Creek rising
Nickel Creek, the bluegrass trio from Southern California, rocked, plucked and harmonized its way into listeners’ hearts again. The group graced the Alabama Theatre Friday night.
This was my third time to see the band (once before at the Alabama, and also at Samford University) — and the performance is better each time.
From left: Chris Thile, Sara Watkins, Mark Schatz and Sean Watkins.
Who else could play a traditional Irish folk tune and the latest Britney Spears hit in the same set? Even more outrageous: “Toxic” sounds like a legitimate song when given the Nickel Creek treatment.
Each time, I’ve taken a friend who’s unfamiliar with the band, and that person has come away a believer. The band is good on disc, and unbeatable onstage, thanks to their virtuosity on violin, mandolin and guitar after 16 years playing together (when Sara was 8!).
They like to have fun onstage, bringing a playful quality to their performance, including the rambling trademark banter. After one exuberant fan yelled that Sara was “a sexy pirate,” Chris immediately launched into … a pirate joke.
Yar.
Casual style aside, the trio (plus accompanying bassist) keeps it all business while playing. “The Lighthouses Tale” gives Chris the opportunity to highlight his melancholy vocals (he’s usually stomping around while working out on the mandolin). “Anthony” is upbeat, intimate, kooky, as the other three crowd around Sara singing lead.
Sean sometimes seems to be odd man out, except that: his guitar work is near perfect, and his low-key demeanor complements Chris’ big stage presence and Sara’s sweetness.
One recurring (but not overdone) treat is the musical journey undertaken by Creek. “House of Tom Bombadil” features a clever sidestep into … Randy Newman’s “Short People.” And the extended encore jam of “Smoothie Song” delivers a sing-along lively rendition of The Band’s “Up on Cripple Creek.”
It’s refreshing to see musicians enjoy performing, taking the work seriously, if not themselves.
Nickel Creek delivers on energy, enthusiasm and intensity throughout the show. The members talk with the audience, not down to them, through asides and through passionate playing. The closing number, an a cappella version of “Why Should the Fire Die?” is the perfect nightcap.
Opening act Martin Sexton was a good choice. The Boston-based singer-guitarist was a clean(er) Jack Black, ready with a yodel and a smile.
"Why Should the Fire Die?" (2005)
Also see:
Monday, December 19, 2005, 3:10 am
I saw them in Charleston while on vacation a few weeks after the B’ham show. They played “Toxic” at that show too, but also had another interesting cover:
“Nice Dream” by Radiohead. It was fantastic.
I’m transferring files from my old blogspot blog to my current URL and just added my Nickel Creek review tonight….
Tuesday, January 24, 2006, 11:14 am
Ha! I was the “sexy pirate” exuberant fan. Happened to come across your blog. I met Sara after the show and she said she was flattered. We chatted about their interview on NPR’s “Fresh Air” and whatnot.
They’ve made it big, but I weep for the day when they make it “really big” and stop doing the stage-door meet and greet.