Brett Dennen gives the over-extended and often under-inspired world of the singer/songwriter a much needed kick in the pants. Not only with his music, but also in how he came onto the scene.
Dennen began to make ripples in the showbiz pool with his first, self-released album. There was no flashy marketing scheme, no MySpace assaults, no smarmy managers. His evolution as a musician and performer was very organic - which is unusual in any genre. His CD fell into the hands of some influential radio personalities across the country, including the folks at the
World Café (WXPN) in Philadelphia and Chris Douridas at Los Angeles' KCRW. Both recognized Dennen's talents and appreciated his natural approach to marketing, as well as his music. Douridas stated, "rarely does music come along so unadorned, so pure in spirit, and so eloquently written". With the release of his most recent album,
So Much More, Dennen has evolved more fully into his style. As he grows as an artist, so does his audience. With a gig-roster that includes Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits Festival, The Shepards Bush Empire (UK) and the upcoming Rock Boat cruise, Dennen is charming audiences near and far. He's even had a song, "Ain't No Reason", featured on the May 1st episode of
House (Fox).
Although his writing possesses a joyfulness that betrays his young age, Dennen's lyrics reveal the mind of someone much older. He uses nature imagery throughout many of his songs to paint pictures of an ideal world - especially on the song, "Blessed". His somewhat nasal voice is not immediately pleasing. At first listen, his tone seems strong and harsh. His vocal quality calls to mind such non-traditional voices as Joni Mitchell, Lucinda Williams or Victoria Williams. Like them, it only takes about 1/2 a song before it becomes clear that only his voice can tell his stories.
Brett Dennen's guitar work is fluid and soulful with some flatpicking thrown in from time to time. His inspired writing effortlessly blends genres and respectfully nods to both the past and the future of music. He'll be inspiring Knoxville audiences this evening as he opens for The Wailers at Sundown in the City.
