Jon Bentley - Saxophonist

Born in 1973, Jon is a professional saxophonist from Vancouver, Canada. Bentley is a versatile musician, performing and recording in many genres of music both as a leader and a sideman. He has recorded and/or performed professionally in concerts with musicians/ groups such as Kenny Wheeler, Seamus Blake, Dave Douglas, Mark Helias, Brad Turner, Denzal Sinclaire, Eddie Daniels, Oliver Lake, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Phil Dwyer’s Saxophone Summit, The Temptations, Peggy Lee Band, and Metalwood. Aside from his participation in many recording projects as a sideman, Bentley has released two albums as a leader: “Jon Bentley Quintet: Motions” and “Diversions: American Prophecy”, as well as “UGETSU: Live at the Cellar” as a co-leader. He has performed across Canada, England, and Europe and has been featured many times on CBC Radio with live and studio recordings for Jazzbeat, West Coast Performance, Hot Air, and Arts National.

  Education

Jon Bentley has studied the saxophone extensively in jazz and in the classical realm. He received his Bachelor Degree in Jazz Performance from Capilano University and was awarded the CARAS (Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences) grant. From 1997- 2000, Jon studied with world- wide critically acclaimed saxophonist Seamus Blake, both in Vancouver and in New York. In 2001, Bentley was the recipient of a Canada Council grant that sent him to London, England to study saxophone with master Stan Robinson. During Bentley’s two- year stint in England, Jon also sought out and studied composition and arranging with legendary Canadian trumpeter/ composer Kenny Wheeler. Jon currently is available to teach lessons in the Vancouver area.