Song Review: Tim O’Brien & Friends - “Maggie’s Farm” (Live)
Fairly shouting, Tim O’Brien had just a touch of Bob Dylan in his voice as he led his Friends through “Maggie’s Farm” at the 2024 Green Mountain Bluegrass & Roots Festival.
It was a big band, steered by the twin fiddles of Brittany Haas and Shad Cobb, anchored by Mike Bub’s bass and leaving room for solos on Andrew Marlin’s mandolin, O’Brien’s guitar and Justin Moses’ banjo.
O’Brien delivered Dylan’s words expertly as Jan Fabricius added harmonies with help from a lyrics sheet. She wasn’t the only one winging it, as O’Brien called solos and extra measures from the fiddlers and tossed in a line about not workin’ on the railroad either.
Such looseness would flummox lesser musicians. Tim O’Brien & Friends thrived on it.
Grade card: Tim O’Brien & Friends - “Maggie’s Farm” (Live) - A