Had the great pleasure of seeing Tim O'Brien perform last night. Here's how it went and a few pictures to back up the words.
We drove from Mid-Wales to Tamworth near Birmingham after work (the exhaust fell off the car on the way and the noise was insane). The car troubles meant we missed the support act but arrived with fifteen minutes to get a drink and settle before Tim came on.
The venue held about a hundred people (maybe less) and had a nice run down feel that made us feel very much at home(!).
Tim wandered out and played five or six songs on acoustic guitar. He gave us some old traditional songs, a Dylan cover and his own material. His voice was perfect, hit every note.
He then played a while on mandolin and demonstrated why he's so respected simply as a musician. This was followed with some fiddle which he used to accompany himself singing a few times and again he was just incredible.
He finished the evening with a few more songs on guitar (including Nellie Kane after I shouted out a request) and closed with a long version of Deep River Blues during which he told stories about Doc Watson as he picked.
Tim is such an accomplished musician and performer and my wife (who had been sceptical about coming out for more of my bluegrass) was completely won over by him.
Got to meet with him and chat briefly at the bar and got a photo which he was gracious enough to allow me to have.
He's got another ten shows in the UK before heading home: if you get the chance go see him. Here's a few pictures.
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