Jeremy "JJ" Benvenuto
Tenor Saxophone/Vocals/Keys
JJ Benvenuto was raised in the thriving musical environment of the San Francisco Bay Area.
He began playing drums in the 7th grade, following in his older brother's footsteps. He took up Saxophone in 8th grade.
In 1985, JJ went to Sting’s (Dream of the Blue Turtles) concert. He became an instant, Branford Marsalis fan. That show sparked an interest In Jazz which blossomed into a passion.
At 16 years old Jeremy became the drummer and youngest member of “Ned Endless and the Allniters,” playing everything from Motown covers to the Rolling Stones.
They were the house band at” The Dock, as well as Mr Q’s” for nearly 2 decades. Hundreds, if not thousands of Parties, wedding receptions, and shows are well-remembered.
It was at the Dock where JJ had the opportunity to meet the legendary bass player Jaco Pastorius. Jaco became a friend and teacher to all who interacted with him during his 2-month residency.
Unfortunately, Jaco passed one year later. On a lighter note, Jeremy’s firstborn son is named Jaco!
JJ‘s love of the saxophone surpassed his interest in playing the drums. He was fortunate to know the master saxophonist, Martin Fierro,(Grateful Dead, Legion of Mary, Merl Saunders, Zero….etc!)
Jeremy gives an enormous amount of love, respect, and gratitude to Martin for taking him under his wing! He is missed, always!
JJ certainly paid his dues on stage live. There is no better experience. Although he did study music first at the College of Marin, then Dominican University, and then private studies at UC Berkeley with the infamous Dave Ellis from, Charlie Hunter and Blue Note.
Jeremy played and sat in with great bands like (Mother Hips) at The Fillmore West, and also at The Great American Music Hall.
Jeremy was thrilled to play and record with the Jazz/Fusion band (The Ring.) A big shout out to Rob Fordyce on Bass(The Ring/Dave Weckl)
Jeremy is currently thrilled to be playing with this great group of musicians in NATIVE SOLZ!
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