Rob Bennion

It wasn't Rob Bennion's intention to end up playing jazz music, but after a stroke of natural talent provided him a year of jazz instruction with Ray Smith (Director of Synthesis at Brigham Young University), he finally started putting his own bands together in order to have the means to play. A few years and career changes later, Rob is now finally established as a jazz saxophone soloist and the leader of the Rob Bennion Jazz Band, which features some of the best musicians Salt Lake City has to offer.

"I have tried to quit [music] many times in my life, but I just can't drop it. As hard as I try and as much as I would like to get a real job, I can't do it," Bennion says. In fact, while in Japan for a teaching job, he ended up with a better-paying gig playing music at a local bar, while making friends and building a fanbase. He recently returned to Japan to tour and headline a jazz festival there. Within the last few weeks, Rob played at a fashion show held at the African American Club in New York City, where he had the entire club on their feet and involved in the show. "It was so validating for me, as a musician, really," said Bennion.

You can catch Bennion playing every so often downtown Salt Lake, with the Rob Bennion Jazz Band, on his own, or with a live drummer or deejay. Check out his music here.
THE SAME SEVEN QUESTIONS FOR ROB BENNION

Who or what inspires you?
I am so inspired by President Obama! He is the most inspirational person...He has really been bringing my faith back into the American dream. When I listen to what he said in the {State of the Union} speech, I don't really feel like it's just ideology. I feel as if he truly believes it and his whole life example is just that. I feel like I can make it as a small business owner, I can make it as a musician and do what I want to do, not what I feel like I need to, based on whatever societal pressure exists to go out and get that white collar job.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
One of my biggest strengths is also my biggest weakness, in that I am so determined and dedicated I often put on blinders and start neglecting my wife and the kids. But that's also the fire that pushes me to get things done...if I could somehow not be so obsessed with music that would make everyone around me a lot happier.What makes you happy?
I heard someone say that you need three things to be happy . . . something to do, someone to love, and something to hope for. I feel happy when I have hope for the future.

What is your greatest fear?
Failure. My greatest fear is that after asking for so much sacrifice from my wife and my family for so many years, that I don't actually make it.
What makes you laugh?
House. Hugh Laurie makes me laugh so hard, he is my favorite actor, I think. I wish I could be an actor on a show like that..and get away with it. I don't know why Wilson or anyone is still there...other than it is a TV show. Also, the Simpsons in Spanish.

Who are you listening to right now?
I am listening to Pandora. I have many channels on Pandora: I switch between the Amy Winehouse channel to the Electronica-Downtempo channel. As far as jazz goes, I really like Joshua Redman, he is a great saxophone player and has been a big inspiration for me. And of course Coltrane, Dexter Gordon.

What fictional character do you identify with?
Besides Homer Simpson? ...What's the guys name from Avatar?

Enjoy this free download of Bennion's cover of What a Wonderful World below.

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Posted by Kaneischa Johnson
Photographs by Matt Clayton