Experimental duo Benevento/Russo Find Organ and Drums Are More Than Enough

Indeed the group's new release, Play Pause Stop, is filled with complex but anthemic rock tunes that never lack for want of guitar, bass or vocals. There may be no lyrics, but "you can sing the songs," says Russo.

In the live setting, fans can still expect the Benevento/Russo Duo to take the same kinds of risks they did back at the Knitting Factory, when they'd embark on long improvisational adventures. As Russo observes, "The jazz mentality that comes into our rock playing is that we're not afraid of anything. We'll go out and if it doesn't land, who gives a fuck? Nobody dies, you know?"

This summer, the duo backed Phish's Trey Anastasio and Mike Gordon on a summer amphitheater run, opening each show with a set by the duo proper. That tour, bundled with two sets of Phil Lesh and Friends, proved to be an exciting venture for the pair -- and no doubt fetched the guys more than $100 per gig. Russo and Benevento will now launch their own nationwide tour this fall, in support of Play Pause Stop. The jaunt will be preceded by festival appearances at Fuji Rock (Japan) and Austin City Limits, as well as Chicago's Lollapalooza this weekend.

"Emotionally, it feels really good right now," says Russo. "I can't imagine not going out and doing this."

Benevento/Russo Duo tour dates:

8/6: Chicao, Grant Park (Lollapalooza)
9/1: Portland, OR, Douglas Fir Lounge
9/2: Seattle, Neumo's
9/3: Eugene, OR, W.O.W. Hall
9/4: Reno, NV, Ciao Reno
9/6: Crystal Bay, NV, Crystal Bay Club Casino
9/7: San Francisco, The Independent
9/8: San Francisco, The Independent
9/9: West Hollywood, The Troubadour
9/10: San Juan Capistrano, CA, Coach House
9/15: Austin, Zilker Park (Austin City Limits Music Festival)