Tim O'Brien & Jan Fabricius - Paper Flowers (2025)

From the start, the recording boasts pristine sound, & the voice mix of Grammy-winner Tim O’Brien, who teams with his wife Jan Fabricius (vocal/mandolin), displays a homegrown-sounding collection. Their picking is excellent. The opener “Atchison” is a historical overview of the place, playfully played & enthusiastic. The kind of song the late John Hartford would have sunk his fiddling or banjo fingers into.
The third track features the angelic voice of Jan (accompanied by Tim) in a good duet piece on “Hungry Heart.” Another assimilation of good Americana-roots music. A story song that borders on a lullaby. Music like this could be folk or country, but what it is…is good American storytelling.

Then along comes “Black Rag Map” pumped up with wonderful picking framed, with dynamic upright piano (Mike Rojas – Hammond organ/Wurlitzer/accordion) channeling the energy through the wood. Closer to a commercial-mainstream attempt is Jan’s little rocker “Down To Burn” that fizzles like a cold carbonated drink. Mid-through a chorus of female singers comes a fine ‘60s girl-group groovyness. This tune will stick like melted gum on your shoe on a hot summer street.

Tim’s turn at a commercial tune comes with “Back To Eden,” that’s framed in Jan’s mandolin & coasts along quite well. Good arrangement with a bristling rhythm. “Yellow Hat” is also one of the best. “Covenant” is a two-tissue song. Beautifully rendered.