Though Marco Benevento and Joe Russo first collaborated as Middle School students in Franklin Lakes, NJ, the roots of the paired performers current project truly took shape at New Yorks Knitting Factory in late-2001. Last night, the Duo, as the longtime friends are collectively known, celebrated their fifth anniversary at the intimate venues most intimate room, the Old Office. Like many of the Duos early shows, the evening was built around a series of freeform improvisations and featured the groups original, stripped down configuration of organ and drums. Throughout their two set show, Benevento and Russo offered a number of early live staples including a long-lost cover of Paul Simons 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover. The evening capped off with a Led Zeppelin medley and a somewhat naked version of the Duos signature original, Becky. The Benevento/Russo Duo will perform at Falls Church, VAs The State Theatre tonight.

For more on the Duos genesis, be sure to read Mike Greenhaus recent interview in the December/January issue of Relix.