Rhonda Benin
"If You Can't Sing A Song, Let Benin Sing It"
With a voice described as sweet, sultry, like caramel sweetened with honey, vocalist Rhonda Benin is enjoying a full and versatile musical career. The Los Angeles native began her career as a member of the Los Angeles based jazz trio “Sound of Soul”. The group received citywide recognition after winning the prestigious Hollywood Bowl, “Battle of the Bands”. Rhonda continued part time session singing, working as a teachers aide, while earning her degree and a teaching credential.
In 1989 after working one weekend with singer Maria Mauldar in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area, Rhonda packed up and moved to The Bay where she branched into theatre with ACT’s production of GOSPEL AT COLONUS and, The Oakland Ensemble Theatre’s MLK WE ARE THE DREAM. She also collaborated with South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela on Dimensions Dance Theatre’s production of PEOPLE OF THE ZOZO’S.
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 23 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 group’s 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. “My band has been described as a jazz band drenched in soul with a solid helping of the blues.” Recorded live at Emeryville’s Expressions New Media School, Rhonda’s first solo CD, “A Matter of the Heart”, is a classic mix of jazz, blues, and soul. Along with Rhonda’s stunning vocals, “A Matter of the Heart”, showcases Bay Area musicians, Charles McNeal, Tammy Hall, Ron Belcher, Darrell Green, Cedricke Dennis and Joey Truso. “A Matter of the Heart”, written by Benin, features a classic vocal/bass duet with veteran musician, composer and music “guru” 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. Rhonda's 2009 summer dates include SF Jazz, Yoshi's, Sonoma Jazz and Healdsburg Summer Concerts.