Press
"Nothing prepares a listener for just how deep and soulful and full strength these nine songs are. They are a combination of the wonders of the late 1970s when rock & roll seemed to be reinventing itself just in the nick of time, but Winton never gets stuck looking back so there’s also an ultra-modern sharpness to all the songs. This is an album that could not only go the distance but be around forever. A great song is a great song is a great song. And there are plenty of great songs here. Accept no substitutes."
— Bill Bentley, Bentley’s Bandstand June 2022, Americana Highways
“This is rootsy, bracing music delivered mostly unsweetened. The songs are sturdy and often memorable, delivered in an unaffected rasp reminiscent of Tom Waits circa The Heart of Saturday Night.”
— Andrew Gilbert, Berkeleyside
“The immediately identifiable characteristic of Winton’s vocals is a gravely, rough and tumble sound. At first you think of Tom Waits, but as you listen more it dawns on you that it really has more of Springsteen’s passion. Life as a journey, to be cherished and embraced is the theme throughout the record. Winton has documented that and set it to a Jersey shore soundtrack complete with a little chip on it’s shoulder. If you like that kind of rock & roll, and who doesn’t, go get The Soul and The Shadow.”
— Shawn Underwood, Twangville
“Here’s one of those unexpected, little pleasures. He (Winton) steps up to the line and kicks out the jams. In true heartland rock fashion, he gives it his all and leaves it on the tape. Falling right in the pocket of all the classic rockers but being his own man throughout, this is simply a solid set to rock the night away with. Well done.”
— Chris Spector, Midwest Record Review
"Winton sticks to the genre that brings him on board for The Soul and The Shadow, wrapping the melodies in an Alternative Country full forward thrust, pointing fingers in “Runaround,” putting a roll to the rhythms underneath “Wild in the Street,” psychedelicized “Pandemic Blue,” and letting the drums be the undertow that pulls you in to the title track.”
— Michael Weston King, The Alternate Root
“If his long-postponed solo debut Hold On Tight came as a stunning surprise, the second album by Charlie Winton, The Soul and the Shadow improves on the first set in every way – strong, penetrating songs in the Springsteen/Seger/Dylan vein seem to emerge effortlessly from his pen. With powerful support from Scott Mathews of ‘80s cult favorites the Durocs, Charlie says his piece persuasively.“
— Joel Selvin, Best Selling Author and Music Journalist