“A quiet, gracious, self-effacing man…with the intensely distracted air of a painter….but his canvas is the recording studio.”—Gilbert Garcia, San Antonio Current
Bassist/composer/producer Joël Dilley’s original music is heard in TV, film, web, and ambient settings worldwide, including HBO, Discovery Channel, Food Network, Playboy Channel, Animal Planet, and more.
“Dilley’s bass playing is broad-toned, dexterous and harmonically advanced in a style slightly reminiscent of Miroslav Vitous…evidencing a classical education and advanced jazz technique.”—John Swenson, United Press International
He has performed and recorded with Willie Nelson, Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson, Herb Ellis, Tal Farlow, Arturo Sandoval, Richie Cole, and regional symphony orchestras in venues ranging from nightclubs to jazz festivals to the Moscow Conservatory.
“A composer, a first-call sideman, a studio ace.”—Jim Beal Jr., San Antonio Express-News
A featured guest bassist on Public Radio International’s Whad’Ya Know and a featured composer on Texas Public Radio’s Classical Spotlight, he was a finalist in the Instrumental category of the International Songwriting Competition and an Independent Music Awards nominee in the New Age, Jazz, and Spoken Word categories. Winner of a composition grant from the Artist Foundation, he and his spouse Bett Butler own and operate Mandala Music Production, creating original music and sound art for a wide variety of applications. His music is licensed through AudioSparx and Getty Images. Contact him here.
Dilley shines with ample chops and imagination.”—KRTU 91.7 FM SoundCheck
Listen/download/order CDs directly from the artist here.
Selected Discography (as a leader)
- Gracia (2022, Dragon Lady Records)
- Wall in the Desert (2020, Dragon Lady Records)
- Mandala Meditation Series: Monet’s Garden (2016, Dragon Lady Records)
- Mandala Meditation Series: Lullaby of the Flatlands (2013, Dragon Lady Records)
- A New World (2010, Dragon Lady Records)
- The Window (2006, Dragon Lady Records)
- River of Hope (1998, Dragon Lady Records)
- Joël Dilley, Bassist (1991, Dragon Lady Records)