| Two Journeys - Tim O'Brien | |
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Reviewed by Matt Bjorke
Tim O'Brien has been known for his bluegrass songs for many years. As recent as 1997 Garth Brooks recorded Tim O'Brien's "When No One's Around" for his Sevens album. A master musician who can play the Guitar, Mandolin, and Fiddle, Tim was the lead vocalist for Hot Rize before he embarked on a solo career.
Possessing what seems to be an endless talent, Tim O'Brien has released many albums over the years. With his latest release, Tim has re-joined with his former label Sugar Hill and put together a collection of songs that take the listener back to Bluegrass and Country's roots, Celtic music.
"Turning Around" is a tribute to the late bluegrass legend John Hartford. The song features a strong fiddle and mandolin mixed with a banjo, accordion, djembe, and acoustic guitar. The track is sort of a bridge between the old Celtic and newer Bluegrass.
"For The Fallen" certainly resonates with the American listener since September 11, 2001. The song was actually written about the Kosovo tragedies of 1999. With haunting lyrics and melodies, this song is quickly becoming a favorite of mine.
"The Holy Well" is about the many wells of water that are found in Ireland. Featuring Celtic vocalist Maura O'Connell, this track features some strong fiddles and a nice back beat that will leave the listener humming the tune long after it's over.
"What Does The Deep Sea Say?" is a song that was written in the late 1800s and was recorded by Bill Monroe in the 1930s. This song features the nice vocals of Karan Casey, a native Irish singer whose own recording are heralded for their authentic sound. Together Tim and Karan sound as if they were born to sing together, especially on this moving ballad.
"Two Journeys" is the title track and is sung in French Cajun and Engilsh. The man singing the Cajun part is the 18-year-old Courtney Granger. With it's wonderful textures, this song is all about the different paths people took to get to America a long time ago.
The final track is a cover of the Beatles' "Norwegian Wood." From a man who did a whole album of Bob Dylan covers, (Red On Blonde), this track is a fine cover that has Darrell Scott, (the writer of such songs as "A Great Day To Be Alive" and "Long Time Gone") and Paul Brady, a Irish folk singer, singing harmony to keep the Beatles harmonic sound present along with a bluegrass styled musical landscape.
With some great instrumentals to go along with the fine tracks mentioned above, Two Journeys by Tim O'Brien is one fine album that showcases where the roots for Bluegrass and Country Music were planted: in Ireland.
Song List:
Album cover and audio clips courtesy of Howdy Skies.
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