Still basking in the memory of my night with Nickel Creek last week, I took advantage of the bonus tonight.
I've just finished watching the boys and girl perform nearly the same set -- between-song banter, story-telling and all -- again, thanks to the wonders of the internet. Austin City Limits offered a live stream tonight of its recording session with Nickel Creek for an upcoming television episode. ... It was my turn to put Faye to sleep tonight, and you better believe I got a headstart, knowing the live stream began at 8 p.m. I refused to be late to the show.
The show, of course, was fantastic -- even if they had to use half of their encore to perform re-dos of "Where Is Love" and "Don't Know What's Going on" because they weren't satisfied with they how they performed the songs earlier in the set. ... Didn't matter one bit to me. I enjoyed all two hours of it. Again.
My night was made. ... And, for the record, the click wheel on my iPod hasn't moved away from Nickel Creek since last Tuesday. I think it will remain there for at least a couple more days.
If only the Royals had beaten the Yankees tonight. Pheebs and I watched the first couple innings before our bedtime routine got underway. A check of my AtBat app when the game was in the eighth inning informed me it wasn't good, and now the Royals have lost two straight for the first time in a month. ... Here's hoping we're not heading for a repeat of that All-Star break swoon.
Here's a couple good Royals reads ...
Showing posts with label Nickel Creek. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nickel Creek. Show all posts
8.25.2014
8.20.2014
Finger flicking good
I’m going on about four hours of sleep since last night, and it’s been a roller coaster of a day.
We kept Phoebe home from school today because she wasn’t feeling well and had a high fever. That meant we had a whirlwind start to the morning as Kates headed to her classroom to write lesson plans for her substitute teacher while I tried to get ready for my work day – today was the official start of the academic year at the university – and keep the girls occupied. By the time Kates returned home, it was too late for me to make my usual drive across town to take Faye to the daycare and still be on campus in time for our all-employee meeting. So Kates took Faye to the daycare – only to be called back a couple hours later because she wasn’t her usual self, convincing us she wasn’t feeling well either. My work day had its issues, too. …
But, hey, last night was a dream come true. So I have that.
Last night, saw Nickel Creek perform in Kansas City.
There are hardly enough words to describe the experience. I listen to the music of my favorite bands for so many years, study them, follow their blogs and social media, watch them on YouTube and establish a certain level of attachment to them.
But the feeling I have on those nights when these artists I admire so much are standing on a stage, live and performing, 10, 20 feet in front of me, is like no other.
I’ve been playing Nickel Creek’s music regularly for several years, loving their unique sound and signature harmonies. It was at a cousin’s wedding in 2005 that a pair of vocalists sang “Out of the Woods.” I was immediately taken by the song and looked up Nickel Creek as soon as I could afterward. Before long, their entire studio catalog was part of music library.
Then, they broke up.
For years, I wished hard that they might reunite. … And last spring, seemingly out of nowhere and impossibly, they did.
Still, I didn’t know what to expect last night. I don’t consider myself a bluegrass fan. I didn’t “grow up listening” to Nickel Creek as I overheard a few of last night’s concertgoers discussing – even the night's opening act, Sarah Jarosz, shared the sentiment – and I can’t say I know even most of the words to a majority of their songs.
I purposely tried to lower my expectations as I headed for the show. In fact, I tried to go in with no expectations.
And then everything I heard and saw blew that away. and the show surpassed my wildest expectations. I’m thinking it ranks – among Train in 2006, last summer’s Fun and some of the Ben Folds shows I’ve attended – as one of the best I’ve been lucky to be an audience member.
I got to the venue around 7 p.m. – the show was slated to begin at 8 – and already the crowd was lined up two blocks down the road and around a corner. Fortunately it didn’t matter as the openness of the venue allowed me to get about 10 feet from the stage.
Worth noting, the crowd, based on my observations and conversations I overheard, was clearly musically educated, god-loving and eclectic. Men and women, young and old, it was maybe the most diverse and balanced concert crowd of which I’ve ever been a part. I overheard a fair number of people throughout the night identifying themselves as music educators.
Sarah Jarosz was the night’s opener. She and her two bandmates – a violinist and cellist – kicked off their set with a twangy number that had me thinking my lowered expectations were going to be on par and I might be in for a long night of hoedown music.
But she had me at her second song, “Come Around,” and the trio proved to be a welcome warmup to Nickel Creek. When she wasn’t laying the twang on thick, Jarosz showed off a wonderful and often soothing alto voice.
She followed with equally enjoyable takes of “Build Me Up From Bones,” “Ring Them Bells” and “Over the Edge.” She also tossed in nice covers of Béla Fleck’s “Puddle Jumper” and Cat Stevens’ “The Wind.”
It was a joy to watch her perform – free and in her element. So at ease. At times, the trio’s sound even reminded me a bit of early Jars of Clay, the kind of guitar strumming and violin stuff that made the Jars’ self-titled debut so enjoyable.
Nickel Creek appeared on the stage around 9, and started in with “Rest of My Life,” the lead track on their new album. The crowd erupted the first time their voices connected for a harmony, and the show was officially on.
There wasn't a song throughout the set I didn't know on some level. Their harmonies soared throughout, but their master musicianship was what really pumped the show.
The lovely Sara Watkins repeatedly showed off her brilliant voice and immense talent on the violin. Chris Thile has a wonderful voice, too, but his work on the mandolin is out of this world.
Sean Watkins is a strong singer and talented guitar player in his own right, but really I just wanted to see him in a Phillies cap and compare how much he resembles one of my all-time favorite baseball personalities, John Kruk.
If I was to go on comparing Nickel Creek members to TV personalities, a biopic about Nickel Creek might as well star Bradley Whitford in the role of Chris Thile.
I digress …
Here's what The Kansas City Star had to say about the show. ...
They were playful and witty with the crowd, too, and the between-song banter grew more entertaining as show went on, particularly after “The Ledge.” Chris began riffing about how a ledge is never mentioned in the song, nor does it seem to be about a ledge. On the other hand, Nickel Creek’s song “Anthony,” is clearly about a boy named Anthony, and Chris teased Sara that he counts the number of times Sara sings Anthony every night to make sure she sings the song correctly. Instrumentals, Chris explained, are a different animal and claimed part of the reason for the band’s hiatus was that they ran out of titles for their instrumental songs. He went on to claim that “Smoothie Song” may be the worst title for an instrumental song, ever, and accepted the blame for that. He also admitted that “Ode to a Butterfly” would be more accurate if it were called “God Damn Butterfly.”
For their final song, the band noted how impressed they were by the acoustics of the hall during their afternoon soundcheck and they wanted to take advantage by performing their final song acoustically. So they unplugged completely and stepped away from their microphones. They requested that everyone put down their recording devices and be in the moment, even shooting dirty looks at those didn’t quite take their request to heart initially.
And the crowd was rewarded because what a magical moment it was. The group huddled at the front of the stage and performed a heart-achingly beautiful “Where is Love Now,” their raw sound filling the hall. The dead silence between notes was breathtaking.
Afterward, betting on a meeting with the band members outside the theater, I bought a copy of “A Dotted Line” – even though I already own a digital version – for autographs. Sure enough – in what seemed to be a record time in comparison to other artists for whom I’ve waited after shows – Sara, Chris and Sean came out from behind the theater, one by one until all three were standing among us. So gracious, they accommodated every request for an autograph or photo and lingered for several minutes afterward to chat with us.
To say I was thrilled would be an understatement.
Here is Nickel Creek’s set list … to the best of my recollection because my phone died after “Somebody More Like You,” thus preventing me from taking additional notes. I'm also including links to some similar live performances from the tour -- that were favorites of mine last night.
We kept Phoebe home from school today because she wasn’t feeling well and had a high fever. That meant we had a whirlwind start to the morning as Kates headed to her classroom to write lesson plans for her substitute teacher while I tried to get ready for my work day – today was the official start of the academic year at the university – and keep the girls occupied. By the time Kates returned home, it was too late for me to make my usual drive across town to take Faye to the daycare and still be on campus in time for our all-employee meeting. So Kates took Faye to the daycare – only to be called back a couple hours later because she wasn’t her usual self, convincing us she wasn’t feeling well either. My work day had its issues, too. …
But, hey, last night was a dream come true. So I have that.
Last night, saw Nickel Creek perform in Kansas City.
There are hardly enough words to describe the experience. I listen to the music of my favorite bands for so many years, study them, follow their blogs and social media, watch them on YouTube and establish a certain level of attachment to them.
But the feeling I have on those nights when these artists I admire so much are standing on a stage, live and performing, 10, 20 feet in front of me, is like no other.
I’ve been playing Nickel Creek’s music regularly for several years, loving their unique sound and signature harmonies. It was at a cousin’s wedding in 2005 that a pair of vocalists sang “Out of the Woods.” I was immediately taken by the song and looked up Nickel Creek as soon as I could afterward. Before long, their entire studio catalog was part of music library.
Then, they broke up.
For years, I wished hard that they might reunite. … And last spring, seemingly out of nowhere and impossibly, they did.
Still, I didn’t know what to expect last night. I don’t consider myself a bluegrass fan. I didn’t “grow up listening” to Nickel Creek as I overheard a few of last night’s concertgoers discussing – even the night's opening act, Sarah Jarosz, shared the sentiment – and I can’t say I know even most of the words to a majority of their songs.
I purposely tried to lower my expectations as I headed for the show. In fact, I tried to go in with no expectations.
And then everything I heard and saw blew that away. and the show surpassed my wildest expectations. I’m thinking it ranks – among Train in 2006, last summer’s Fun and some of the Ben Folds shows I’ve attended – as one of the best I’ve been lucky to be an audience member.
I got to the venue around 7 p.m. – the show was slated to begin at 8 – and already the crowd was lined up two blocks down the road and around a corner. Fortunately it didn’t matter as the openness of the venue allowed me to get about 10 feet from the stage.
Worth noting, the crowd, based on my observations and conversations I overheard, was clearly musically educated, god-loving and eclectic. Men and women, young and old, it was maybe the most diverse and balanced concert crowd of which I’ve ever been a part. I overheard a fair number of people throughout the night identifying themselves as music educators.
But she had me at her second song, “Come Around,” and the trio proved to be a welcome warmup to Nickel Creek. When she wasn’t laying the twang on thick, Jarosz showed off a wonderful and often soothing alto voice.
She followed with equally enjoyable takes of “Build Me Up From Bones,” “Ring Them Bells” and “Over the Edge.” She also tossed in nice covers of Béla Fleck’s “Puddle Jumper” and Cat Stevens’ “The Wind.”
It was a joy to watch her perform – free and in her element. So at ease. At times, the trio’s sound even reminded me a bit of early Jars of Clay, the kind of guitar strumming and violin stuff that made the Jars’ self-titled debut so enjoyable.
Nickel Creek appeared on the stage around 9, and started in with “Rest of My Life,” the lead track on their new album. The crowd erupted the first time their voices connected for a harmony, and the show was officially on.
The lovely Sara Watkins repeatedly showed off her brilliant voice and immense talent on the violin. Chris Thile has a wonderful voice, too, but his work on the mandolin is out of this world.
Sean Watkins is a strong singer and talented guitar player in his own right, but really I just wanted to see him in a Phillies cap and compare how much he resembles one of my all-time favorite baseball personalities, John Kruk.
If I was to go on comparing Nickel Creek members to TV personalities, a biopic about Nickel Creek might as well star Bradley Whitford in the role of Chris Thile.
I digress …
Here's what The Kansas City Star had to say about the show. ...
Tuesday’s magnificent concert indicated that the three musicians bring out the best in one another. Very few of the ensembles that have flourished during the recent resurgence in acoustic-oriented music possess even half of the talent or allure of the reformed Nickel Creek. The band seems impervious to trends and fully capable of building an even larger base of fans thirsty for its organic approach.Arguably, the highlight for me – though there were many – was their cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “The Ledge.” ... Nickel Creek's version is way better to my ears. Here they are performing it a few weeks ago in Brooklyn. I love how animated Sara gets, and the performance also shows off the fantastic bass playing of Schatz.
Joined by the distinguished bassist Mark Schatz, the revitalized trio repeatedly veered between hay bale hootenannies and elegant concert hall serenades during a performance that was ten minutes shy of two hours.
They were playful and witty with the crowd, too, and the between-song banter grew more entertaining as show went on, particularly after “The Ledge.” Chris began riffing about how a ledge is never mentioned in the song, nor does it seem to be about a ledge. On the other hand, Nickel Creek’s song “Anthony,” is clearly about a boy named Anthony, and Chris teased Sara that he counts the number of times Sara sings Anthony every night to make sure she sings the song correctly. Instrumentals, Chris explained, are a different animal and claimed part of the reason for the band’s hiatus was that they ran out of titles for their instrumental songs. He went on to claim that “Smoothie Song” may be the worst title for an instrumental song, ever, and accepted the blame for that. He also admitted that “Ode to a Butterfly” would be more accurate if it were called “God Damn Butterfly.”
For their final song, the band noted how impressed they were by the acoustics of the hall during their afternoon soundcheck and they wanted to take advantage by performing their final song acoustically. So they unplugged completely and stepped away from their microphones. They requested that everyone put down their recording devices and be in the moment, even shooting dirty looks at those didn’t quite take their request to heart initially.
And the crowd was rewarded because what a magical moment it was. The group huddled at the front of the stage and performed a heart-achingly beautiful “Where is Love Now,” their raw sound filling the hall. The dead silence between notes was breathtaking.
Afterward, betting on a meeting with the band members outside the theater, I bought a copy of “A Dotted Line” – even though I already own a digital version – for autographs. Sure enough – in what seemed to be a record time in comparison to other artists for whom I’ve waited after shows – Sara, Chris and Sean came out from behind the theater, one by one until all three were standing among us. So gracious, they accommodated every request for an autograph or photo and lingered for several minutes afterward to chat with us.
To say I was thrilled would be an understatement.
Here is Nickel Creek’s set list … to the best of my recollection because my phone died after “Somebody More Like You,” thus preventing me from taking additional notes. I'm also including links to some similar live performances from the tour -- that were favorites of mine last night.
- Rest of My Life
- Scotch & Chocolate (instrumental)
- This Side ... one of my very favorite Nickel Creek songs.
- Destination ... A great song featuring Sara on lead vocals.
- The Lighthouse’s Tale
- Smoothie Song (instrumental) ... The only video I shot of the night.
- Reasons Why
- 21st of May
- When In Rome
- Anthony ... I have a whole new appreciation for this song after watching them perform it this way.
- Ode to a Butterfly (instrumental)
- You Don’t Know What's Going On
- Somebody More Like You
- When You Come Back Down ... Introductory banter included.
- The Ledge (Fleetwood Mac cover)
- Elephant in the Corn (instrumental)
- Jealous of the Moon
- Hayloft ... It was fun to hear the crowd get into this one, and it's easily one of my favorites on the new album.
- The Fox
Encore - Helena
- Cuckoo’s Nest (instrumental)
- Where is Love Now ... Doesn't hold a candle to the unplugged version they performed last night. But it's still beautiful.
4.15.2014
Kansas City, here they come!
Ok, I take back a little of what I said about Kansas City being a music blackhole. For now.
Because …
(Cue angel chorus)
Nickel Creek has added a Kansas City date. My ticket is purchased. I will be there and crossing the trio from my concert bucket list.
This review in Paste about the breakup and decision to reunite is a great read.
Paste also offers "The 11 Best Nickel Creek Songs." Mostly, I agree with the content of their list, but I'd order it slightly. "This Side" and "Out of the Woods" -- a staple on Faye's lullaby playlist -- are easily in my top three, along with "Speak," which the Paste list does not include.
I can hardly wait.
Because …
(Cue angel chorus)
Nickel Creek has added a Kansas City date. My ticket is purchased. I will be there and crossing the trio from my concert bucket list.
This review in Paste about the breakup and decision to reunite is a great read.
“… Having taken the music business by storm with their eclectic approach to post-bluegrass acoustica, the wunderkinds realized they were tapped out. So, they did the unthinkable: in spite of momentum, money and conventional wisdom, they stopped.
It wasn’t a matter of bravery or frustration. They reached the crossroads, and rather than harvest what was built, they stopped because it was the right thing to do.”
Paste also offers "The 11 Best Nickel Creek Songs." Mostly, I agree with the content of their list, but I'd order it slightly. "This Side" and "Out of the Woods" -- a staple on Faye's lullaby playlist -- are easily in my top three, along with "Speak," which the Paste list does not include.
I can hardly wait.
4.01.2014
Kansas City, they don't come
My claim that Kansas City is a music black hole, it seems, is growing stronger by the month.
I’ve received a flood of concert announcements in my inbox lately, with several coming from my all-time favorite artists and bands.
Toad the Wet Sprocket is touring with Counting Crows.
Ingrid Michaelson is promoting a new album.
Fleetwood Mac is reuniting – with Christine McVie!
Nickel Creek is reuniting – after a seven-year hiatus!
Do any of those announcements include a stop in Kansas City or any place in its proximity?
Nope. Nada. Zilch.
If we were still living in Chicagoland? I’d be set.
Seriously. What is it about Kansas City?
For now, I'll take solace in the good chance I'll return to Summerfest -- the coolest and best music festival in the world -- this summer. Ray LaMontagne, Pentatonix, Fitz & the Tantrums, Foy Vance, Tegan & Sara, and -- if I'm really lucky -- Dave Matthews Band. For the record, Bruno Mars would be at the top of my must-see list, but that will be near impossible because I'm committed to something else the night after he makes his Milwaukee stop.
Behold ...
I’ve received a flood of concert announcements in my inbox lately, with several coming from my all-time favorite artists and bands.
Toad the Wet Sprocket is touring with Counting Crows.
Ingrid Michaelson is promoting a new album.
Fleetwood Mac is reuniting – with Christine McVie!
Nickel Creek is reuniting – after a seven-year hiatus!
Do any of those announcements include a stop in Kansas City or any place in its proximity?
Nope. Nada. Zilch.
If we were still living in Chicagoland? I’d be set.
Seriously. What is it about Kansas City?
For now, I'll take solace in the good chance I'll return to Summerfest -- the coolest and best music festival in the world -- this summer. Ray LaMontagne, Pentatonix, Fitz & the Tantrums, Foy Vance, Tegan & Sara, and -- if I'm really lucky -- Dave Matthews Band. For the record, Bruno Mars would be at the top of my must-see list, but that will be near impossible because I'm committed to something else the night after he makes his Milwaukee stop.
Behold ...
2.03.2014
Reunited ... and it sounds so good
I got my wish a couple years when Ben Folds Five hit the road together again. Toad the Wet Sprocket is playing again, too.
Even Fleetwood Mac -- with Christine McVie, finally! -- recently announced its reuniting ... Though tickets to see one of their shows will likely be far more than I'm willing to pay.
And the Beatles, well, their Grammys reunion was a dud. And half of them are dead. ... But hey, we have the 50th anniversary of their U.S. debut to bask in. So that's something.
But lately, there's one band I've wished would reunite more than any other.
I gasped out loud when I saw the email tonight and then the headline.
Here's looking forward to their new album and hoping they stop at a venue near me.
Enjoy.
Even Fleetwood Mac -- with Christine McVie, finally! -- recently announced its reuniting ... Though tickets to see one of their shows will likely be far more than I'm willing to pay.
And the Beatles, well, their Grammys reunion was a dud. And half of them are dead. ... But hey, we have the 50th anniversary of their U.S. debut to bask in. So that's something.
But lately, there's one band I've wished would reunite more than any other.
I gasped out loud when I saw the email tonight and then the headline.
Here's looking forward to their new album and hoping they stop at a venue near me.
Enjoy.
8.22.2012
Music break
I’ve been listening to Nickel Creek almost non-stop this week. And I. just. can’t. break. the spell.
Over the last couple years the trio has become one of my go-to bands during stressful times. And it’s been one of those weeks.
Here’s hoping their hiatus doesn’t last much longer.
Worth watching and hearing …
This Side and Speak.
We have a new favorite song in our household.
“Good Time” by Owl City, featuring the one and only Carly Rae Jepsen.
It’s so fitting. With Phoebe's help, Owl City has inspired dozens of memorable sing-alongs and dance parties in our house. And Carly Rae nabbed Gotye’s hold on the “it” song with her summer smash, “Call Me Maybe” (Remember, this song was so hot, everybody from Cookie Monster to the U.S. swimming team was spinning it.)
I heard “Good Time” for the first time a few weeks ago and was hooked after one listen. I played it for Phoebe and Kates that night and hooked them, too. Then it was all over NBC’s promos for the Today Show during the Olympics.
Phoebe calls it “The Camping Song.” Watch the video and you’ll understand why.
The honorable mention for recent hits goes to Fun’s “Some Nights,” which has me lamenting the missed opportunity to see them at Summerfest this year.
Plus, I love the take WTMX – which remains a staple of my morning routine, thanks to the wonders of internet streaming – had on the song. Watch.
Oh, but there’s another song rising fast for the fall.
Check out Taylor Swift’s “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together. It’s got an Avril Lavigne vibe with sort of a Kelly Clarkson pop-rock hook. I love it.
Over the last couple years the trio has become one of my go-to bands during stressful times. And it’s been one of those weeks.
Here’s hoping their hiatus doesn’t last much longer.
Worth watching and hearing …
This Side and Speak.
* * *
We have a new favorite song in our household.
“Good Time” by Owl City, featuring the one and only Carly Rae Jepsen.
It’s so fitting. With Phoebe's help, Owl City has inspired dozens of memorable sing-alongs and dance parties in our house. And Carly Rae nabbed Gotye’s hold on the “it” song with her summer smash, “Call Me Maybe” (Remember, this song was so hot, everybody from Cookie Monster to the U.S. swimming team was spinning it.)
I heard “Good Time” for the first time a few weeks ago and was hooked after one listen. I played it for Phoebe and Kates that night and hooked them, too. Then it was all over NBC’s promos for the Today Show during the Olympics.
Phoebe calls it “The Camping Song.” Watch the video and you’ll understand why.
* * *
The honorable mention for recent hits goes to Fun’s “Some Nights,” which has me lamenting the missed opportunity to see them at Summerfest this year.
Plus, I love the take WTMX – which remains a staple of my morning routine, thanks to the wonders of internet streaming – had on the song. Watch.
* * *
Oh, but there’s another song rising fast for the fall.
Check out Taylor Swift’s “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together. It’s got an Avril Lavigne vibe with sort of a Kelly Clarkson pop-rock hook. I love it.
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