the bent benjamins

The Bent Benjamins are alive and rooted in originality. Their sound is set in a pastime, yet with a modern-day arrangement of melody and accompanying instruments that lure listeners. The group is built from diverse backgrounds that bridge the past and present of American music.

Driving force and lead vocalist, Jim Donsky, has been singing his whole life. He could carry a tune by age two. By age five he was speaking in song and performed his first solo. Jim found his voice and passion for music at young age singing in church, musicals, choirs and choruses. Jim was inspired to write songs, and when he first picked up a guitar at age seventeen, the melodies in his head were brought to life. By age twenty-one, he had written a catalog of songs that he performed solo in and around Philadelphia. Jim knew it was time to look for other musicians to bring their influence to his songs.

In 2009, Jim met upright bass player Christopher Kapsha. Christopher's orchestral training and distinct style complimented Jim's genuine voice and heartfelt lyrics. Christopher added depth and complexity to each song helping to create intriguing arrangements. The Bent Benjamins were born. The duo began playing local venues, and excitement grew for their fresh sound.

Cultivating refinement, the Bent Benjamins continued to grow. In 2010, the energetic Charlie Rokosny entered on percussion. In 2011, Mike Wayock added more layers of rhythm with banjo, ukulele and guitar—fusing the core of The Bent Benjamins with a vintage, texturally dynamic sound in a distinguished union. They were now ready to greet the world.

In December 2012 Tom Zartler (of Woodcrest Studio West Chester PA) aided The Bent Benjamins through his recording and production expertise. He was instrumental in providing a vision of the bigger picture that could be. Tom is now a full member of The Bent Benjamins and an integral part of the band's sound. Through this collaboration The Bent Benjamins released their self titled EP. Anchored by the head-nodding song "Old Man", The Bent Benjamins EP reveals the band's immortal sound, brought to present day, with a fresh take on old-school folk.