We all remember the amazing, folk trio Nickel Creek, with beautiful songs like Doubting Thomas, The Fox, and This Side.
Many are wondering why they haven’t heard any new Nickel Creek music. There is a simple reason for this, the group is currently on a hiatus. Have no fear, great music is coming out of this break.
Musical prodigy and mandolin/vocalist of the group, Chris Thile, has started a new side-project called Punch Brothers, a name, according to the band’s website, that originates from the Mark Twain short story Punch Brothers, Punch! . Punch Brothers is an eclectic ensemble rooted heavily in the Thile’s bluegrass and folk background. On their debut album Punch Chris is joined by guitarist Chris Eldridge, bassist Paul Kowert, banjo player Noam Pikelny, and violinist Gabe Witcher performing a complex suite unlike any other. Read a review of the band’s album at Slant Magazine.
Meanwhile, Nickel Creek guitarist/vocalist extraordinaire Sean Watkins is working on a unique side-project himself. Joined by Jon Foreman, front man of Switchfoot, the duo formed the group, Fiction Family. According to the group’s website, the all-star duo met a few years ago when both of their bands, Nickel Creek and Switchfoot, were playing a show with Wilco. The pair began writing songs together perfectly blending their two very different backgrounds. They finally compiled their work on their debut self-titled release Fiction Family. Read a review of the band’s album at Paste Magazine.
Not to be outdone, by her big brother Sean, Nickel Creek’s violinist/vocalist Sara Watkins is currently working on her already-successful solo career. Sara has stayed true to her roots writing music that reflects her background in folk and bluegrass, but she also brings a new sound to the age-old genre. Backing her note-worthy name, Sara has recently completed here debut self-titled album Sara Watkins, an album consisting of original works and covers all produced by John Paul Jones, Led Zeppelin. The album set to be released April 7 will include appearances by Gillian Welch, Dave Rawlings, and of course her former band mates.
Very nice. I wondered about them. They were a big thing while I was school. Hopefully they will come back together in the future to make more music together.
I listened to the Fiction Family clips on iTunes and it is OK. Personally, I prefer both of the artists in their own bands as opposed to fusing together two very different styles.
Nice article…keep’em coming Bird!