Tim O'Brien

It's been a long time since Tim O'Brien played Cambridge. It was 1995, one of the really hot years, and I interviewed Tim and his sister Mollie sat next to the duck pond with their feet dangling in the water. I guess that tells you a bit about Tim and his relaxed attitude to life, well until it comes to the music and he becomes deadly serious, still able to have a good time, but not something to joke about.
Since that interview, Tim has moved into veteren status. In some States in the U S of A he's been promoted to living legend. He was out there playing along the bluegrass highways and byways whilst it was in one of it's lulls and was partially responsible for opening the genre back up again. He picked himself up a Grammy and a whole heap of respect along the way and is constantly being quoted as an influence by many of the rising and established stars in modern bluegrass.
Whilst he has played in bluegrass bands, Hot Rize most famously, he's better known for beating a solo path. Solo yes, but not always on his own. Over the years a great many names have stood up to play alongside him, not just from the worlds of bluegrass, country and old timey, but musicians fropm across a wide range of genres.
Tim doesn't get over here much these days so miss this one at your peril.