A singer of unusual clarity and originality, a self-taught multi-instrumentalist of rare ability, and an incisive songwriter, Tim O’Brien has, during the last 20 years, made a lasting mark on what some are calling Americana music through his innate musicianship and his wide-ranging tastes. Whether it’s the reinterpretation of an old fiddle tune, a revitalized honky-tonk shuffle from the 1950s, or an original, bluegrass-inflected folk song, O’Brien’s music feels familiar and comfortable while never lapsing into the predictable. These rare talents earned him a Grammy in 2006 in the Best Traditional Folk Category for his album Fiddler’s Green.