Brett Dennen with Forro in the Dark

A friend at a music festival, hearing Brett Dennen for the first time, remarked that he was “the hipsters’ answer to the bros’ Jack Johnson”.  Indeed, the analogy between the two singer-songwriters makes sense.  Dennen, like Johnson, is easy to listen to and hard to not like.  Both sing light, guitar-focused songs in major keys, but achieve depth through their biting, soulful lyrics addressing issues of people, poverty, and society.

Dennen’s 2004 album, So Much More, was his first breakthrough on the music scene, reaching Number One on eMusic, but Dennen truly burst on the scene in 2008.  He played at festivals such as Bonnaroo, Rothbury, Austin City Limits, and the Newport Folk Festival and toured with O.A.R. and then with Jason Mraz.  His album, Hope for the Hopeless, achieved mainstream success, especially the single “Make You Crazy,” which was recorded with Nigerian star Femi Kuti and featured Mandy Moore in the music video.  Recently, he re-released one of the songs from Hope for the Hopeless, “Heaven,” as a duet with Natalie Merchant.

Now, Dennen has continued exploring the possibilities of “world music” begun with his collaboration with Femi Kuti by recording an iTunes live session with the Brazilian band, Forro in the Dark.  Forro in the Dark has previously worked with David Byrne, the Brazilian Girls, and Thom Yorke.

The live EP, mostly live versions of songs from Hope for the Hopeless, pops with energy.  The love and fun of Dennen’s music only increases when fused with Forro in the Dark’s rural Brazilian dance music.  Comparisons to Bob Marley and Paul Simon ring truer in this live session than on any previously recorded studio work.  In particular, “Closer to You,” bounces with the addition saxophone and South American drums.  Its Latin feel dares you not to dance in your seat.

In addition to five songs previously released on Dennen’s solo albums, the EP features two newer songs: “Joan of Arc,” a reggae piece complete with song with horns, flutes, drums and guitars and “Long Road to Forgiveness,” the one song not recorded with Forro in the Dark.  Instead, Dennen croons with October tour-mate Jason Mraz.  This song is a winner.  Mraz and Dennen sound great together, their harmonies working perfectly, in this song about atoning for the First World’s sins of exploiting the Third World.

Overall, the album is worth a listen for anyone who considers themselves a Brett Dennen fan.  Stream a few songs here before deciding if you want to buy it.  If you are new to Dennen, you may want to introduce yourself first to Hope for the Hopeless or So Much More.  While the iTunes Live Session is good, it fails to surpass Dennen’s studio efforts.

The other way to explore Dennen, the best way to explore any artist, is to check him out live.  As we mentioned in our November Concert Preview, Dennen is currently touring the country with Vermont rock band, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals and will be in Boston tonight at the House of Blues.  Grace Potter and the Nocturnals are another great musical act that has played many of the same festivals as Dennen and never fails to disappoint live.  See the House of Blues website for more information.

Concert Review Update

Live at the House of Blues

Brett Dennen and his band played a great show at the House of Blues on Thursday.  Following a solid opener, Sean Bones, Dennen took the stage in true hipster fashion wearing a vest and scarf, tip-toeing around the stage in bare feet.  Opening his set with, “Ain’t Gonna Lose You,” Dennen showed off his soulful vocal chops on his song of unrequited love, though he soon turned to happier, upbeat songs such as “San Francisco” and “Wrong About Me.”  On “She’s Mine,” another love song, the crowd enthusiastically sang along, much to the singer’s appreciation.

Live, Dennen was able to show his versatility as a musician.  His performance of “When I Go,” with its African-influenced guitar licks and percussion, would not have been out of place on a Vampire Weekend album, while a new reggae song “about believing yourself and not letting anyone tell you otherwise” sounded as if it could have been written by the Wailers.  Dennen crooned in a reggae groove that was impressive for a non-Jamaican, “I am strong, stronger than the day is long.  You may say that I am weak, but you are wrong,” and then proceeded to show off the talent of his bandmates, allowing each to solo.

Dennen closed out his set with some of his biggest hits, “When You Feel It,” “Follow Your Heart,” “Ain’t No Reason,” “Heaven,” “Make You Crazy,” and “Blessed.”  The crowd danced and sang along to every single one.  At the end, the performer demanded the crowd maintain the same level of energy for co-headliner Grace Potter and the Nocturnals’ set.  The tour between the two appears to be going well.  Potter later told a story about her tour bus breaking down and Dennen graciously inviting Potter and her posse onto his bus.  She described it as a “wild and crazy night,” where it felt as if the 18 musicians and crew members were 78 raging partiers.  With bus repaired, the duo continues onwards to the Midwest and then the West Coast.