Nickel Creek Concert (Part 2)

(Continued from here)

I'm finally getting around to writing a review of the concert. First of all, a few people, when I mentioned that I was going to the show, asked what kind of music they play - and I struggled for a response. I wanted to say "bluegrass" - but that's not entirely accurate. They play bluegrass instruments, and they do play a few traditional bluegrass songs. "Modern acoustic"? "Americana"?

Their Wiki page describes them as "American progressive acoustic music trio", which is probably the best you can do in summary - but still not an answer that rolls off the tongue in conversation.

The tour is advertised as the 25-year anniversary of the formation of the band - which is boggling, since they're all in their 30's now.

I'll start with this note. I follow a few people on Twitter, and Steve Martin is one. He's funny (obviously), and is also a respected bluegrass banjo player who tours with the Steep Canyon Rangers (who, as an aside, are on the bill for Folk Fest '14). Anyway, I saw this Steve Martin post on my Twitter feed last night:

Flabbergasting concert with Nickel Creek tonight. Musicianship reigns supreme.

Yep, that pretty much sums it up.

The band is three people: Chris Thile on mandolin, Sara Watkins on fiddle, and (brother) Sean Watkins on guitar. They all sing - and they were accompanied by upright bass player Mark Shatz.

So yes, flabbergasting. They're all incredible musicians, and they're as tight as can be. It was pure pleasure to watch and listen to. Chris Thile is regarded as not only the best mandolin player, but one of the very best musicians, and I can't add any accolades beyond saying it was jaw-dropping to watch. But what I really enjoyed were, 1) how much fun he seemed to be having, and, 2) how *easy* he made it look.

Of course, it's a band, not a Chris Thile solo show, and each of the four musicians commanded attention. The fiddle and guitar work were top-notch, and the vocal harmonies were very impressive. Mark Shatz on the upright bass fit in very nicely, and he was prominent without being overpowering.

They played for two hours, and had us clapping our hands, stomping our feet, and yelling for more. If you have the chance to see them, they're not to be missed.