Live Review: Brett Dennen at Whelan's, 21 May 2009

Brett Dennen is a funky funky man. He's funky looking, he's a funky dancer, and his music is funky.

He's also very, very funny. The crowd at Whelan's last night were really treated to a great show from Dennen and opener Ollie Cole, formerly of Turn, who played some great songs new and old, including some cuts from new album We Albatri which is out next month.

As for Brett, he played what he wanted and what the crowd wanted without the use of a pesky setlist. Thus the fans' every whim were catered for. Well, all apart from the dancing middle-aged lunatic up near the front of the stage who kept bellowing out requests. She was enjoying it a little too much!

The songs themselves were not all that familiar to me, but everyone of which is immediately accessible. This is exactly what you want when listening to a live act.

There were many highlights, not least 'She's Mine', a very extended improvised 'Ain't Gonna Lose You', and some great crowd interaction on 'The One Who Loves Yoy the Most.' Loudest cheers were reserved for 'Ain't No Reason', 'Make You Crazy' and closer 'By and By' which were all left til the tail-end of the show.

He also played a new song 'Can't Stop Thinking About You' which was just as good as all the rest, and is based on a lovely little riff.