Saxophonist

 Jon Bentley is a Juno nominated saxophonist based in Vancouver, Canada. A versatile musician, Jon performs and records 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, Neil Swainson, 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 a co-leader, Jon has released: "UGETSU: Live at the Cellar", "Wilson/Lee/Bentley: Escondido Dreams", "Waxwing: A Bowl Of Sixty Taxidermists" and "Waxwing: Flicker Down". He has performed across Canada, England, and Europe and has been featured many times on CBC Radio with live and studio recordings for Tonic, The Signal, Jazzbeat, West Coast Performance, Hot Air, and Arts National. Bentley was nominated for a Juno award in 2014 as a performer on Peggy Lee Band's album "Invitation" and in 2023 for Hard Rubber Orchestra's "Iguana."

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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 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 Stan Robinson. During Bentley's two- year stint in England, Jon also sought out and studied composition and arranging with Canadian trumpeter/ composer Kenny Wheeler.