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‘Red Light Room’ showcases Bennett’s evolving style
By LEE CLARK ZUMPE
Article published on Monday, Aug. 18, 2008 |
ST. PETERSBURG - There’s no denying that Johnny Bennett’s “Red Light Room,” on first listen, immediately evokes memories of Bob Dylan and Cat Stevens.
Digging deeper on the artist’s five-song EP, though, there’s far more involved in the underpinnings of these compositions – lyric-driven melodies that could be equally suited to traditional crooners or alternative rockers as well as funky blues jams that possess a classic quality and suggest this youthful artist has the soul of an experienced bluesman.
If listeners are disappointed by the brevity of this release – clearly a sampler meant to draw attention to this up-and-coming artist – they will have an opportunity to see Bennett play some of his compositions.
Bennett will perform an all-ages show on Friday, Aug. 22. 8:30 p.m., at the Garage, 662 Central Ave., St. Petersburg.
Bennett has earned a respectable following in university towns thanks to generous airplay on college radio across the country. Previous singles such as “Sailboat” and “Why Are You So Happy” had a lyrical and melodic quality that conjured memories of the late Pink Floyd frontman Syd Barrett. On “Red Light Room,” Bennett explores a slightly more hard-edged sound as his style evolves.
The artist, trained at the North Carolina School of the Arts, has a classical background and showcases his talents on these upbeat and addictive songs.
“Exit Sign” is probably the most edgy, blues-tinged selection, while “This Year’s Lie” starts slow and builds in pitch and tempo.
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Article published on Monday, Aug. 18, 2008
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