Rene Benton – About Me.
There aren’t many guitarists who possess the versatility as Rene Benton. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, his musical influences ranges from progressive rockers Kansas to the sophisticated funk of the Cameo.
After a stint in the Marine Corps, Rene decided to dedicate his energy towards music. Touring extensively throughout the United States and abroad(42 states and over 70 countries to date), he has produced an astounding resume which includes parts of Rock and Roll legend Chubby Checker band and Pop Star artist Sweden’s Gigi Hamilton with Warner EMI. Also have had performances and collaborations with Tuhran Terrell (keyboardist/Anita Baker), Jerome “Stixx” Davis (drummer/LaFace/Arista recording artist Tony Rich); and, Louie Louie (WTG recording artist , chart topping hit “Lap of Luxury”). Rene was also involved with the modern musical Dreamscape; created and performed by Steve Reed, percussionist for fusion jazz legends – The Rippingtons as well recording with Grammy award winning writer Sleepy Brown writer of the hit by Outkast (I like the way U move) and multiple performance with Grammy award winning bassist for Latin pop star Mark Anthony (Mel Brown) and touring with Christian Rapcore band Junkyard Prophet and a faction of The Fortunes(UK 70;s group
that had the hit (“Here comes that rainy day feelin’ Again”)
Taking time to record his first full-length release (Xpressions), Rene employed expertise from Troy Johnson, bass; and, the dynamic drumming of Todd Roberson; both backing up the likes of Michael Lee Firkins (Shrapnel records alumni), Stephen Pearcy (former frontman of Ratt); and their own instrumental powerhouse JRZ System. The result was a throttle-filled carpet ride sounding like a fusion between Stevie Wonder and Tony MacAlpine.
His follow up project ( Xpressions Too) Rene called on more musical friends such as, Philip Bynoe (bassist/Steve Vai, Nuno Bettencourt, and Mark Boals), and Atma Anur (drummer/Greg Howe, Cacophony , Vinnie Moore, Jason Becker), Kelly Conlon (bassist Death, Monstrosity, Azure Emote) Funk legend guitarist Charlie Singleton(Cameo) and drummer/producer Paul Vowell(Radioactive Chickenheads, Green Jelly, Sleepy Brown of Outkast) along with appearances by long time comrade Troy Johnson(bassist JRZ System) among others. Rene recorded for Belizian/Central American superstar Andy Palacio who passed away shortly after those sessions. He was considered the biggest star in that part of the world equivalent to that of Michael Jackson. His guitar skills have landed him with Expansion Records (UK) artist Kim Tibbs which resulted with him being part of the #1 Soul Album in the UK for months on the charts in that part of the world. Rene next projects include working on some EDM music with Chris Moon; he is the person that not only discovered Prince but, also wrote three out of the four songs that helped bring him to the attention of the world . Rene also works in the capacity of Music Supervisor in documentary and film . One of which was nominated for an NAACP award in 2024 for best “Breakout Movie”
His latest outing is a live recording titled ” 2 Live in O-Ma- Haw, Lyvv in Omaha that features songs from previous recordings and , unreleased material. Filmed and recorded in Omaha after spending many years away from the city. The band includes long time friends Troy Johnson ( bass ) and Todd Roberson (drums) both formerly of Stephen Percy’s Ratt Bastards and Algerian keyboardist Nihdal Keddah. With production work by Nino Laurenne (Sonota Arctica) , Aaron Sprinkle (Demon Hunter, Kutless) , Tim Zick (Mannheim Steamroller) and Justin (JP) Passamonte.