Tim Barron
06-26-2002, 10:23 AM
Nickel Creek opened for Bela Fleck and the Flecktones at Ravinia last night. The venue is outdoor with a covered bandshell and reserved seating, and a very large lawn area.
In conversation with those around us in reserved seating, we were definitely in the minority. All of them were there for Bela Fleck and had never heard of Nickel Creek. We were the exact opposite.
Nickel Creek performed around eight songs. For the first few songs, I felt that the sound was too low. Around the third or fourth song, the volume increased.
They opened with a slow instrumental that I did not recognize, and closed with a long version of The Fox. In between, they performed songs from the album - Lighthouse and Reasons Why. They brought out Bela Fleck midway and they performed one of his songs, caled Texas Flood (or Texas Rain?). They performed what they said was the title track (written by Sean) from the new album (shared vocals between Sean and Chris).
They also performed two traditional gospel/hymns, both of which I think I recognized. One was belted out by Sara - Around the Mountain (I'm sure I have the title wrong). The other was belted out by Chris and had The Lord is Coming as the first line in the chorus. I would love to see both of these on an album.
I have never seen Nickel Creek creek perform (TV or otherwise), and I must say, Chris has an outstanding stage presence. He's constantly moving around. When Chris mentioned their new album, he stated that the band thought their first album sucked but was glad people liked it (this got some laughs).
Nickel Creek ended without an encore. After an intermission, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones performed. Bela Fleck is a great banjo player, but we did not care for that type of music. It was more Jazz, and seemed to be more of a jam session with duels beween Banjo and Bass, Bass and Horn, etc. (vs. performing songs, melodies, etc.). We left after the fourth or fifth, so I'm not sure if NC came out later.
Seeing Nickel Creek perform in a small/intimate venue is next on my list. They are amazingly talented, and are great live performers. I predict they have great things to come.
In conversation with those around us in reserved seating, we were definitely in the minority. All of them were there for Bela Fleck and had never heard of Nickel Creek. We were the exact opposite.
Nickel Creek performed around eight songs. For the first few songs, I felt that the sound was too low. Around the third or fourth song, the volume increased.
They opened with a slow instrumental that I did not recognize, and closed with a long version of The Fox. In between, they performed songs from the album - Lighthouse and Reasons Why. They brought out Bela Fleck midway and they performed one of his songs, caled Texas Flood (or Texas Rain?). They performed what they said was the title track (written by Sean) from the new album (shared vocals between Sean and Chris).
They also performed two traditional gospel/hymns, both of which I think I recognized. One was belted out by Sara - Around the Mountain (I'm sure I have the title wrong). The other was belted out by Chris and had The Lord is Coming as the first line in the chorus. I would love to see both of these on an album.
I have never seen Nickel Creek creek perform (TV or otherwise), and I must say, Chris has an outstanding stage presence. He's constantly moving around. When Chris mentioned their new album, he stated that the band thought their first album sucked but was glad people liked it (this got some laughs).
Nickel Creek ended without an encore. After an intermission, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones performed. Bela Fleck is a great banjo player, but we did not care for that type of music. It was more Jazz, and seemed to be more of a jam session with duels beween Banjo and Bass, Bass and Horn, etc. (vs. performing songs, melodies, etc.). We left after the fourth or fifth, so I'm not sure if NC came out later.
Seeing Nickel Creek perform in a small/intimate venue is next on my list. They are amazingly talented, and are great live performers. I predict they have great things to come.