Year Released: 2024
Genre: Instrumental Rock, Fusion
Duration: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Label: Floodgate Entertainment Group / MTS / Virgin / Universal Music Group
Producer: Tim Zick, Aaron Sprinkle, Nino Laurenne, Justin Passamonte
Mastering: Matthew Gray (Atmos Mastering: Starsound Studios)
Rene Benton, Marine Corps veteran and internationally acclaimed guitarist, returns to his roots with the release of his third album, 2 Live in O-Ma-Haw; Lyvv in Omaha, a dynamic live performance that merges instrumental prowess with vivid storytelling. Set for release on November 30, 2024, this album stands as a sonic tribute to the city of Omaha and its cultural journey, encapsulating the raw energy of live music with the introspective depth of a documentary. Benton, known for his versatility, fuses rock, blues, funk, and even touches of world music, creating a genre-bending experience that is as immersive as it is technically brilliant.
More than a simple live album, 2 Live in O-Ma-Haw presents itself as a “documusical”—a hybrid of musical performance and storytelling. Benton’s intention is clear: he wants to paint a vivid portrait of Omaha’s evolution through his guitar-driven narratives. This concept offers a deeper layer to the music, as it intertwines the city’s struggles, growth, and vibrant history into the very fabric of each track. Songs like “Nation of Struggle” and “Inner City Blues” echo the complexity of Omaha’s socioeconomic past, while tracks like “East Meets West” and “Green Light Go” embrace its cultural fusion and forward momentum.
At the heart of the album is Benton’s astonishing guitar work. His technical mastery is on full display, effortlessly weaving through complex rhythms, intricate solos, and emotionally charged melodies. “PUSH/PULL” opens the album with a bold declaration of intention: a powerful, high-energy instrumental track that sets the tone with its fiery solos and syncopated rhythms, blending progressive rock with a touch of funk. On “Halo or the Horns,” Benton showcases his signature blend of clean, melodic phrasing and sudden bursts of frenetic energy, creating a tension that grips the listener from start to finish.
Benton is not alone in this journey. The live ensemble—Troy Johnson (bass), Todd Roberson (drums), and Nidhal Keddah (keys)—matches his intensity and complements his musical vision. Johnson’s bass grooves on “Steppin’ Out” offer a funky, syncopated foundation, while Roberson’s drumming provides both the pulse and the drama. Keddah’s Algerian-inspired keyboard work brings a world-music sensibility to the mix, adding textural layers that help elevate the performance beyond traditional rock.
Though primarily instrumental, the album features two standout vocal tracks, including the haunting “Love is Pain.” Here, Benton steps into the role of a vocalist, delivering a powerful performance that mirrors the intensity of his guitar playing. The song’s melancholic lyrics explore themes of heartbreak and loss with stark imagery: “My love is pain, a bloody valentine / No sun just black rain, Joy is no friend of mine.” The track’s dark, introspective tone contrasts with the lively, upbeat instrumentals elsewhere on the album, showing Benton’s emotional range both as a songwriter and a performer.
The album’s production is as ambitious as its concept. Produced by a stellar lineup of industry veterans—Tim Zick, Aaron Sprinkle, and Nino Laurenne—the sound is crisp, spacious, and immersive. Matthew Gray’s mastering work is particularly noteworthy, especially in the Dolby Atmos mix, which offers a multidimensional listening experience that puts you right in the middle of the live performance. Whether you’re listening on standard stereo or an immersive audio setup, the mix maintains a rich clarity, allowing each instrument to shine through without overpowering the others.
For a more complex dive into the fusion of live performance and conceptual storytelling, check out Dream Theater’s Score: 20th Anniversary World Tour Live (2006). This album captures the prog-metal giants at their peak, blending technical mastery with intricate compositional depth.
2 Live in O-Ma-Haw; Lyvv in Omaha is a triumphant return to Rene Benton’s roots. His ability to fuse genre-defying guitar work with a rich narrative concept makes this album an essential listen for instrumental rock enthusiasts and live music aficionados alike. With its compelling production, emotional depth, and vibrant storytelling, it deserves a solid rating of 92/100.
Published by: Martin De Juan
