Rob Denty’s musical education began in Brunswick, GA, where he began playing the piano as a five year old.  At the age of ten, he picked up the alto saxophone and continued his studies throughout high school and onto college at University of North Florida (UNF) where he graduated with a Bachelor in Music.  After completing his education at UNF, Mr. Denty relocated to Chicago where he obtained his Masters of Music in Saxophone Performance at DePaul University. 

“It is often surprising to hear the talent we have lurking about our fair city, and saxophonist Rob Denty is no exception.” (jazzchicago.net)

Since moving to Chicago in 1995, Rob has had the privilege of performing with some of the best musicians in Chicago.  In 2001, Rob became a member of the Chicago Jazz Ensemble in residence at Columbia College, then under the direction of the late William Russo. To date, he continues to be a member of this group, now under the artistic direction of Jon Faddis.  Since arriving in Chicago, Mr. Denty has backed and performed professionally with a diverse number of artists ranging from Frankie Valli, Ramsey Lewis, Milwaukee Symphony, Johnny Griffin, actors Gary Sinise and Bob Newhart, to Aretha Franklin, Joe Lovano, Doc Severinsen, the O’Jays, Randy Brecker, Branford Marsalis, Lonnie Brooks, Lynne Arriale, Dr. Billy Taylor and Mary Wilson and the Supremes (click link at bottom for extended list).  Rob has performed at numerous national and international venues including the East Coast Jazz Festival, Washington, D.C.; Symphony Center, Chicago; Max M. Fisher Music Center, Detroit MI; The Jazz Showcase, Teatro Manzoni, Milan, Italy; Chicago Jazz Festival, The Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, Pittsburgh; Ravinia Festival, and The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Mr. Denty also leads his own quartet which released its first CD, Round and Round, on Taken Records in June of 2007.  “More than well worth a listen, Rob Denty’s first offering, “Round and Round” is a rousing and impressive beginning for one of Chicago’s rising young stars of jazz. I’m sure we’ll be hearing more from the talented Denty and his quartet in the future.” -Edward Blanco, ejazznews.com, April 9, 2008

Rob is an active educator who conducts clinics and workshops and has a full studio of private students. He is currently involved in the Louis Armstrong Legacy Program, an outreach program of the Chicago Jazz Ensemble, which places jazz mentors in the Chicago Public Schools. Also, he is the woodwind instructor at St. Rita High School in Chicago.