Rene Benton’s *2 Live in O-Ma-Haw*: A Soulful Tribute to Omaha’s Spirit Through Electrifying Live Music”

Rene Benton’s upcoming live LP, “2 Live in O-Ma-Haw; Lyvv in Omaha,? is an electrifying, genre-spanning journey through music and storytelling that captures the heart and spirit of Omaha. Scheduled for release on November 30, 2024, the album is more than just a live performance—it’s a “Documusical Xperience” that combines live music with tales of local history and personal reflections on Omaha’s often-overlooked cultural richness. This album serves as a musical time capsule, showcasing Benton’s extraordinary guitar skills while paying homage to the city that helped shape him.

Benton, a Marine Corps veteran and seasoned international guitarist, brings his extensive global experience back to Omaha, supported by a powerful lineup: Troy Johnson on bass, Todd Roberson on drums, and Nidhal Keddah on keyboard. The energy and chemistry of this ensemble shine through every track, with Benton leading a dynamic exploration of musical genres. Known for his versatility, Benton’s unique sound blends progressive rock, funk, country, and blues, and this live album captures each genre with a fiery authenticity.

The album kicks off with “Push/Pull,” a high-energy opener that showcases Benton’s technical prowess and sets the tone for an intense live experience. Tracks like “East Meets West” and “Nation of Struggle” highlight Benton’s ability to fuse cultural and musical influences, creating pieces that feel both personal and globally resonant. His rendition of “Inner City Blues,” the classic Marvin Gaye protest anthem, takes on a life of its own in this live setting. Benton’s guitar weeps and screams, transforming Gaye’s message into a hard-hitting, introspective exploration of urban struggle and resilience, a theme that feels just as relevant today as it did decades ago.

A standout moment on the album is “Love is Pain,” a haunting original piece that dives into the emotional rawness of lost love. Benton’s lyrics are brutally honest, capturing the despair of heartbreak and introspection. His guitar work here is both restrained and powerful, a perfect sonic embodiment of the lyrics’ dark sentiments. The album also includes the track “Halo or The Horns,” where Benton showcases his rock chops, delivering a performance that is gritty yet precise, pushing the boundaries of live rock guitar.

Under the skillful production of industry heavyweights like Tim Zick, Aaron Sprinkle, Nino Laurenne, and Justin Passamonte, with Atmos mastering by Starsound Studios, “2 Live in O-Ma-Haw” sounds polished yet raw, maintaining the intimacy of a live show. Each track is mixed with immersive audio options, making it easy for listeners to feel as though they’re in the room with Benton and his band, experiencing the energy firsthand.

Benton’s reflection on Omaha’s history and evolution is woven throughout the album, bringing a sense of place and purpose to each song. The album isn’t just a collection of tracks; it’s an invitation to experience Omaha from Benton’s perspective. He’s a musician whose technical mastery and emotional intensity come through in every riff and solo, and “2 Live in O-Ma-Haw” captures this perfectly, presenting a deep, resonant look at both the city and the man who calls it home.

In “2 Live in O-Ma-Haw; Lyvv in Omaha,” Rene Benton has crafted a musical narrative that’s both deeply personal and universally compelling—a powerful reminder of how live music can capture the soul of a city and the heart of an artist.