Jon Bentley Quintet

�Bentley�played harmonically substantive solos on challeng-ing tunes�� � Chris Wong, Vancouver Courier Saxophonist Jon Bentley is one of the most versatile players in Vancouver burgeoning jazz community. He is a dynamic member of local groups as diverse as Chris Gestrin�s Stillpoint, Ross Taggart�s Quartet, UGETSU (tribute band to drummer Art Blakey), To Be Ornette To Be (inspired by the music of saxophonist Ornette Coleman), Sharon Minemoto�s Quintet and the Bernie Arai Trio. Bentley is probably best known for his work with the electric group Diversions, a Vancouver based trio also featuring Chris Gestrin on keyboards and Bernie Arai on drums. Inspired by Miles Davis, Zorn�s Masada, Weather Report and drawing on influences from traditional jazz, funk, early electric jazz and free improvisation, the band focuses on Bentley�s original compositions but also includes a wide variety of material from Monk to Joe Lovano. Jon is currently working on a follow-up recording to the group�s debut album American Prophesy. The Jon Bentley Quintet is a relatively new group on the local scene having formed in 2002. The two-horn front line of Brad Turner trumpet and Bentley saxophones is ba... more...