Nickel Creek

Nickel Creek
Nickel Creek
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Background information
Origin	California
Years active	1989–present
Members	Chris Thile; Sara Watkins; Sean Watkins

Nickel Creek is an American acoustic trio with roots in bluegrass, though is now sometimes described as "Progressive Acoustic." The band is composed of three permanent members: Chris Thile (mandolin), Sara Watkins (violin), and her brother Sean Watkins (guitar). The band's fourth guest member has been less permanent, although he is always a dynamic part of their performance. This position is currently filled by Mark Schatz (string bass). Over the band's three official albums, Nickel Creek's musical style seems to have shifted from contemporary bluegrass to the incorporation of indie rock elements, covering songs by Radiohead, Pavement and Bob Dylan. However, the core influence of bluegrass remains evident in all three albums.

History

The band formed in California in 1989 with Scott Thile, Chris' father, playing string bass. The two families, the Watkins and the Thiles, met at That Pizza Place, in Carlsbad, California, where they listened to the band Bluegrass Etc. The oldest of the children, Sean, was only twelve years old at the time.

In Nickel Creek's early days they recorded two albums: Here to There (out of print) & Little Cowpoke. Later, Alison Krauss helped to develop their style. She produced their self titled 2000 release on Sugar Hill. This is now recognized as their first major release. Scott Thile retired from the group when their touring schedule became too difficult to balance with his day job. After a few years of touring with various bassists, Mark Schatz has taken over the role.

The group has released five albums (three major releases) and won a Grammy Award in 2003 for Best Contemporary Folk Album for their release, This Side. Nickel Creek and This Side have both been certified gold for sales above 500,000. They released their third album, Why Should The Fire Die? on August 9 2005 which was nominated for the 2006 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album. The track Scotch and Chocolate from Why Should The Fire Die? was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Country Instrumental Performance.