Boston-based tenor saxophonist Benny Sharoni is of Yemeni/Chilean parentage – but he’s truly steeped in American jazz (Brazilian music too). Influenced by the usual stateside suspects – the rugged contours of Joe Henderson blended with significant doses of John Coltrane’s urgent passion – yet Sharoni still sounds like himself.

Sharoni moved to Boston in 1986 and enrolled at the Berklee College of Music. He left after a single semester, opting instead for private lessons with saxophonists Jerry Bergonzi and George Garzone. In the meantime, he began leading his own bands and has since appeared with Joshuar Redman, Danilo Perez, Kenny Garrett and Larry Coryell.

Sharoni has an appealingly gruff, throaty sound, which he combines with a lyrical attack that gives a vocal quality to his lines especially on more relaxed grooves.

He will be joined by Matt DeChamplain-piano, Todd Baker-acoustic bass and Jerzy Glod-drums.