Watermelon Wednesdays 2013 - Tim O'Brien

In Tim O'Brien's music, things come together. The uncanny intersection of traditional and contemporary elements in his songwriting, his tireless dedication to a vast and still-expanding array of instruments, and his ongoing commitment to place himself in as many unique and challenging musical scenarios as possible has made him a key figure in today's thriving roots music scene and well beyond it. O'Brien's presence be it as a bandleader, songwriter, mentor, instrumentalist, or vocalist has been strongly felt not only in his own rich music, but in the many recordings of his songs by such artists as the Dixie Chicks, Garth Brooks, Dierks Bentley, Nickel Creek, Kathy Mattea, the New Grass Revival, and the Seldom Scene, and in his recorded collaborations with Steve Martin, the Chieftains, and innumerable others. Tim's album Fiddler's Green won the 2005 Grammy for best traditional folk album. He's twice been voted best male vocalist by the International Bluegrass Mucis Association. His band, Hot Rize, won the IBMA's best band award.

[@abates226]

Really great picking and singing!

[@seansmith9129]

Tim O Brien is a musical genius. Pity more people don't know about him.

[@grannijani]

Anyone who even remotely knows bluegrass, string band or old "timey" music knows this marvelous musician, singer, and songwriter. I remember like it was yesterday walking into the Telluride Bluegrass festival in 1984 and hearing Hot Rize for the first time with Tim singing "High on a Mountain Top". That voice bouncing off those beautiful peaks surrounding Telluride will never be duplicated in my 30 plus years of bluegrass experiences.

[@chrisgmurray3622]

Stunning beautiful music from start to finish.Listening to this refreshes my soul.Thanks Tim and friends.

[@bobtugwell453]

When God handed out pick'n fingers Tim was the first in line, Damn I wished I was nearly half as good, Thanks for the music Tim...

[@ctbern99]

Now that's a musician's videographer, thanks for posting!

[@davesiler4064]

Tim O'Brien is the best anywhere!

[@geoffwarmuth7204]

I have raised my children listening to this amazing man's music. Yes, many more artists as well, but as I told them at Watermellon Park three years ago, "Tim is a musical God!" First heard him on the radio in 81, with the song Radio Boogie. I have been a die-hard fan ever since.

[@SilveiraJoaoPaulo]

Geoff Warmuth Nice history! I guess I'm following the same path!

[@TheBasenjiman]

Who ever is running the camera is doing a fantastic job.

[@leighconner9118]

Genius! Simple as that!

[@dufus2273]

I've marked this as a fav and watched it several times. Talented entertainer.

[@McGeeEvelyn]

Tim O'Brien is wonderful. We saw him in lots of festivals before all the festivals in our part of the country just dried up. I really miss them. I LOVE bluegrass!!!

[@huhguy5]

Fantastic musician and equally nice man. I met him once in a record store in Boulder Co. He was there doing a promo for his album, Rock in my Shoe. He talked to me about my violin teacher and other stuff - and I still want a Martin like he has in the video and he had with him that day. He was amazing, Heart and Soul. I flipped from Mariachi music to Tim's Music with the flick of his pick. Seen him many times since. Miss him in Boulder.

[@yaisum]

What a track to finish on. 2+hours pretty much entirely alone, and I watched the entire thing. This guy is an inspiration.

[@clarastoner4983]

Tim is cram packed with talent.When he intertains you you have took a trip down so many roads.When he is done you will never forget him.I can't find the words to give him the tribute he deserves.

[@Blueforlifefry]

Ive heard of this guy but only just recently began to actually listen to his music, Im glad I did, great musician.

[@seancoleman6471]

Such amazing work from such a gifted and multi-talented gentleman of a musician!

[@Wolves9001]

That Doc Watson story at around 1:29:50 got me right in the feels!

[@gibby6904]

Amazing musician , person , human....picker..

[@maryburdette2444]

Beautiful, of course.

[@lorenwhitaker4903]

Fitting that it’s in a church, so close is it to God.

[@oldcremona]

How can he be 59 years old here. He looks like he's in his 20's.

[@deborahkauffman09]

+oldcremona good clean living and loving life

[@micsayre]

+deborahkauffman09 Hmmmmmm.........

[@mattmobley1084]

1:02:16 is pure bluegrass.

[@zippers2]

what was the last song he did.....his? name? such a good one. and yes, he said it was important...that he do it.

[@Anonymous-vy1py]

Yes he wrote it. It's called Brother Wind

[@dufus2273]

Tim did a good job . no rotten tomatoes hit the back wall.

[@pacificpolyrythyms]

fine as can be

[@laurasinclair8712]

What is the name of the Butch Waller song he sang at 1:06?

[@PhilipLederer]

:)

[@zippers2]

and he's funny, too.

[@shirleysmith256]

I said I would give his wife a run for her money, if I were 40 yrs. younger.