"A Matter Of The Heart" is a mellow and soulfully crafted Jazz,Blues,& R&B CD with silky smooth vocalist Rhonda Benin and Soulful Strut,featuring Ron Belcher/bass; Cedricke Dennis/guitar; Darrell Green/drums; Charles McNeal/saxophone; & Tammy Hall/piano.

10 MP3 Songs
JAZZ: Jazz Vocals, URBAN/R&B: Rhythm & Blues



Details:
Rhonda Benin
Vocalist

With a voice described as sweet, sultry, like caramel sweetened with honey, vocalist Rhonda Benin is enjoying a full and versatile musical career. Rhonda began her career as a member of the Los Angeles based jazz trio âSound of Soulâ. The group received citywide recognition after winning the prestigious Hollywood Bowl, âBattle of the Bandsâ. Rhonda went on to make a career as background vocalist having appeared on over 100 recordings.

In 1989 after working with singer Maria Mauldar, Rhonda moved to the San Francisco Bay Area where she branched into theatre with ACTâs production of GOSPEL AT COLONUS and, The Oakland Ensemble Theatreâs MLK WE ARE THE DREAM. She also collaborated with South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela on Dimensions Dance Theatreâs production of PEOPLE OF THE ZOZOâS.

Rhonda is a founding member of Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir (CHC), an internationally acclaimed vocal ensemble performing African American roots music. The group has toured over 13 countries. In 1997 CHC was nominated for a GRAMMY for their CD, Shakin a Tail Feather with bluesmen Taj Mahal and Eric Bibb. In 2001, the group released The California Music Awards nominated Say Yo Business, featuring Wilson Pickett, Richie Havens and Odetta. Rhonda also appears on the groupâs recordings, Good Time, A Good Time, Hippity Hop and Front Porch Music. Rhonda has shared the stage with noted musical artists including Patti Austin, Janis Ian, The Holmes Brothers, Jackson Brown, Sweet Honey In The Rock, and international superstars, Baba Maal, James Keelaghan, Habib Koite, and Rokia Traore´

In 1995 Rhonda formed her own band called Soulful Strut. âMy band has been described as a jazz band drenched in soul with a solid helping of the blues.â Recorded live at Emeryvilleâs Expressions New Media School, Rhondaâs first solo CD, âA Matter of the Heartâ, is a classic mix of jazz, blues, and soul. Along with Rhondaâs stunning vocals, âA Matter of the Heartâ, showcases Bay Area musicians, Charles McNeal, Tammy Hall, Ron Belcher, Darrell Green, Cedricke Dennis and Joey Truso. âA Matter of the Heartâ, written by Benin, features a classic vocal/bass duet with veteran musician, composer and music âguruâ Harley White.

In addition Rhonda is a sought after vocalist and can also be heard on recordings by Mickey Hart, Carlos Santana, Maria Mauldar, Holly Near, and Eric Bibb. Radio and television credits include, Live Aide, Real Sex, Safeway and the California Lottery. In November 2005 Rhondaâs, vocals found a permanent home in the new Museum of The African Diaspora in San Francisco.

For booking information call (510) 834-5932 or email: rbenin@pacbell.net


âIf you canât sing a song, let BeninSing It!â