About

Two players, in conversation.

Denty Westlake is an adventurous, expressive jazz duo based in the North Carolina Triangle — saxophone and bass, rooted in improvisation, playing as two or as a larger ensemble.

Rob Denty and Paul Westlake first played together in Jacksonville, Florida in 1991, later found themselves deep in Chicago's jazz scene, and reconvened in North Carolina. Three albums on — etched, Denty Westlake, and Recess with Grammy-winning drummer Peter Erskine — the partnership is still built on the same thing: two musicians listening closely and following the music wherever it goes.

The Duo

The artists

Rob Denty · Saxophones

Rob Denty

A Georgia native and University of North Florida graduate, Rob spent twenty-seven years in Chicago before moving to North Carolina in 2023. He joined the Chicago Jazz Ensemble in 2001 under William Russo and later Jon Faddis, and holds a Master's in Jazz Studies from DePaul. His stage credits run from Aretha Franklin and Branford Marsalis to Clark Terry and Phil Woods, with appearances at the Chicago Jazz Festival, Ravinia, and Symphony Center.

Paul Westlake · Bass & Composition

Paul Westlake

A restless traveler, Paul brings deep roots in jazz, funk, R&B, and island music. He studied bass and composition with Harold Blanchard and has performed with Lynne Arriale, Jimmy Bruno, Ira Sullivan, and Nat Adderley, plus guest turns with the Jacksonville Symphony. He and Rob first played together in Jacksonville in 1991 — the start of the duo.

Press

What they're saying

"One of the most remarkable saxophonists in the Chicago jazz scene… Rob Denty's performance ability is one of a kind."
Bielawiec · Radio Chicago

"More than well worth a listen… a rousing and impressive beginning for one of Chicago's rising young stars of jazz."
Edward Blanco · ejazznews.com