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Brett Dennen Tickets

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Rating: 4.4 out of 5 based on 251 reviews

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About

Across his career, Brett Dennen has established himself as the kind of singer-songwriter who finds inspiration by digging into the nooks and crannies of the human condition--exploring pain, joy, sadness, and all points in between. If It Takes Forever (Mick Music), the California native's eighth solo album and first full-length since 2021's See the World, is no exception. The warm, immersive collection boasts deeply felt sentiments, underpinned by rich acoustic guitars and Dennen's earnest vocals, in the vein of dusky Americana ("Golden State of Mind"), harmonica-driven blues (the Tom Petty-esque "Careful What You Wish For"), rootsy indie ("Don't Go Talking"), and meditative folk-rock (highlight "Time To Wake Up").

If It Takes Forever emerged out of a tough 2023 for Dennen, as he was dealing with the death of his dad. "He was such a strong figure in my life that I depended on so much as both a dad and a best friend," he said. "And I knew immediately in order for me to deal with his death, the best thing I could do was to make an album about it."

Understandably, Dennen took his time coming up with song ideas for If It Takes Forever, and spent the bulk of a year simply thinking about "what kind of album I was going to make and what kinds of songs were going to be on the album," he says. "I jotted down ideas on paper, made little voice memos with ideas of songs, melodies and choruses, or sometimes even just talked into a voice recorder."

With these ideas as a foundation, Dennen was well-prepared by the time he hunkered down in late 2023 to formalize his rough ideas into songs. "Making them a reality all happened very fast," he says. "These songs were in my head and came out when I had the guitar in my hand. I would record one, put it away and then come back a few days or a few weeks later and listen to it: 'Okay, I think that's done. That's good enough. Move on, move on, move on.'"

Dennen naturally wrote some songs directly about his dad. But he also wanted If It Takes Forever to tackle his new reality going forward. "It was evaluating life--like, what did this person mean to me?" he says. "What did they inspire in me? What do I think life is about now? Who's the person I really want to be?" But he also found himself turning to broader philosophical questions. "I was also thinking about the state of life: What is life? What does it mean? What's it all about?"

This lent itself to lyrics full of vibrant imagery with multiple layers of meaning. Among his favorite songs is the gentle, folksy "In the Garden," which was indirectly inspired by his parents and the impressive vegetable garden they tended. "I don't necessarily think it's a song about my dad--or a song about him speaking to my mom, per se--but I think it's a song about love and putting your intention into something," Dennen explains. "Metaphorically, it's about taking care of something and creating something beautiful, but it's also a literal place for beautiful things to grow, and a calm place to find solace in."

Another favorite is "Wood Canoe," a narrative-driven story of humble man who has a knack for building a canoe out of wood, with lyrics speaking to the idea of metaphorically taking somebody away to a better place, he explains. "It feels like a Cat Stevens song and has a little bit of Latin rhythm to it." Dennen also loves "Another Day in Babylon" because of its rumbling groove--and the fact it's very literal, as he based the lyrics on things that happened in his own life.

The easygoing opening track, "Chipping Away," meanwhile, touches on resilience and the importance of persevering even when things might not be falling into place the way you'd like. "There's so many things I want to do and so many things I haven't done--and I'm the one holding myself back from doing those things," he explains. "But that's just life, I guess--and here's an opportunity to celebrate that."

Dennen recorded If It Takes Forever quickly, "in a whirlwind five days" in Los Angeles with the musicians in his live band and another long-time collaborator serving as producer, Jon Solo. This full-band configuration gave the album a distinct feeling of immediacy but also lends itself to depth-filled arrangements. Organ courses through the standout "Dharma Baby" while plaintive piano adds sharp melancholy to the meditative "Star Surfer."

"We haven't recorded an album together before now," he notes. "But it was easy to trust everyone and get excited about what we were creating together. We felt like a team; I've never had that feeling before. That's why I think it was easy to get so much done in a short amount of time."

In general, Dennen prefers recording live with a band anyway. But the bond he had formed with his bandmates across years of traveling around together on the road made the If It Takes Forever experience especially seamless--namely because everyone contributed parts and ideas in the studio during the process. "I was really impressed with everybody's ability to help me get to a place where I was feeling good about the direction it was going,' he says. "It wasn't me or the producer saying, 'I want you to do this. I was hoping you would do this.' It wasn't like 'This is Brett's album'--it was like, let's just make this music the best that the four of us can make it."

Since debuting in 2004 with a self-titled album, Dennen has amassed a loyal fanbase thanks to a steady touring schedule, including alongside artists like John Mayer, Jason Mraz and G Love and Special Sauce, as well as multiple song placements in the TV show Parenthood. Another tune, "Comeback Kid (That's My Dog)," became the theme song for the TV adaptation About A Boy. Along the way, Dennen has also had multiple top 10 hits on the AAA radio charts, with the keening title track of See the World, an encouraging song about growing up and forging your own path in life, landing at No. 4 in 2021.

With If It Takes Forever, Dennen plans to hit the road once again, but he possesses additional perspective on--and gratitude for--the solace provided by art and music. "To really boil it down, this is life," he says. "Life is full of things that get complicated and make you busy, and are really hard to deal with. But if you write songs about it, and put it into art, then it makes it a lot more relevant and meaningful and worthy of celebration."

Setlists

    1. 1.San Francisco
    2. 2.Chipping Away
    3. 3.See the World
    4. 4.Paul Newman Daytona Rolex
    5. 5.Darlin' Do Not Fear
    6. 6.Don't Go Talking Yourself Out of This One
    7. 7.In the Garden
    8. 8.Already Gone
    9. 9.She's Mine
    10. 10.Cassidy
    11. 11.Comeback Kid (That's My Dog)
    12. 12.Ain't No Reason
    13. 13.Wild Child
    14. 14.Sydney (I'll Come Running)
    15. 15.Another Day in Babylon
    16. 16.Blessed
    1. 1.Chipping Away
    2. 2.San Francisco
    3. 3.Darlin' Do Not Fear
    4. 4.Sydney (I'll Come Running)
    5. 5.Cassidy
    6. 6.She's Mine
    7. 7.Ain't No Reason
    8. 8.Comeback Kid (That's My Dog)
    9. 9.Wild Child
    10. 10.Already Gone

  2. Encore

    1. 11.Blessed
    1. 1.See the World
    2. 2.Paul Newman Daytona Rolex
    3. 3.Chipping Away
    4. 4.
    5. 5.Darlin' Do Not Fear
    6. 6.She's Mine
    7. 7.Cassidy
    8. 8.San Francisco
    9. 9.Comeback Kid (That's My Dog)
    10. 10.Ain't No Reason
    11. 11.Wild Child
    12. 12.Sydney (I'll Come Running)
    1. 1.See the World
    2. 2.Paul Newman Daytona Rolex
    3. 3.Chipping Away
    4. 4.Darlin' Do Not Fear
    5. 5.In the Garden
    6. 6.San Francisco
    7. 7.Already Gone
    8. 8.She's Mine
    9. 9.Cassidy
    10. 10.When You Feel It
    11. 11.Comeback Kid (That's My Dog)
    12. 12.Ain't No Reason
    13. 13.Wild Child
    14. 14.Sydney (I'll Come Running)

  2. Encore

    1. 15.The One Who Loves You the Most
    2. 16.??
    3. 17.Blessed
    1. 1.See the World
    2. 2.Paul Newman Daytona Rolex
    3. 3.Chipping Away
    4. 4.Darlin' Do Not Fear
    5. 5.Dharma Baby
    6. 6.San Francisco
    7. 7.Already Gone
    8. 8.Don't Go Talking Yourself Out of This One
    9. 9.She's Mine
    10. 10.When You Feel It
    11. 11.Cassidy
    12. 12.Comeback Kid (That's My Dog)
    13. 13.Ain't No Reason
    14. 14.Wild Child
    15. 15.Sydney (I'll Come Running)
    16. 16.solo/riff
    17. 17.Blessed

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Reviews

Rating: 4.4 out of 5 based on 251 reviews
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  • by Anonymous on 12/4/09House of Blues Chicago - ChicagoRating: 5 out of 5

    Awesome show! Love the venue! Brett Dennen puts on a great show!

  • by sirhar on 11/30/09House of Blues Chicago - ChicagoRating: 5 out of 5

    Grace Potter was an excellent opening act! She Excited the crowd and got us excited about the Main Event. Brett was fan-freakin-tastic, addressed the issue of something beyond himself to the Crowd with the (Red) cause. He is a real musician who enjoys hie music as much as everyone else. Great preformer, loved the facial expressions and dancing. A+

  • Grace Potter and Nocturnals Rock

    by GroverMN on 11/30/09Pantages Theatre - MinneapolisRating: 2 out of 5

    First time I've like the supporting act better than the headlining act. Grace Potter & the Nocturnals were amazing. Grace's voice blew me away! The crowd enjoyed Brett.

  • Brett Dennen was energetic, fun, and unique!

    by CSawyer on 11/30/09House of Blues Chicago - ChicagoRating: 5 out of 5

    The concert opened up with Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, they brought the energy and got the crowd excited. Grace has an amazing voice and the band is all talented musicians. Then Brett came on with his genuine unique voice and crazy dancing. He sang all my favorite songs. The concert was perfect and I will forever be a Brett fan. :)

  • Brett Dennen was great!

    by Maleficent26 on 11/30/09House of Blues Chicago - ChicagoRating: 5 out of 5

    My first concert at House of Blues and I wouldn't have wanted it to be anyone else. Good times. He's a crazy little guy and I loved it. He played 4 of my 5 favorite songs of his. I was hoping he'd play San Francisco and he played it second. Very enjoyable. Went home very happy. It was a memorable night.

  • Weed Money Man!!!

    by DawgEwannabone on 11/29/09House of Blues Chicago - ChicagoRating: 5 out of 5

    Once again, Brett Dennen stunned the crowd. The House of Blues - Chicago is a great venue for an up and coming artist like Dennen. Brett, who plays every song with heart and emotion, simply takes over the crowd with his love and passion for music. I would tell anybody who enjoys live performances(Folk, Pop, Rock) to check out BD!!!

  • Brett was great

    by TieDyeGuyBen on 11/29/09House of Blues Chicago - ChicagoRating: 5 out of 5

    He was unbelievable. Great venue at the House of Blues, he rocked it. Really got the crowd into it.

  • Brett Dennen, who?

    by Musiciansfriend on 11/29/09House of Blues Chicago - ChicagoRating: 5 out of 5

    I went to see Brett Dennen and was absolutely blown away by Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. Unbelievable. Brett was on point as usual though, aside from the overtly sexual and bizarre dance moves. Perhaps with losing all the weight he finds himself sexy now nonetheless one of my favorite performers. Keep doing your thing Brett, Grace Potter I'll see you next time you're in Chicago.

  • by Anonymous on 11/29/09House of Blues Chicago - ChicagoRating: 4 out of 5

    vocals, lyrics, style, all topnotch.... missed a couple of his best songs but overall a great performance... one or two more "unplugged" songs w/ just Brett & his guitar wouldve been even better

  • by Anonymous on 11/28/09Pantages Theatre - MinneapolisRating: 4 out of 5

    Brett Dennen was very energetic and put on a good show. The crowd was interesting and sometimes disrespectful, but overall a great venue and a great show.

  • Grace Potter & Brett rocked the house!!

    by brooklyn852 on 11/28/09Pantages Theatre - MinneapolisRating: 5 out of 5

    Brett D. was great & unique but Grace rocked it out!

  • Was Dennen Drunk, Stoned, or Stupid?

    by Wattley on 11/27/09House of Blues Cleveland - ClevelandRating: 1 out of 5

    By far, the WORST show I've ever attended. Rotten tomatoes to the whole performance. I only regret that I have to give him one star as zero stars isn't an option. I love Brett Dennen's music: the lyrics are meaningful and his voice is unique. I attended his concert at the Beachland Ballroom in Euclid, OH last winter and loved every second of the concert, but the show I saw at the House of Blues in Cleveland was a totally different story. Brett's weight loss was the first noticeable difference; if it's an intentional attempt to be more healthy I applaud him. The second noticeable difference was his inability to hit certain notes in his music or to project those notes with his usual bravado. At this point, I was willing to say "he's having an off night--it happens to everyone and I'm willing to cut him a little slack". But then came the weird hand gestures, the uncalculated movements all over the stage where he's practically knocking things over, the awkward conversations with the audience: now I felt uncomfortable. Was he trying to be something he isn't by entertaining instead of singing? Was he drunk or high? Then came the final straw for me, when he's telling the audience "Repeat after me" followed by the weirdest bunch of crap that I've ever seen or heard. I didn't come to hear the audience sing "Ooo, ooo, ooo, ooo", "aah, aah, aah, ahh". Put your shoes on. stay at the microphone, and sing Mr. Dennen. If you're drinking, sober up; if you're getting stoned, go get help; if you're trying to play to the audience more, just sing--that's all that you audience wants from you. Lousy singing, stage performance remeniscent of junior high school, and just plain bizzare behavior on the part of Mr. Dennen. He's no longer on my "favorites" list and I won't be back to any of his future concerts. I'm so disappointed in him. On a positive note, his band was right on the money and kept things moving for what must have been a very uncomfortable time for them. Please relay my deepest sympathy to them for having to live through such humiliation.

  • Grace Potter WORTH IT!

    by Spunky34 on 11/26/09House of Blues Cleveland - ClevelandRating: 3 out of 5

    Grace Potter and the Nocturnals rocked the house! Never heard these guys before, and I am definitely buying their music. Came to the concert mainly to see Brett, but he was a little disappointing. Just not my style I guess, but Grace Potter definitely was worth it.

  • This was the Best Concert I've been too!

    by Anonymous on 11/26/09House of Blues Cleveland - ClevelandRating: 5 out of 5

    I started following Brett Dennen right after his first album and saw him on a few other occasions. He played all my faves and was taking requests! His lyrics and honesty will keep me coming to his shows

  • Grace Potter and the Nocturnals are a must-see!

    by loram on 11/18/09The Cannery - NashvilleRating: 4 out of 5

    Grace Potter and the Nocturnals are a high-energy band with awesome songs - why were they the warm-up group? If you have never seen or heard of them, you are missing out. What an incredible bunch of musicians!! The only reason I give 4 stars is because A) they should have been the main act and B) you could not hear Grace sing when she moved over to play the organ. The four stars are all for Grace Potter and the Nocturnals!

  • A terrific show

    by PJDemo on 11/18/09The Cannery - NashvilleRating: 5 out of 5

    We drove almost three hours to attend the show, and were not disappointed. You never know what to expect of an opening act, but we were blown away by Grace potter and the Nocturnals. We had high expectations of Brett Dennen and he more than lived up to them. His music is a terrific combination of conscience, melody and a beat that keeps you moving as you absorb the lyrics.

  • Brett Dennen Rocks

    by jimep14 on 11/17/09Rams Head Live! - BaltimoreRating: 5 out of 5

    The show was awesome, Robert Francis, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, & Brett Dennen! What more could you ask for?

  • GRACE POTTER WAS AMAZING

    by Imsoobuffy on 11/17/09Rams Head Live! - BaltimoreRating: 5 out of 5

    GREAT ENERGY AND STAGE PRESENCE. DAMN CAN THAT GIRL BELT IT. SHE'S GOT SOUL, SHE'S GOT BLUES, SHE'S GOT CLASSIC ROCK DOWN TO AN ART. ONE OF THE BEST CONCERTS I'VE BEEN TO IN A WHILE :)

  • Brett Dennen was unbelievable

    by ara624 on 11/17/09Rams Head Live! - BaltimoreRating: 5 out of 5

    This was a great Venue...Rams head Live is great for concerts..Grace Potter and the Nocturnals were awsome to!!!

  • Life changing. No exaggeration.

    by TealBilyeu on 11/15/09The Cannery - NashvilleRating: 5 out of 5

    The show was absolutely incredible!! No other way to describe it really. Me and my friends got there early to get front row, and we were absolutely blown away. Grace Potter and the Nocturnals are great performers and so passionate about what they're doing. It puts you in a trance and completely engulfs you. Brett Dennen and his band were amazing of course too, as always. They actually hung out in the parking lot after the show and talked with fans. We got to get autographs, pictures, and I even got to sing with Brett Dennen!! Needless to say, I'm in love with these guys. Definitely recommend it to everyone. These are some groovy cats who deserve more rep. :)