At 17, he packs his bags for London. Two years at Brunel University, a school of music, where he indulges in jazz piano. Charlie gets up everyday at 6AM to play the entire day. He composes for the Marie Rambert Ballet School and the London Sinfonietta, two London dance companies. He meets Ben Edwards, the incredible harmonica player that still stands by him today.
Out of college and piano-less he takes to the electric bass and forms a band with his brother fusing the influences of Bob Marley, Jeff Buckley, Roni Size, and also takes his place as singer and entertainer with the "National Youth Reggae Ensemble"; completing his musical cultivation by familiarizing himself with the likes of Lee “Scratch” Perry, Junior Marvin, King Tubby…
At 21, Mr Winston leaves for India, where he learns to play tabla and studies Indian raga. Upon his return, he composes for short films, theatre (collaborating with Almeida Theatre, Sadlers Wells Theatre, the Notting Hill Gate Theatre), does a cover of Steve Windwood's "I'm a Man" for a Volkswagen commercial, plays piano, bass, and percussion, produces and generally says yes to everything with his unique flair and style… and then rejoins his brother Tom Baxter's band, already on its way to success. He sets the hottest London clubs on fire, and writes relentlessly… Charlie Winston, the Artist, is finally ready to get his life rolling.
He meets Peter Gabriel during a recording session at the illustrious Real World Studios, and upon hearing Charlie’s music, decides to take him under his wing: a contract in his hand and a European Tour with Peter in 2007, Charlie puts together the album, "Make Way”… recorded and self-produced.
“Passport” provides an ideal introduction to the musical life of the artist so far - drawing together selected tracks from three very different worlds in which he travels.
The first five songs on this special Society of Sound compilation are drawn from Charlie’s massive hit album “Hobo” currently available in only France, Switzerland and Benelux.
Charlie was introduced to Mark Plati (David Bowie, Alain Bashung, Louise Attaque, The Cure…) in 2008. The "Hobo" sessions took place primarily in Paris, at the Pigalle Studios. Brass and strings were added in London. The foundation is simple: Charlie on guitar, piano, and "vintage" keys (Wurlitzer-Celest-Hammond), Ben Edwards on his harmonicas, Daniel Marsala on the bass and Medi on the drums.
The songs are far-reaching, romantic but thought provoking (I love your smile), full of humour and at times ironic, Charlie Winston's album is the image of Charlie himself. The invocative melodies and his jubilant voice are the keys to a second and more reflective reading of song writing that is at times grave, (In your hands, My name), captivating (Generation spent), and always profoundly human (Kick the bucket.)
Tracks 7, 9 and 10 of ‘Passport’ were originally created for a dance/theatre production called ‘Mischifus’. Charlie chose to explore the theme mainly using his voice, as he explains: