Brendan Benson

Brendan Benson was fantastic. The show really rocked. All the special guest were really good but Brendan stuff was my favorite. Jack White and Brendan doing some of their stuff was very good.

My wife and I drove two hours to get to the legendary Troubadour club last Saturday night to catch a performance by Brendan Benson, an artist that I had recently discovered through my son. Although I certainly admired Benson's formidable talents as a songwriter and powerpop craftsman, I was unsure how he would deliver in a live setting. Well, the show simply rocked. Backed by a pretty tight three-piece band, Benson rocketed through about an hour and a half of his best material, including a number of tunes from his stellar 2009 album, "My Old, Familiar Friend." In the end, I was amazed that this guy is still playing clubs. An artist of this caliber deserves much more recognition than he is getting right now. I guess that's the fate of a true artist who happened to hit his stride in the era of R&B, Rap and Hip-Hop, Sad. Benson and Band only have a couple of US dates left before heading over to Europe. Try to catch the show if you can. If there was any justice in the world, it would be your last chance to see him in a club setting again. If you can't make the show - pick up one of his CD's - you will be impressed.

simply perfect. nice surprise. so glad to have awareness of the david lynch foundation because of brendan benson hosting this event

Awesome show! Was not sure what to expect but was pleasantly surprised -- saw some new talent that I was not aware of. Brendan Benson did some heavy lifting having to emcee and sing throughout the entire show -- his voice is reminiscent of John Lennon IMHO -- his songs are beautiful! Incredible singers -- Norma Jean --- a voice from another planet? Also thought it was great that the "stars" were very low-key -- came up and played their song and then made space for the other acts -- very classy! Thanks to Brendan (and friends) for bringing this issue (PTSD and Vets) and a real solution -- TM --- try it -- you'll like it!

Brendan was amazing! Jack White is always great! The whole night was fantastic!

COULD NOT HEAR BUTCH WALKER SING OR GUITAR\u2026.SAME WITH JACK WHITE, AND OTHERS. SEEMED TO BE WORKING FOR BRENDAN BENSON THO. THAT IS MY BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT. SOUND WAS REALLY OFF!! WHAT'S WITH THAT?

awesome show! loved every second..................

Out of hundreds of Ryman shows, this is the first I've ever left because of sound quality. I guess we were lucky that we were fairly close to the stage so we could at least watch some of the vocalists and instrumentalists give it all they had into dead mikes.

one of the better shows I have ever seen at the ryman....and had all kinds of great music....bluegrass, pop, rock, gospel, blues, folk, country, Americana, etc....performed dynamically by great singers, musicians, and songwriters......will definitely buy several albums by some of the artists who performed!

A great night of entertainment by myriad of well rounded knowledgeable musicians all of whom were in their prime and in top form laying down tracks left and right I had never heard yet was instantly drawn into the for me for the most part never heard before material. Usually that is a tough cookie for me however I will be giving each of these artists some of my free time to listen to and promote to my friends. The only song I had before was "Steady As She Goes". However that pales to some of the tunes I heard that night from a Leadbelly cover to Benson's original material to even the Howlin Brothers who were both opening act and main act participants.

What a treat to see so much talent packed into one night. The show ran smoothly & Benson didn't miss a beat. A shout out to the stage crew, what a great job with the transitions. This was our first time to the Ryman, can't wait to return. The music & talent were true gifts, but to know the musicians donated the proceeds to the cause was humbling & inspiring!

Brendan Benson is a great musician, he has a sweet voice and writes great funny/sad lyrics, but he has enough material to play a 2 hour long show. (which most shows should be) and he only played for 40 minutes. That's rude, I felt like I waste my money.

The show was held in a small venue which is nice if you like to actually see the artist. Brendan said he was nervous, but didn't appear to be at all. It just looked like he was having the time of his life on stage which trickled down to the crowd. He is a very talented musician & would see him again!

Great evening. Nearly perfect night out. (4 out of 5). Highly recommended. Venue: The Music Mill is a great live music venue and I hope that it continues to bring in more artists like Brendan. The acoustics and lighting are all first class and the building with it's adjoining "Green Room" for food and drinks makes for a complete all inclusive musical night out. (4 out of 5) Performance The show was surprisingly rocking as Brendan Benson and band performed the lion's share of his excellent "My Old Familiar Friend" record and a good mix of songs from his previous 3 CD's. (4 out of 5) . While the songs are perfectly crafted power pop on the record they really become more rock when performed live. You should see him live and you will understand this guy is less singer/songwriter, as many would classify him, and more rock & roll star .

Brendan Benson is an amazing entertainer and singer. Was worth it !

Great show. Very age diverse crowd. Well worth it. Excellent Venue.

well worth it. brendan played many of his best songs.

WOW! Can I give more than FIVE stars!! There are not to many artists that make me want MORE after a live gig. Mr. Benson is one of those artists who DO. I became a fan a few years back and I have seen him perform with the Raconteurs over the past few years. But NOTHING can top him performing his own music. He is such a talented musician. Fabulous voice (I am SURE there is NO editing in-house for his records, actually, it is hard to say what is better ... live or recording). Thank you Mr. Benson for bringing back the great live alternative pop that we all NEED to hear to enjoy our days!! Faves off the new Album (this is ridiculously hard, all the songs are GREAT) Garbage Day, Poised and Ready, and Lesson Learned.

If you've ever listened to Brendan Benson, you know that man can write a melody. He plays with some arrangements live, but it's the songs that make it an amazing show.

Nice night, the band was great, the sound was perfect, the vibe was very good plus the Troub is the best venue for a band like this... up close and personal. True musicians with an obvious passion for what they do. Loved everything about it.

Benson's show last night at the Troubadour was truly unbelievable. Benson came and hung out with the crowd while we watched his second opening act, a really unique fella who played old-timely folk tunes that sounded as though he was actually a gramophone sitting atop a rickety wooden chair. After the opening act, Benson came out with his full band and tore through Benson's catalog starting with "A Whole Lot Better," followed by "Folk Singer" which he dedicated to the opener. I was standing in the front so I got a good long look at the setlist before he came out and I was excited to see "Alternative to Love" was the last song before the encore, but sadly they deviated from the list for only that song and replaced it with an older song that I didn't know, although the crowd seemed to be singing along. And although he didn't play my other favorite song, "Between Us" - I was satisfied. Overall, an excellent performance, and a real treat to see him in such a small venue as the Troubadour. The last time I saw Benson, he was a speck on the main stage at the Coachella Festival two years ago.

The band put on a great show! This is my second time seeing BB, and he does not disappoint. The new songs sound tight. Can't wait to get my copy of the new album.

Amazing show. Knowing his first three solo albums I was sure that I wouldn't be disappointed. The new material was an extra treat. Didn't need any Raconteurs tunes. Save that stuff for another show. This was just Brendon at his best. Thanks for a great show BB!