In concert the Growling Old Men are engaging and spontaneous and they
make a big sound for two guys. Their shows include a blend of well
rehearsed material and few new songs hot off the press - they like to
keep it fresh with an edge of improvisational risk taking.  The duo
strive to contrast simplicity with complexity - all with good tone and a
warm sense of humor.
 

Their two cds, the self titled, Growling Old Men and the latest,
Occupational Hazards, have received rave reviews from fans, djs and the
press. Says Dan Miller, editor of Flatpicking Guitar Magazine, “John and
Ben's first Growling Old Men project is one of my all-time favorite
recordings. I've listened to it dozens of times over the years and it
always gives me a good feeling because my favorite kind of music is made
by old friends on the back porch.  I was very excited when I heard that
they were recording another project and I'll have to say, it exceeds all
of my high expectations.  These masters of the guitar, mandolin, and
harmony vocals have continued to hone their craft over the years - their
vocals are tighter and they speak to each other through their
instruments with a smoothness, fluidity, and familiarity that magically
occurs when musicians come to know each other so well they can read each
other's mind. I could go on and on"

Ben Winship is a multi-instrumentalist and was a founding member of
Loose Ties, with whom he performed from 1986 to 1996. In the words of
Tim O’Brien, “Ben is one of the acoustic music scene’s best writers.” He
currently performs with Brother Mule and Kane’s River in addition to the
Growling Old Men. Ben also runs a well respected recording studio, the
Henhouse, and his numerous cds and soundtracks have received accolades
from sources as diverse as the Boston Globe, Bluegrass Unlimited and the
Grateful Dead’s Relix Magazine - a testament to Winship’s versatility
and broad appeal.

Lowell has been a stalwart of the Montana bluegrass scene for the past
20 years. Fronting two of the regions finest bluegrass bands, Wheel Hoss
(1987-1994) and currently Kane’s River, John has set a standard for rock
solid guitar playing and great singing. “John Lowell is an engaging
vocalist and a facile guitarist,” said Bluegrass Unlimited, adding that,
“he is a great storyteller.” Of late, John’s songs have been showing up
on the bluegrass radio charts and a growing list of contemporary bands
(Front Range, New Vintage, Bryan Bowers, Bluegrass Etc.) have been
recording his work.

Their first two CDs were recorded live in Winship’s home studio, employing
the finest Neumann microphones and a minimum of extraneous technology.
Their debut  CD was mixed by the late Charles Sawtelle and both were
mastered by David Glasser.  Their latest CD with UK musicians Dom Harrison and
Leon Hunt was recorded at Winship's studio and in Bath, England.  It was then
electronically transferred and across the Atlantic and mixed in the UK.

 

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