Toolshed
Self-Released, 2019
8/10
One of two albums released by the Idaho musician and engineer Ben Winship, Toolshed has the roots artist exploring his creativity with a full band and plenty luminous guests on hand.
The title track gets the album off to a playful start with acoustic guitars and warm vocals from Winship on an Americana and country fueled opener, and “That’s What Ghosts Are For”, with Owen Winship, follows and brings a soulful setting to the haunting folk tune.
Elsewhere, “Crossing The Great Divide” recruits Travis Book on a track with soft horns and rootsy ideas where vocal harmonies complement the cautious atmosphere, while “The Buzzard’s Dilemma” doesn’t need vocals for its retro, dixie beauty to shine bright.
The back half of the record offers us “Always The Mountain”, where a rugged spirit winds through the Americana/folk instrumentation, as well as “What’s The Matter With The Well”, where Ivan Nevile helps illuminate the funky, bluesy album highlight. “I Thought You Were A Goat #2” ends the listen with hip-hop nods in a percussively strong exit that’s unexpected and easy to embrace.
Releasing a pair of albums on the same date after 22 decades away from solo work is probably not a task many musicians would take on, but Winship pulls off the feat with poise, balance and extremely proficient skill.
Travels well with: Tom Waits- Rain Dogs; Woody Guthrie- Dust Bowl Ballads