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Robert Bennion
Rob Bennion is an internationally-performing saxophonist and band-leader from Salt Lake City, Utah.
About Me
According to Bennion's mother, Rob was singing to himself long before he learned how to
speak. In the public school band program Rob picked up the sax, and teacher/mentor John
Talcott introduced him to jazz music, which became Bennion’s musical passion and
pursuit.
As an 8th grader, Bennion performed on national television in the Kahuku High School
Marching Band (Hawaii) and was the youngest member of their jazz band. Later, in 9th
grade, under the direction of saxophonist Michael Vance; Bennion beat out high school
seniors across the state of Utah to perform in the All-State band.
At 16, Bennion was performing and touring with local college bands. There he learned “on
the street” the skills of a professional musician: composing, networking, and adapting
rapidly to new situations and musical styles. Bennion used these skills to audition for and
make lead tenor in the Utah Valley State College Jazz Band his junior and senior years of
high school.
After high school Bennion served a voluntary two-year teaching mission in Brazil for his
church. There he learned the value of selfless service and the rewards of hard work, as well
as a love for the Brazilian culture and Portuguese language.
Upon his return, Bennion furthered his education at Brigham Young University, playing in
various groups from the big bands to small combos. He Studied privately with saxophone
legend Ray Smith and played in percussion guru Jay Lawrence’s salsa combo, as well as
renowned composer Christian Asplund’s group Brainstun. He also performed in the BYU
clarinet choir, saxophone quartet, and various jazz combos.
During school Bennion joined nationally-touring reggae band Two-and-a-half White Guys,
touring much of the United States and Canada. He performed many of his own original
compositions his trio No Street, and performed regularly in the Peery Blues Project and
Salsa-merengue band Orquesta Caribe. He played lead tenor and lead alto alternately in
local big bands as well as smaller jazz groups.
In 2005 Rob Bennion relocated to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, where he played saxes,
flute, clarinet, and effects pedals in various groups, including Brazilian group Bossanossa,
progressive rock band Cramer, and party band Plan B. In Dallas he performed in various
venues including the Gaylord Resort's AmaLure restaurant, the Westin hotel Dallas, and
Escargot Restaurant Fort Worth; his client list included Countrywide, Crossmark,
OmniAmerican Bank, and United Central Bank.
In 2006 Rob moved to Marugame, Japan. Rob Bennion was the artist in residence playing 6
nights a week at Marugame's Saso Luxury Club, performed weddings at the Hotel St.
Catherine in Utazu, as well as regular community performances and appearances at D's
Jazz Bar downtown.
Bennnion returned to the United States summer 2007, where he can be hired for private
parties, wedding receptions, corporate or other special events. Rob's Utah client list
includes Tahitian Noni International, BalletWest, Xango, Hindsight Trading, Ernst&Young,
the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, Thanksgiving Point, and the Park City Jazz
Foundation among many other smaller companies and private parties. He's performed at
wedding ceremonies of local celebrities like Terry Wood of Channel 4 News and has
traveled for performances all over the United States and abroad, from Vancouver to Miami
Beach and everywhere in between.
In October 2008 Rob was the headlining performer at the Okayama Jazz Festival and other
jazz clubs. He was also featured as the musical guest on KJZZ TV Channel 14's “Cooking
Delight” with Jennifer Burns.
Please read reviews written by past clients here. He performs solo as well as with groups of
many sizes and styles. Please contact him for more information.
