Described as a “Bass-playing terror” by Boston Stages magazine, Joe Bentley is a multidisciplinary bassist that works in symphony orchestras, chamber orchestras, pit bands, wedding bands, and even as an actor/musician all around the United States.

Though strictly trained in classical double bass–even earning a Master’s degree from London’s prestigious Royal Academy of Music–Joe has always had a passion for variety, the odd, the new, and the different. His strict classical training has given him the discipline, attention to detail, and work ethic to bring a high degree of professionalism to every project he is involved in.

Joe uses the skills gained through serious classical training to prepare him for every gig, and especially for passing his wide skill set on to his students at the University of Rhode Island.

As a Classical musician, Joe has worked with the Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Boston Festival Orchestra, Cape Cod Chamber Orchestra, Cape Symphony Orchestra, Gloriae Dei Artes, Rhode Island Philharmonic, New Bedford Symphony, Symphony New Hampshire, Community MusicWorks Players, and many other ensembles throughout New England.

As a soloist Joe has given the American premier of Eliane Aberdam’s “Otohime” concerto with the Chamber Orchestra of Barrington at St. John’s, and a performance of Serge Lancen’s concerto for bass and strings with the Narragansett Bay Symphony.

As a nonClassical bassist Joe has played with a number of ensembles including the Big Apple Circus, Boston-based wedding band The Sultans, in pit orchestras at Theatre by the Sea, Trinity Rep, Providence Performing Arts Center, and many others, and with Niki Luparelli and the Gold Diggers.

As an actor, Joe has played the roles of Brother Jay in Million Dollar Quartet at Broadway at Music Circus and North Shore Music Theatre, and Bill Black/Jerry in Elvis: Heartbreak Hotel at North Shore Music Theatre and Theatre by the Sea.

Credentials:

MA, Royal Academy of Music, 2013 – Marylebone Student Award, Frank Britton Award

BM, Rhode Island College – Cantor Jacob Hohenemser Performance Award