Denty Westlake is an adventurous, expressive jazz duo from the North Carolina Triangle — rooted in improvisation, performing as a duo or a larger ensemble.
Saxophonist Rob Denty, formerly of the Chicago Jazz Ensemble, and bassist and composer Paul Westlake first played together in Jacksonville in 1991. The early 2000s brought them both to Chicago and its thriving jazz scene, and they have since recorded three albums together — most recently Recess, with Grammy-winning drummer Peter Erskine. Two players, listening closely and following the music wherever it goes.
A Georgia native and University of North Florida graduate, Rob spent twenty-seven years in Chicago, joining the Chicago Jazz Ensemble under William Russo and later Jon Faddis and earning a Master’s in Jazz Studies from DePaul. His stage credits run from Aretha Franklin and Branford Marsalis to Clark Terry and Phil Woods.
A restless traveler with deep roots in jazz, funk, R&B, and island music, Paul studied bass and composition with Harold Blanchard and has performed with Lynne Arriale, Jimmy Bruno, Ira Sullivan, and Nat Adderley, with guest turns alongside the Jacksonville Symphony.
Available as a duo or a larger ensemble (trio or quartet) for clubs, listening rooms, festivals, and private events across the Triangle and beyond. Between them, the players have shared these stages:
Come listen.
Raleigh–Durham, North Carolina