Quick Facts
Biography
Eli Bennett is a notable jazz saxophonist and the first born son of Powder Blues Band drummer Daryl Bennett. He is considered an emerging talent, and has gained recognition in Canada's jazz scene. He was also a Fraser Valley Music Awards nominee in 2016.
Background
Bennett was introduced to music by his father when he was around was twelve years old. Eli, who was the first born son used to make his bed and sleep in his father's studio. He received the CBC Galaxie Award at the National Jazz Awards in Toronto around 2009.
Career
In 2014, Bennett played at the TD International Jazz Festival which also featured Bobby McFerrin. At the Performance Works event, Bennett received some positive attention for his cover of a Kenny Wheeler composition. In December of that year, Bennett was at the Simon Fraser University Goldcorp Center for the Arts playing in a charity event. Along with guest stars Roy and Rosemary, he was playing some jazz influenced Christmas tunes.
In 2015, Bennett released his Breakthrough album. The album was produced by Kirk MacDonald. Also that year, leading his group, The Eli Bennett Quartet, he played at the TD Ottawa International Jazz Festival. There he asnd his three-piece band opened the festival. They included songs from his debut album in their repertoire.
2016
In March, backing Mary Zilba of Real Housewives, Bennett with Rosemary Siemens on piano, and Jesse Sukkau on vocals recorded a single "#VancoUBER" and released it on Youtube as part of a growing desire to see Uber in Vancouver.
In April, he appeared at Frankies with Jazz singer Ellen Doty. In September, he played at the Festival Hall.