The Exciting Future of Nickel Creek

Ah, Nickel Creek, three kids from California with a talent for trad music and a high tolerance for each other.  But time changes things and Sean wants to write movie music and Sara and Chris both long for solo careers (where they won't be 1/3 of anything and they can always be the boss).  And maybe, they're just tired of seeing each other every day (as siblings, Sara and Sean will probably still get together at holidays, but the current situation is likely tough on the social life).  Sara and Chris are now 26 and Sean an ancient 31.  They've been touring for 17 years - more than half of their lives.

Not to worry friends.  If Nickel Creek's recent stop at Cain Park near Cleveland, OH is any indication, there is plenty to look forward to as Nickel Creek breaks apart (the concert was recorded by FolkAlley.com and will find its way to the online music stream eventually).  Even as they have been playing together, each group member has been developing a unique musical identity.  Chris Thile has been producing buzz-worthy CDs that reach up to match his tremendous skillz on the mandolin - bringing together traditional bluegrass riffs with a more contemporary singer/songwriter sound.  Sara Watkins sang pieces that sound torn from the top of the current folk girl craze - only better and more developed (she performed on the ukulele as well as her stand-out fiddle, always a plus).  And, Sean Watkins brought along buddy Glen Phillips (from Toad the Wet Sprocket) to help out with numbers from his outstanding (and sometimes underrated) solo CDs.

The tour is called "Farewell (for now)," a nod to the unpredictable nature of the music business and the future in general.  Their many, many fans wish them the best and lets hope what that means is more great music from three outstanding musicians who have created undeniable alchemy as a team.  Look for the tour as it continues into Fall.