"One of the acoustic music scene's best writers. Sits and contemplates in sleepy little Victor, Idaho. I wonder what Ben is thinking about right now... it's gonna be another great song" -Tim O'Brien Ben Winship plays mandolin, bass, old time banjo and sings. He is currently touring with Brother Mule, Growling Old Men and Kane's River. He is also known as a founding member of the neo-bluegrass band Loose Ties (with whom he performed, recorded and toured from 1986-1996) and as a member of the Judith Edelman Band. In addition to winning a number of awards with Loose Ties, Winship took second place in the 1989 National Mandolin Championships and was a finalist in the Kerrville Folk Festival's NewFolk contest for his songwriting. In 1990 & 2002, he was honored with a Performing Arts Fellowship from the Idaho Commission on the Arts for his contribution to the performing arts in Idaho. "Choosing to become a practitioner of various underground music styles (bluegrass and old time string band music), while raising a family in a remote area (Victor, Idaho in the Tetons), has necessitated a creative and multifaceted approach to my musical survival. "While the past 14 years were primarily focused on touring, my current objective is to stay closer to home - changing hats between that of freelance mandolin and bass player, studio engineer/producer, songwriter and creator of soundtracks. Performance-wise, Kane's River and The Growling Old Men remain active. Over the years I've also had some great opportunities to make music with the likes of Tony Furtado, Mike Dowling, Peter Rowan, Tish Hinojosa, Sam Bush, Bryan Bowers, Tom Rush, David Grier and Matt Flinner -- I hope to continue doing this when time and occasion permits." When not performing or recording, Winship can be found playing bass with a local Rhythm & Blues band or busy at home with his wife Caroline raising two sons, 1/2 acre of garlic and a small flock of chickens. Ben plays hand built mandolins by: Lawrence Smart and Michael Heiden using Elixir Strings. SOUND TRACKS Ben's original soundtracks have graced a number of documentaries, CD's, educational and nature videos. Most recently, Ben has completed recording for the soundtrack to Arctic Dancea documentary on the legendary conservationist, Mardy Murie (with narration by Harrison Ford). Watch for its release later this year. Complimenting Ben's original music library, is a growing catalog of sound samples, with an emphasis on wildlife and nature recordings made in the greater yellowstone ecosystem. Employing recording techniques learned from bio-acoustic pioneer, Bernie Krause, the sound library is digitally archived and available for licensing . For more info and/ or samples of original music & sound effects contact Ben at: info@BenWinship.com