Log in to your account
Stats
Biography
Dennen’s career began as an adolescent when he was given a guitar. He was naturally creative, and it wasn’t long before he started to pen some of his first songs.
An eponymous album was released on the label Three Angels and A Saint Records, which was produced by Dennen alongside Leslie Merical. It was a live performance that Denzyl Feigelson from iTunes witnessed, where he heard Dennen perform his own songs, Feigelson, was adamant to get the CD to Chris Douridas from KCRW. It was Douridas who made sure that the song “Desert Sunrise” was played on his Valentines show in 2004. Fortunately, the track was heard by Dualtone Records and ultimately a record deal was signed between Dennen and Dualtone.
He released his second album “So Much More” in September 2006 under his new label and it wasn’t long that the record was sitting firmly at the top of the folk charts. He even gained critical acclaim from John Mayer, who stated, “He paints these gorgeous pictures musically”. Fortunately, this led to Dennen supporting John Mayer on tour with him.
Still on Dualtone Records, Dennen released a live EP entitled “(More) So Much More” and then his third full-length album “Hope for the Hopeless” the following year on October 21st 2008. The album made it to number 41 on the Billboard 200, and even number 4 on the Billboard’s Top Independent Albums chart. The album featured a video for “Make You Crazy” which featured actress, Mandy Moore. There was also a single on the album called “Heaven” which featured 10,000 Maniacs alumnus, Natalie Merchant.
Still on Dualtone, Dennen released an album called “Loverboy” on April 12th 2011, but then following a departure with the label signing to F-Stop, a division off Atlantic Records and on October 22nd 2013, released “Smoke and Mirrors”. The album made it to number 65 on the Billboard 200 chart and number 10 on Billboard’s Top Independent Albums chart.
Live reviews
Brett Dennen is one of the rare artists who is able to energize an audience with a setlist composed of only mellow, soft-spoken tracks. Writing mostly about love and relationships, his voice draws on with the heaviness of a fragile heart, but watching him live still manages to be a joy. Perhaps it is the way he articulates pain, or the way he navigates his instrument, but audiences of his live performances are certainly enticed by the singer the minute he is on stage.
I do have to say, Brett Dennen is a bit of anomaly. His look is rather eclectic and certainly isn’t consistent with his old-timey voice, but perhaps what he lacks in stage presence he makes up for in sheer technical talent. Brennen is a masterful guitarist, sliding up and down the instrument with a smooth groove that adds an important layer to his high-toned voice. His live performances make it clear he isn’t new to the stage either, and there is a certain familiarity about him that puts his audience at ease. You won’t find people moshing, jumping, or yelling at a Brett Dennen show, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t know how to excite a crowd—it is an absolute thrill to watch him own the stage with his compositions, and even more exciting to hear him play some of his old classics like “Ain’t No Reason.” If you have the chance to see him perform live, I wouldn’t miss him.
jillian-paige
Esteemed folk-pop singer/songwriter Brett Michael Dennen is finally receiving global recognition for his bright lyrical voice and great musicianship. Dedicated to the cause completely, it has not been an easy ascension to the large stages for Brett and his band with fluctuating critical support throughout his career and only finding commercial success with his latest release 'Smoke & Mirrors'.
There is now a mixture of fans attending, those who were present at the very beginning over ten years ago to those who will have discovered Brett more recently through the more commercial record. Either way, Dennen seems ecstatic to greet such a large crowd and cannot wait to begin playing through a well thought out setlist. Everybody is catered for and he takes the time to acknowledge the crowd and thank them for the support, citing them as the reason he continuously worked and recorded to make it to the larger stages. Rounding off tonight's impressive setlist with 'Sydney (I'll Come Running)' from third album 'Loverboy', the whole room is united in cheers and applause.
sean-ward
We love Brett Dennen, however, we were very dissapointed with the venue at the Bend Athletic Club. We were the first family into the park. WE were told to place our blankets down to reserve a spot, so of course, we picked the front. Everybody sat through the opening act, but as soon as Brett came out, a lot of fans jumped up, and stood up at the stage, right in front of us. We could not see him at all, only people's rear ends. Very dissapointing, when I cannot stand for a great lenght of time. There were others right behind us, even in chairs that could not see, and left the same time as we did. If Brett were to say, everyone stay seated to enjoy the concert, we all would have had a great time. I left in tears because we were so excited to watch him play up close, and could not. Is there any venue that Brett plays were everyone stays seated? My personal email is heyfishon@gmail.com if you would like to reply back to me. Thanks
kimberly-bell-1
This is our third time seeing Brett on the Smoke and Mirrors tour alone. Each time we get tickets, we bring someone new with us, so they can come to love him too......AND now they do (I knew they would). GREAT as always. We love these guys so, so much.
We loved the Foundry also. Our first time there.Very nice set up and we enjoyed ourselves immensely. THE food was GOOD!
Andrew Belle was great too! The whole night was one never to be forgotten.....!
DM Reynolds
daisy-reynolds
UnFREAKING-BELIEVABLE!!! So great, just so so great. I wasn't aware the show in Dallas would be the last stop on this tour, and everyone in the room was brought into the fun vibe Brett and the band was having. I would absolutely catch any future Brett Dennen show that happens to be planned near me... Hell, I might even have to make a trip up to N. California to catch one of his regular (not road) shows!
grooveslider
The atmosphere created by Boulder's eTown Hall mixed well with Dennen's humble style and acoustic arrangements of some of his most popular songs. His anecdotes between guitar tunings were also hilarious and relatable in a way that made you feel closer to this amazing musician. This was definitely one of the best shows I have been to yet.
n0sTranD
This was a great show in front of a sold out crowd. His music did not disappoint. There were many very avid fans in attendance, singing along and obviously having a fantastic time.
I had never seen him before, so didn't know what to expect. I can't believe someone who looks so young has so much depth.
OPRockwell
What a charismatic, beautifully talented soul! I have seen mister Dennen at Tge Gorge with DMB, solo in Boise and Virginia Beach but this venue was perfect for his style. It is classy and intimate. Will definitely be returning.
arial-crystal-gray
