Xavier Bonner - Saxophonist, Composer, and Sonic Painter
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan he has had the opportunity to be taught/mentored by musicians such as Marcus Belgrave, Marion Hayden, Buddy Budson, Russ Miller, Steve Woods, and Wendell Harrison. Coming from a musical family Xavier knew at a early age the importance and value of music, which prompted his beginnings in the music scene. In the summer of 2013, at age 16, he toured Europe with the Blue Lake Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Dave Jensen, and has gone on to perform at prominent venues such as the Detroit Jazz Festival.
Xavier Bonner, saxophonist of Last Gasp Collective, merges traditional world music, hip-hop, and the avant-garde to express the human experience. With his ability to reflect the "now", Xavier's performance is sure to capture the heart and mind of the people.
Catch Xavier at one of these upcoming gigs...
"It's been my pleasure to teach Xavier Bonner from his middle school years up through the time he left for school at Western Michigan University. It became clear immediately that he is a serious musician who is destined for great things. I look forward to hearing him when he comes home from school each summer to check out all the fantastic things he's been practicing. A real talent!"
- Steve Wood, Steve Wood Music Institute
"I've watched Xavier Bonner grow from a very young teenaged student of the saxophone into one of the current cadre of immensely talented young Detroit jazz improvisers. Listen out for this gifted young man!"
- Buddy Budson - Legendary Detroit Jazz Pianist