The three incredible musicians who make up Nickel Creek all started playing music at a young age, growing up in San Diego, California. Chris Thile and Sean Watkins met while taking mandolin lessons from the same music teacher, John Moore. At the same time, Sara Watkins was taking lessons from one of Moore's band mates, and in 1989 the three young musicians (Sean, the oldest, was only 12) formed Nickel Creek, a name inspired by one of Sara's music teacher's songs. The trio toured together in the 90's, playing festivals all over the country with the support of Chris's father Scott Thile joining them on bass.
It was at one of these festivals that the trio was approached after their set by an enthusiastic Alison Krauss who would eventually produce their first self entitled album. Though the trio had released two albums before this one they had never before had a producer. Their album "Nickel Creek" went Gold in 2002 and eventually went platinum as well. They toured heavily through 2000 and 2001 to promote their album and received two Grammy nominations (Best Bluegrass Album, Best Country Instrumental for "Ode to a Butterfly") as well as numerous other CMA and CMT nominations. Scott Thile left the band after their first album.
Alison Krauss would produce their second album "This Side" released in 2002. They once again grabbed the attention of listeners with their incredible musicianship and ever maturing vocals. This album, like their first, went Gold (2003).
Also in 2003, Nickel Creek appeared as guests along with many other artists on Béla Fleck's 3 Disk album "Little Worlds." 2004 brought the release of "Mutual Admiration Society", an album recorded in 2000 with Glen Phillips, former lead singer of Toad the Wet Sprocket.
Nickel Creek's most recent work, "Why Should the Fire Die?" (2005) is a a more progressive album and has more rock undertones. Though retaining their acoustic style, it deviates a little further from their bluegrass roots. This album was produced by Tony Berg and Eric Valentine. The group continued touring and even appeared at festivals such as Bonnaroo in the summer of 2006.
In 2007 the band's final tour, "Farewell (For Now)", was a seven month long goodbye through which the band members could play once more for their fans before taking a hiatus from playing together. The members felt that they were entering a period of instability and rather than force another album it would be best to simply walk away for a little while. It was also (and maybe even more so) a way for each artist to focus on their solo careers for a little while. They are all currently still playing with various other side projects and solo projects.
Other Projects
"Punch Brothers" - Chris Thile etc.
"Fiction Family" - Sean Watkins etc.
"Watkins Family Hour" - Sara and Sean Watkins
All three artists also have solo careers. Thile has been playing and releasing solo albums since he was a child and has played with numerous world renowned musicians. Sara Watkins is currently touring after the release of her first self entitled solo album, produced by none other than John Paul Jones.
About their Music and Why I Enjoy It
Nickel Creek is one of those bands than can be classified in several different genres. However, the most common and most apparent influences are certainly bluegrass, folk, and country. They themselves also suggest influences of jazz, classical, and all forms of rock and roll. They seem to meander through many genres as their albums progress, but their acoustic influences are never hidden. Their latest album has more of a rock, and some even say indie-rock, feel. Some of the more prominent artist influences include Béla Fleck, Alison Krauss, and Edgar Meyer.
I enjoy their music for many reasons. First and foremost is their incredible musicianship. Thile's natural talent was spotted when he was very young and he has only gotten better. The finger flying tunes that they can play amaze me, especially when one considers that though there is room for improvisation, their music is composed. It's complex and there's so much going on that your mind has such a good time simply trying to hear it all, let alone enjoy what's being played. A good example of these would be "In The House of Tom Bombadil" and "Smoothie Song".
Another reason I love their music has a lot to do with the genre its in. For me, bluegrass and folk music is a great way to experience different types of instruments that are not featured in rock and roll, jazz, or blues. The mandolin and fiddle, in their case, are such beautiful instruments and yet they're completely absent from a lot of mainstream music.
I also love their vocal talent. Most of the tracks feature all three artists singing, either harmonizing or participating in a call/response. Sara's voice is one of the more beautiful voices I've heard. When I bought their first album, "Reason's Why" and "The Hand Song" immediately stuck out mostly due to her great vocals. On their second album, "Sabra Girl" and especially "Seven Wonders" also showcase her talent.
Yet another reason I love their music is for their lyrics. Though they feature many instrumentals on their albums, the lyrics are both beautiful and moving. Some examples are "This Side", which has more of a pop feel, but then most certainly "The Hand Song" and "The Lighthouse's Tale". The latter two songs are full of deep emotion and one can truly feel it while listening.
I haven't and won't comment much on their most recent album because I don't enjoy it as much as the others. It has a different feel that than the other two and whenever I want to listen to this group I find myself going right to the other albums instead of their latest.
My favorite songs include:
"This Side" (This Side) - Great musicianship, a little more "pop" feel, but just a great overall song and I like the lyrics a lot.
"House of Tom Bombadil" (Nickel Creek) - This song gets me really fired up and is probably one of the best showcases of these three artists' talent.
"The Lighthouse's Tale" - This is probably my most favorite song of theirs. Speaking from the Lighthouse's point of view, the lyrics tell the tragic tale of the caretaker of the lighthouse and his lost love. The vocal range of the song and the beautiful harmonies presented grab the listener and bring them to feel the overwhelming sadness the story presents.
Some fun links:
Nickel Creek featured in the documentary "Bluegrass Journey". This talks a little about the band, their history, but mostly showcases them playing a live performance. If you watch any of the videos I would recommend this one. (06:47)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7I2U2U_nMtI
Live Performance of "Smoothie Song" on PBS Sound Stage. (03:10)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1evjlMpiV4&feature=related
Music video for "This Side". The video is a little strange but the song is just as good. (03:32)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaaQ-8cAfkE
Albums:
Nickel Creek (2000)
- Ode to a Butterfly
- The Lighthouse's Tale
- Out of the Woods
- In the House of Tom Bombadil
- Reason's Why
- When You Come Back Down
- Sweet Afton
- Cuckoo's Nest
- The Hand Song
- Robin and Marian
- The Fox
This Side (2002)
- Smoothie Song
- Spit On a Stranger
- Speak
- Hanging By a Thread
- I Should've Known Better
- This Side
- Green and Gray
- Seven Wonders
- House Carpenter
- Beauty and the Mess
- Sabra Girl
- Young
- Brand New Sidewalk
Why Should the Fire Die? (2005)
- When In Rome
- Somebody More Like You
- Jealous of the Moon
- Scotch & Chocolate
- Can't Complain
- Tomorrow Is a Long Time
- Eveline
- Stumptown
- Anthony
- Best of Luck
- Doubting Thomas
- First and Last Waltz
- Helena
- Why Should the Fire Die?
Sources and more information:
- http://nickelcreek.com/ (and associated links for each artist)
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickel_Creek
- iTunes music store Biography
- Videos provided by YouTube
