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Subject: Review: Tim O'Brien From: black walnut Date: 02 Nov 03 - 08:09 AM Tim O'Brien played his first Toronto concert last night, at Hugh's Room. He totally captivated the audience. Such good songs, skillful playing, relaxed attitude, fun stories. Every talent in the area was in the audience - banjoplayers, mandoplayers, guitarplayers, bluegrassers, oldthymers, singersongwriters. And holey smokes, what a FIDDLE player that man is! Enough to melt holes in your socks. ~b.w. |
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Subject: RE: Review: Tim O'Brien From: GUEST,Arnie Date: 02 Nov 03 - 11:05 AM I first saw/heard Tim as frontman for Hot Rize/Red Knuckles and The Trailblazers in a Virginia club more than ten or 15 years ago. Those guys had a lasting impression on me not only for their capabilities as some of the best musicians in their field, but as one of the most entertaining acts I have ever witnessed. Now Tim is touring on his own - He doesn't need a band because He has it all - one of the best voices in bluegrass/country, amazing songwriter, interpreter of traditional songs and tunes - oldtime and bluegrass, and instrumental backup arrangements that are tasteful, creative, and technically outstanding for a single artist/performer. He also is truly a natural entertainer as well with that whole package, and when I left the concert last night I felt just as satisfied as when I first saw his band way back when. He is a shining exapmle of someone rooted in bluegrass/oldtime/folk and uses his talent to make everything fresh, exciting and tasteful. He popped in to play with the local bluegrass band The Foggy Hogtown boys in the afternoon just for fun, and understand had a really good time there. It was nice to see him get some of the really good local young players involved. Tim will no doubt have had a big impression on them as well. |
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Subject: RE: Review: Tim O'Brien From: black walnut Date: 03 Nov 03 - 10:37 AM A friend emailed me this morning, and said I could quote him here: "I really enjoyed Tim O'Brien, as well. I thought Arnie's thoughts were very well expressed... Not only were Mr. O'Brien's talents evident as a singer, player, and great songwriter, I loved his connection with the audience. This is not only a matter of personality, but many years of experince, performing his craft. I never once got the feeling of a star tripper on stage, and I liked the way he packed a lot of songs into his sets, and didn't talk on and on between the tunes, as some artists tend to do. I thought it gracious of him to invite the guys up on stage for the last couple of tunes, as well as playing that afternoon at the Dominion. Audiences can pick up a phoney in no time, and conversely, they know the real deal when they see it. His sister, Molly, is a great talent too, and maybe she'll trek up to the Great White North sometime in the future. Tim OBrien made everything he did seem so effortless, but you know that he's put a lot of hard work into it, and earned the respect of his peers." R.S. |
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Subject: RE: Review: Tim O'Brien From: Susan A-R Date: 03 Nov 03 - 08:59 PM He is fabulous. I missed him here in Vermont last week. I would have blown off any prior commitments, but as I was 0ne of a threesome giving a concert, I couldn't very well sneak off to Middlebury to hear him. Sigh. Does anyone have his lyrics to Gary Owen? |
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Subject: RE: Review: Tim O'Brien From: Alex.S Date: 04 Nov 03 - 12:10 AM Not too familiar with Tim O'Brien, but I bought his cd "Red on Blonde" of Dylan covers a few years back and was quite impressed. Any suggestions for my next O'Brien cd? |
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Subject: RE: Review: Tim O'Brien From: black walnut Date: 04 Nov 03 - 06:55 AM I suggest 'The Crossing' and 'Songs from the Mountain'. ~b.w. |
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Subject: RE: Review: Tim O'Brien From: GLoux Date: 04 Nov 03 - 01:59 PM He's done two or three CDs with his sister, Mollie, that are all wonderful. They sound like they've been singing together all of their lives...Their first, Take Me Back, is my favorite. -Greg |
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Subject: RE: Review: Tim O'Brien From: Midchuck Date: 04 Nov 03 - 02:01 PM Does anyone have his lyrics to Gary Owen? You mean these? Peter |
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Subject: RE: Review: Tim O'Brien From: GUEST,annette donnlow Date: 05 Nov 03 - 08:07 AM I have a cd called "Fishing Music" by Ben Winship and Dave Thompson which features one track called "Ocean of dreams" which Tim sings on. It's great. Molly also sings on one of the tracks. annette |
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Subject: RE: Review: Tim O'Brien From: GUEST,arnie Date: 05 Nov 03 - 09:02 AM Tim's new CD "Traveler" features all of his songs (plus one Olla Belle Reed song "I've Endured" with Dirk Powell playing nice banjo). The songwriting and melodies are really good for the most part, and a few of the songs are real keepers. You do not get any idea from the recorded arrangements however, how really good an instrumentalist/vocalist/performer Tim is on his own in a live performance situation. The backup musicianwork on the recording is superb and recorded quality top of the line - but this CD highlights his songwriting primarily. Incidently, the lyrics are all in the liner notes. So anyone buying this CD will only get a grip on this aspect of Tim O'Brien (which in itself is highly commendable). If Tim is playing in your area - don't pass up a chance to have a great time hearing him. |
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Subject: RE: Review: Tim O'Brien From: black walnut Date: 05 Nov 03 - 01:48 PM Yes Arnie. That's why I suggested that someone's first Tim O'Brien CD might better be 'The Crossing' or 'Songs from the Mountain'. Do you agree with those choices? ~b.w. |
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Subject: RE: Review: Tim O'Brien From: GLoux Date: 05 Nov 03 - 02:35 PM Songs from the Mountain would be a great choice for someone who has read Cold Mountain. -Greg |
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Subject: RE: Review: Tim O'Brien From: Susan A-R Date: 05 Nov 03 - 08:48 PM Thanks Midchuck. That's the one. Susan A-R |
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Subject: RE: Review: Tim O'Brien From: GUEST,pdq Date: 05 Nov 03 - 09:11 PM Second on "Take Me Back" with his sister Mollie. Impeccable taste in song selection. |
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Subject: RE: Review: Tim O'Brien From: black walnut Date: 06 Nov 03 - 07:38 PM I don't know Mollie, other than the name. Is she mainly a singer? Instrumentalist? Both? ~b.w. |
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Subject: RE: Review: Tim O'Brien From: GUEST,pdq Date: 06 Nov 03 - 07:50 PM She is Tim O'Brien's sister and she sings. Their two voices blend beutifully, which is not uncommon with siblings. |
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Subject: RE: Review: Tim O'Brien From: GUEST,Arnie Date: 06 Nov 03 - 08:12 PM I just voted for Tim's and Black Walnut's recordings for nominations in the Grammy Awards - good luck! |
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Subject: RE: Review: Tim O'Brien From: black walnut Date: 07 Nov 03 - 02:26 PM Wow! Thank you Arnie! That's so cool. ~b.w. |
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