Charlie Bentley
Charlie is one of the outstanding virtuosos of the tenor banjo whether contributing rhythmic patterns to the ensemble sound of the band or giving a solo with blue grass intonations. He played Banjo in one or two bands with Mart and Pete (Mike Martin's Alley Orchestra and Big Pete's Lecherous Seven) in the 1960's but left the local scene to play professionally with "Shep's Banjo Band". They performed at Cabaret Clubs everywhere with a season at the London Palladium - British fans will notice a burst from the band of the theme tune from "Sunday Night at the London Palladium" after one of Charlie's features. Following the 'break up' of Shep's he went with "The Banjo Boys" to South Africa where they thrilled audiences. He can be seen on Sky TV on some Saturday and Sunday nights in the "Comedians" - the Granada programme which is now being repeated from the 70's. Charlie's guitar playing gives the band the width of variety necessary for a traditional jazzband of the 90's to play the variety of tunes that an audience expects.