Benzo III

With all the potential to truly be an international success, 2015 New Mexico Music Awards winner Benzo III showcased full-spectrum star power, performing a wholly kick-ass set of original music in front of a spirited crowd at the Santa Fe Bandstand on Thursday evening in Santa Fe, New Mexico.Overflowing with northern New Mexico’s best young musical talent, Benzo III is led by stellar, charismatic front-man Benito M. Martinez III. Playing a genuinely unique sound, which some say is hip hop, but, is really more like progressive jazz-rock-funk hip hop with alternative hints of rap and soul, it is plainly clear why Benzo III won the New Mexico Music Awards 2015 Best Hip Hop CD and Single awards.

Benzo III Band MembersBenzo III band Santa Fe Bandstand New Mexico
Benito M. Martinez III – vocals
Daniel Mench-Thurlow – saxophone
Joel Luna – bass
Matt Ruder – lead guitar
Kyle Driscoll – guitar
Colton Liberatore – drums
Mimi “Yoshi” Diallo – backup vocals
Benzo III opened things up with a solid run of original numbers, including what may have been one of the best songs of the night with Daniel Mench-Thurlow rocking the sax, “Sunshine“. After the grooving ditty “Feel Alright“, the septet played the jamming tune “Big Time City” and, again, what was perhaps one of the best songs of the evening in “Waiting For You“. Continuing on, Benzo III performed the popular Bruno Mars cover “Liquor Store Blues“, then transitioned back to another run of outstanding originals including their newest hit creation “Wasted“, the classic anthem “You“, the awesome hip-shaking song “Heart Beat“, which won the best Hip Hop single at the 2015 New Mexico Music Awards, the rhythmic tune “My Black Bird“, and the inspirational piece “Good Life“.
Cranking forward, Benzo III sang the crowd-favorite cover song “Can’t Feel My Face” by The Weekend. Not to be outdone, the band performed yet another string of superb authentic creations, including the lively melody “Musical Chairs“, the provocative song “Beautiful Disaster“, and the cynical, all-be-it true-to-life number “Drop Out“. Closing out a world-class night of musical entertainment, Benzo III played the profoundly scintillating tune “Body Bag” and, after a thoroughly well-deserved encore from a very appreciative audience, the appropriately named refrain “Night Is Over“.

Bandstand Santa Fe New Mexico
You can learn more about Benzo III at their website, on Facebook, Soundcloud, Artisttrove, Reverbnation, and Twitter. Benzo III debut EP Album CDBe sure to pick-up a copy of the bands debut EP music release and merchandise at their store, and stay up-to-date on their 2016 tour. Moreover, check-back regularly for the groups soon-to-be-released new album. Finally, for fans attending the bands shows, remember to sign their Black Book to keep in touch and receive links to free music. Santa Fe Music Reviews thanks Benito M. Martinez III for the generosity, hospitality, and kindness, Benzo III for the world-class music, and Santa Fe Bandstand for the great venue and ambiance.


MUST HEAR VIDEOS
“Wasted” and “Heart Beat”
“Sunshine” and “Waiting For You”
“Good Life” and “Drop Out”
ORIGINALS
“Sunshine” and “Feel Aright”
“Big Time City” and “Waiting For You“

“Wasted” and ‘You“

“Heart Beat” and “My Black Bird“

“Good Life” and “Musical Chairs“

“Beautiful Disaster” and “Drop Out“

“Body Bag” and “Night Is Over“

COVERS
“Liquor Store Blues” and “Can’t Feel My Face“


* - Santa Fe Independent Music Reviews