Catching the latest of the premier string trio, Nickel Creek, we were fortunate to witness this dynamic ensemble in rare form at the Rococo Theatre in Lincoln, Nebraska, April 15th. Their second time in this college town, these amazing performers exploited the theatre's combination of open-floor standing and the surrounding vintage theatre-style seating with multiple balconies in the recently renovated century-old movie house in two hours of mind-bending musical fun.

Their unique blend of folk, bluegrass, rock, and pop music enchanted audience members young and old. Virtuoso instrumentals with exemplary vocal arrangements have been their signature since there early days touring as preteens. These seasoned veterans, barely into their twenties, continue to break new ground in acoustic territory in songwriting and performing.

A special tribute to mandolinist Chris Thile for his banner efforts to establish the mandolin as an entirely new voice in pop music. No longer restrained by the demands and expectations of straw-chewing, bib-overall cultural roots, he is leading the way for a wider acceptability of the instrument in new settings.

Toe-tapping linear riffs, bite-size motif integrating deep lyric complexity, the music of Thile within the innovative stylings and context of Nickel Creek is a promising showcase for the astounding untapped potential of the mandolin.

Posted by Ted at April 16, 2006 05:09 PM