Customer Reviews

Traveler

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Playing Time - 49:46 -- Tim O'Brien has done some traveling in his days, and this album contains a nice collection of eclectic material inspired by his many journeys. Originally from West Virginia, O'Brien now calls Nashville his home. Along the way, he's picked with The Hutchinson Brothers, The Ophelia String Band, Hot Rize (1979-1990), his own group The O'Boys, in a duo with his sister Mollie, The Flattheads, and New Grange. This solo album, with many excellent accompanists, has a couple key strengths besides O'Brien's mandolin, guitar, bouzouki and singing.

I've always been a big fan of O'Brien's eclectic and unique Americana sound that incorporates elements of bluegrass, folk, old-time, country and Cajun music. He once described his musical style as "weirdcountry, electro-acoustic, folk-beat, walkin-the-line between-several-genres acoustic music that rocks a bit, but you understand the words." On this project, the tasteful flavorings of Dirk Powell's accordion and Ray Bonneville's harmonica provide an especially nice coloring. Other standout and noteworthy instrumental work comes from Casey Driessen (fiddle), Bela Fleck (banjo on "Another Day"), Jerry Douglas (lap steel or resophonic guitar on two cuts). Percussionist Kenny Malone and bassist Dirk Powell are also rock solid in laying down a rhythmic groove throughout.

O'Brien, the singer/songwriter, contributed or collaborated on eleven of the twelve songs on Traveler. Only "I've Endured" (by David Arthur Reed and Ola Belle Reed) is a cover. His songsmith collaborators include Lucas Reynolds ("Turn the Page Again"), Darrell Scott ("Another Day"), Ray Bonneville ("Forty-Nine Keep on Talkin'"), Allesandro Massa ("Travelers"). O'Brien's partnership with Darrell Scott has been fruitful during recent years, and in 2000, they toured and released an instrumental Grammy-nominated album, "The Second Mouse." With recorded hits by Kathy Mattea, Hal Ketchum, Garth Brooks and others, it's clear that this artist follows a strong and inspirational lyrical and melodic muse. All lyrics are included in the CD's jacket. Read 'em, pay attention to 'em, because O'Brien's got some profound things to say. As he sings, "we are but travelers on a road without end," let's hope that he'll find those signs that he is searching for. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

I rarely write reviews because albums these days are rarely worthy of the effort. Tim O'Brien is the exception and Traveler's epitomizes this. Tim obviously takes great pride in producing an entire album - one that plays beautifully from start to finish.

This album does not have a bad song, not a single one. His beautiful voice resonates through each and every tune. I love bluegrass but often get turned off by the traditional twangyness of the vocals. Tim's massaging voice and acoustic melody is what could and should bring bluegrass to the masses. This is bluegrass that anyone would appreciates musical talent will adore.

This album is like a gem of a traditional golf course. Each hole is a journey in and of itself. The entire 18 hole experience from start to finish is the journey. There is not one postcard picture signature hole and a bunch of crap everywhere else. It opens with a "hand shake" of what to expect and delivers the rest of the way. Sure, there are parts that are especially memorable but they may be different for everyone and don't distract from the overall experience.

Regarding Traveler's, "I've Endured" and "Family Ties" are amazing and stand out for me as truly exceptional songs that are even stronger in context of the entire experience of listening to the album in its' entirety. I could put be these two songs on a mix and be certain all types would adore.

Anyone who loves bluegrass or who likes certain aspects of bluegrass will love this album. Rest assured, this album will be your "go to" when relaxing, working, road tripping, entertaining friends, and to lift your spirits with every spin.

Get this album, you will not be disappointed!

The advance singles from this album, "Less and Less" and "Kelly Joe's Shoes," are a fair representation of what this album consists of. The theme of the disc is summed up succinctly in the title: songs of rootlessness and the struggle to be who you are, not what you own or where you live.

Comprised almost entirely of original O'Brien compositions, this disc doesn't stick strictly to traditional bluegrass. It weaves in other styles, like jazz and pop, the way Garcia/Grisman did so deftly back in the day. Some songs, like "Restless Spirit Wandering" and "Travelers," are downbeat and contemplative, while others, like "Forty-Nine Keep on Talkin'" and "I've Endured," are bouncy and danceable without giving up depth of content.

Tim O'Brien is one of the great underappreciated stylists of any music today, bar none. And this album extends his body of work into the Twenty-First Century with a straight-ahead hook that promises more good to come from the artist in the near future. A must for O'Brien fans and bluegrass lovers, passionately recommended for fans of good music of any kind.

Tim O'Brien is a master.

Within the world of "roots" music he's widely regarded as a genius, in demand for more recording sessions in the hundreds. His songs have been covered by everyone from The Dixie Chicks to Karan Casey. Even the "Anti-Hank" (Garth Brooks) has covered his material. I've seen him on four PBS Specials in the last two months. He was widely featured by the Chieftains on their latest efforts. He's played with everyone from Steve Earle to Phish to Paul Brady to Jerry Douglas. Lyle Lovett and Darrell Scott are a BIG fans. And so are the very best players in Irish traditional music like Liz Carroll, Frankie Gavin, Kevin Burke, the band Altan and a ton more.

But I bet you've never heard of him, have you?

Don't let that slow you down. Buy this CD.

My favorite song is "Another Day" which wasn't mentioned in the Amzon review. Tim's lyrics are profound. (I hate to use such a heavy word, but nothing else fits) This is, in fact, music for grown-ups. Understated but deeply nuanced. Emotionally authentic, cheerful ("Kelly Joe's Shoes") or mournful ("Restless Spirit Wandering") by turns. Listen carefully to the lyrics of "Less and Less."

The Irish guitar master John Doyle quit his gig with Eileen Ivers to play with Tim and he contributes outstanding guitar throughout. Dirk Powell (of the super Cajun band Balfa Toujours) adds a dusky sound on accordion. Casey Driessen is great on fiddle.

Although the production throughout is straight forward, some of Nashville's greatest "ringers" chime in (folks like Edgar Meyer and Bela Fleck, for instance!)

If you like Irish, Cajun, Celtic, bluegrass or Appalachian music, you'll find something here to love. If you dig singer-songwriters like Richard Thompson, Emmylou Harris, Julie Miller, Kate Rusby or Gillian Welch you should hear this project.

Really. It's that good.

I just turned 63 and I think I've finally found the music I want to listen to the rest of my life. As far back as I can remember I've always had to be listening to music. Now that I'm retired and can do almost anything I want to, I discovered the Merlefest in my search for things to do. After reviewing some of the artist's music that will be performing at the fest I discovered Tim O'brien. I immediately purchased TRAVELER and I haven't been the same since. I can't quit listening to this CD. I will probably listen to it all the way from Iowa to North Carolina on the way to the fest next month. Like my best friend says, You got to be dead not to like this music. Enough said.

at the age of 16, it might seem a little odd that I'm reviewing this. well...I grew up on this kind of music. and Tim O'Brien has always been one of my favorite musicians. this CD is definitely something you need to add to your collection. I love "Family Ties", and "Travelers" (the title track) is absolutely beautiful. I love the imagery in his music, and his voice is wonderful

I first heard Tim O'Brien's music on the radio recently, on a public (non-commercial) radio station. They played "Another Day" from this album during their pledge drive, and I was hooked--just had to get the album. I like most of the songs, but another favorite is "Restless spirit wandering." I have a difficult time finding bluegrass, folk, celtic etc. on the radio, and I don't particularly care for modern country--too twangy and whiny. So this is a breath of fresh air!

There is something very special about this recording. After just one play it begins to act like a virus. It slowly took over my cd player as the tunes seeped into my consciousness. I wanted to hear it all the time. The more I played it, the more I loved it. With other good recordings this may happen but eventually the feeling goes away. I bought this from Amazon when it first came out and still play it at least once a day at home. It is a wondrous album full of surprises and delights. Tim O'Brien's recordings are all five star treasures. This is a five plus gem!

This is a very strong Tim O'Brien album that both his diehard and more casual fans should really like. As usual, O'Brien has penned tunes that are a bit different than anything he's done before, but, also as usual, the writing, the playing and the singing are all first rate.

I've only been listening to this CD for a few days, but I think that it's one of Tim O'Brien's most ambitious projects to date. I've got most of his other CDs and enjoy them all, but this one has to be the most lyrically mature of the lot. Most of Tim's previous CDs have contained "covers" and interpretations of traditional tunes, but this CD consists almost entirely of originals. The lyrics at times seem quite personal and they could all stand alone as great poetry. The music is (of course) technically and artistically great, but it's the lyrics that really cinch this collection. Another great offering from Tim O'Brien. Pick it up.