Teen Jazz March 2007 Teen Jazz Artist
Eli Bennett - Saxophonist
By Shannon Kennedy
Name: Eli Bennett
Instrument: Saxophone
Age: 17 years old
Years Playing: 5 years
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Saxophone Setup: Silver Mark VI Tenor Saxophone (no engraving) 95 ***
Metal Autolink Mouthpiece 7*,
Rico Royal Reeds 2.5,
2007 Protec gig bag
Why Eli began playing:
When I was around 11 years old, my dad, who is a musician and a film score composer, handed down an old saxophone of his that he played in highschool to me. Although I had no immediate interest in playing the saxophone or music in general, I kept practicing around 15 minutes a day for two years. Now, I have a passion for music and practice anywhere from 2-6 hours a day.
What is Eli doing with music right now?
Right now, I am finishing grade 12 of high school and performing, touring, composing music and preparing for college next year. Here is a small list of some of the recent things I am doing:
-Touring with Five Alarm Funk, the best Canadian 12 piece funk band with a record out on Warner Brothers Canada.
-Was the first horn player ever to play with the Gibson/Baldwin GRAMMY Jazz Combo in Feb. 2007 (www.grammyintheschools.com)
-I am currently in the finalists for the International Songwriting Competition in the "teen category" for my composition "Mistaken Perception". (www.songwritingcompetition.com)
-Have performed with Canada's best highschool jazz quintet for two consecutive years at the Port Hope Jazz Festival in Toronto
-Have won the Rico Golden Reed Award at Musicfest Canada for the best highschool saxophonist in Canada
-Have played in the Gibson/Baldwin GRAMMY Jazz Big Band in Feb. 2006
-Have performed with Oscar Peterson, Barry Harris, Hank Jones, James Moody, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Allan Tousaint, Irma Thomas, as well as opened for McCoy Tyner, Phil Woods, and Tom Scott.
-Have performed at the Ottawa International Jazz Festival, Telluride Jazz Festival, Port Hope Jazz Festival in Toronto, Vancouver International Jazz Festival.
-Have also performed on the following film scores: Decoys (2004), Love On the Side (2004), A Perfect Note (2005), Engaged To Kill (2006), and The Entrance (2007).
-Currently recognized as one of the finest high school saxophonists in North America
What is he listening to?
Currently listening to Chris Potter. He's one of the most heavy cats out there in my opinion. I've never heard him repeat any licks, and he treats the saxophone like a synthesizer, able to make any sound and any note at an instant. Every note's a mansion, with different rooms. His control is unbelievable. I also enjoy listening to the great Michael Brecker, John Coltrane, Joe Henderson, Wayne Shorter, Charlie Parker.
Eli studies with:
I am studing with one of the best saxophone teachers in Canada here in Vancouver, Stan Karp. Stan has studied with Joe Henderson, Bill Green, and Buddy Collete, and has been the reason I have developed so quickly. I hope to study with Chris Potter next year in college.
What does he plan on doing with music in the future?
I plan on performing, touring, and eventually composition for movie film scores. I will be attending college next year (which specific one is yet to be determined). I have many musicial goals, and am looking forward to making music for the rest of my life.
What is his advice to other young musicians?
Everyone has different tastes and perceptions of what is right. Thats why Baskin Robins has 31 flavors!
For more information on Eli Bennett, visit his web site: www.elibennett.com
