Cup of Sugar

A native West Virginian, 69-year-old Tim O’Brien represents the best of the contemporary Nashville scene. His instrumental acumen, especially on guitar, banjo, fiddle and mandolin, makes him a go-to session player. His songwriting chops have produced bluegrass chart-toppers for Hot Rize and a country hit for Kathy Mattea (‘The Battle Hymn of Love’). In 1993, O’Brien was named Male Vocalist of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association. Two decades later, he shared a Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album with his bandmates for the eponymously-titled The Earls of Leicester. Cup of Sugar showcases O’Brien's consummate talent across 13 original songs about subjects ranging from geopolitical conflict (‘Bear’) and dysfunctional relationships (‘She Can't, He Won't, and They’ll Never’) to a nostalgic lament for legendary CBS newsman Walter Cronkite (‘The Anchor’) and the primacy of wisely picking one's battles (‘Cup of Sugar’).

Although plainly steeped in classic folk, bluegrass and country repertoire, the music sounds fresh and relevant. From the funky Farfisa organ on ‘Thinkin Like a Fish’ to the muted gourd banjo groove of ‘Shout Lulu’ to Del McCoury's inimitable guitar slinging and tenor vocal on ‘Let the Horses Run,’ Cup of Sugar is a super-sweet listen.