Our next SXSW guest recap comes courtesy of Marco Benevento. Click here for TONY’s recent review of Me Not Me, the latest from the jam-jazz-pop keyboard whiz, and check out Benevento’s loopy reading of Deerhoof’s “Twin Killers” below. Read on for the man’s reflections on SXSW ’09.

“I flew into Austin, Texas, the day of my gig at the Elephant Room, which not coincidentally is the only club in town with a piano. After BBQ at Stubb’s, we took a ride through Texas hill country for some inspiration and elevation. The gig was extremely high energy, and there was something about the crowd that made me feel like they were somewhat relieved to be listening to the music that we played in a different environment than most venues in town. Maybe it was the intimate space.

“This was my third time performing at SXSW in Austin and was definitely my favorite. One of the main reasons why it was so memorable was what happened after the gig. Me, Marc Friedman (bassist from the Slip), Jeremy Black (drummer from Apollo Sunshine), Bo Koster (keyboardist from My Morning Jacket) and a handful of fearless freaks went to this amazing house party outside of town hosted by this cat BT from Australia. There were red Christmas lights on the mailbox and that was the only thing to let you know you’d arrived. Dan Auerbach from the Black Keys was playing in the backyard. He was backed by Patrick Hallahan from My Morning on percussion and this young band Hacienda from San Antonio. The music they played was incredible! It was this visceral mixture of blues, soul and newer-sounding riff rock; like a cross between Booker T., Cream and the Black Keys. The party was perfect! There was a bonfire down the hill, a deck that squeezed in 200 or so grateful musicians and fans. There was food, beer, and lots of open ears and minds listening and absorbing this new but very familiar sound. I felt like I was in high school at a keg party! No one needed a SXSW badge to get in. It was so chill and one of the best places to take in some good music. There were trees all around and lots of space for people to wander.

“Speaking of all the goodness happening after the gig, the next morning, after about an hour of sleep, me and my band went to KUT, Austin’s great local radio station, to perform three songs and do an interview. Guess who came to listen for the whole thing? David Fricke from Rolling Stone and Raoul Hernandez from The Austin Chronicle. I’m thankful that their ears are swallowing up the songs I’ve been playing.

“So there’s what we managed to do in less than 24 hours in Austin. Go SXSW!! What an unforgettable year!!”