of a shaman summoning spirits from the ether while Rykman and Corsico forged a rhythmic foundation that shook the very foundation of the Black Cat. Marco Benevento at the Black CatThe night's musical adventure continued with members of Ghost Funk Orchestra joining the stage for a trio of tunes, starting with "Hit Or Miss" and then "Humanz." Amidst the melodic cacophony, Benevento and company paused to pay homage to the legends who paved the way, offering a soul-stirring rendition of The Band's "The Shape I'm In." It was a moment of reverence, a nod to the musical lineage that permeated the air of The Barn at Levon Helm Studios and now reverberated through the halls of the Black Cat.Marco Benevento at the Black CatMarco Benevento at the Black CatAs the night drew to a close, Benevento unleashed one final sonic assault with "Limbs Of A Pine," leaving the audience breathless and exhilarated, yearning for just one more taste of the euphoric euphony that had enveloped them. In the aftermath of Marco Benevento's sonic sermon, the Black Cat stood as a temple of musical transcendence; its walls imbued with the echoes of a performance that transcended mere notes and chords. It was a testament to the boundless power of music to transport, transform, and ultimately unite all who dare to listen. Catch Marco down the road with Joe Russo’s Almost Dead at Pier Six Pavilion in Baltimore, MD, or see one of his remaining solo tour dates here.Marco Benevento at the Black CatMarco Benevento at the Black CatBarn Burner: Live at Levon'sRecorded in his adopted hometown of Woodstock, NY, Marco Benevento and his band, Karina Rykman and Chris Corsico, deliver a transcendent experience with Barn Burner: Live at Levon's. Taped over two electric nights at Levon Helm Studios, this double album captures the essence of Benevento's live prowess and improvisational creativity. From the ethereal melodies of "Coyote Hearing" to the pulsating rhythms of "At The Show," each of the 13 tracks pulsate with raw energy and unbridled passion, showcasing the band's genre-blurring vision and fearless improvisation. Karina Rykman and Chris Corsico at the Black CatWith special guest Scott Metzger on guitar, Benevento fearlessly reimagines classics like Bob Dylan & The Band's "This Wheels On Fire," infusing them with new life and vitality. Barn Burner is a sonic pilgrimage not to be missed, offering listeners an immersive journey into the boundless expanse of musical exploration. Click below to stream Barn Burner and Marco’s other music. Setlist Setlist Setlist Click here to see the setlist for Marco Benevento at The Black Cat DropkickSend It On A RocketAtariBus RideGreenpointHeartbeatsHumanzHit Or MissThe Shape I'm In (The Band Cover) Photo Gallery Photo Gallery Photo Gallery Enjoy photos by our photographer Gary Jared.Marco Benevento Ghost Funk Orchestra Audio Recordings Audio Recordings Audio Recordings Enjoy the audio recording by our contributor Alex Leary Listen Listen Listen Marco Benevento Ghost Funk Orchestra Additional Resources Additional Resources AdditionalResources To learn more about Marco Benevento, please see the following web resources:WebpageFacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeSpotifyTIDALTo learn more about Ghost Funk Orchestra, please see the following web resources:WebpageFacebookInstagramYouTubeSpotifyTIDALTikTokBandsintown Related Articles Related Articles Related Articles Marco Benevento Plays a Barn Burner Show at the Black CatRead More Karina Rykman Takes the Atlantis on a JoyrideRead More Musical Alchemy: Joe Russo’s Almost Dead Enchants The Anthem in Grateful ResonanceRead More Little Feat, Oteil & Friends, Daniel Donato, and Karina Rykman Bring the Heat to the 30th Hot August Music FestivalRead More Karina Rykman Is Coming To Pearl Street Warehouse On December 10th, 2022Read More Marco Benevento Unleashes Unbridled Joy at Pearl Street Warehouse Album Release PartyRead More Marco Benevento with the Jon Wood Band at The 8×10Read More ‘Taz’ Niederauer Highlights A Magical Weekend at Sweetwater 420 FestRead More