Nickel Creek at Fox Theater Oakland: May 2014
Nickel Creek reuniting after a hiatus was a big deal for anyone who cares about bluegrass or string music. Chris Thile on mandolin, Sara Watkins on fiddle, Sean Watkins on guitar - three master musicians who grew up together, creating complex, beautiful music that respects bluegrass tradition while pushing it forward.
The Fox Theater in Oakland is a beautiful venue - ornate, great acoustics, the kind of place that makes a concert feel like an event. For a Nickel Creek reunion show, it was perfect.
Watching these three perform is watching people who know each other's musical instincts intimately. They grew up playing together, and you can see it in how they communicate on stage - a nod, a smile, the way they lock into a groove without needing to discuss it. It's musical telepathy.
Chris Thile is absurdly talented. His mandolin playing is virtuosic - fast, precise, creative. But what makes Nickel Creek special is that all three of them are at that level. Sara's fiddle work is gorgeous, Sean's guitar playing is sophisticated, and when they harmonize vocally, it's pristine.
Their ability to blend bluegrass tradition with modern sensibilities is what sets them apart. They'll play a traditional tune with absolute respect and skill, then move into an original composition that incorporates jazz harmonies or classical structures. They're not confined by genre - they're expanding it.
The crowd at the Fox was a mix of bluegrass heads, indie fans who knew Chris Thile from Punch Brothers, and people who just love good musicianship. Everyone was completely locked in. The quieter moments had perfect silence - the kind of attentive listening that great acoustic music deserves.
Seeing Nickel Creek live reminded me why acoustic string music matters. In an era of digital production and electronic sounds, three people with acoustic instruments creating complex, emotionally resonant music feels almost radical. Their technical skill would be impressive enough, but they also write great songs and arrange them beautifully.
This reunion show felt special - like we were all grateful they came back together, and they seemed grateful for the enthusiastic reception. Sometimes musicians need to go do other projects, and sometimes coming back together makes you appreciate what you have even more.