The Pleasures of Live Music

Yesterday I had the distinct opportunity to listen to one of my favorite all time bands, Nickel Creek.

Nickel Creek played live in the studios of XM Satellite Radio's national headquarters here in DC.

The band's new album entitled "Why Should the Fire Die?" is to be released on August 9th. The band is currently making a tour across 5 U.S. cities to give fans an exclusive sneek peek at their upcoming release.

I was one of 40 people selected to listen to this band. Me and my friend Hannah (one of the biggest Nickel Creek fans I know), set off to hear the band. It was nothing short of amazing.

The band eloquently and heartily played through their entire album. How often do bands do this? As far as I know, this sort of pre-release concert is a rare occurrence in the world of music.

The new cd contains roughly 12 songs, 3 of them instrumental. If you're a fan of Nickel Creek, there's no doubting that you love their mandolin/guitar/fiddle driven instrumentals. Chris Thile was insanely amazing.

He was accompanied of course by Sarah Watkins-Crawford on the fiddle and her brother Sean Watkins on the guitar. Chris pretty much stole the show, proving that Nickel Creek would be NOTHING without him at the helm, driving the rhythm forward.

Sarah contributed in a meaningful and delicate way. She sang a love song about her "true" love. This was the sort of song that puts a lump in your throat as you contemplate the joys and pleasures of earthly love. She sang exquisitely, gently rolling her tongue over each vowel and inflection, yielding an almost mesmerizing ballad.

The band continued on in playful mode, making jokes, saying hello to the live audience in XM Radioland, and of course rocking the house.

This cd is a must have. If you happen to live in LA or Austin or maybe other cities, lookout! They may be coming to you in a matter of days or weeks. If you sign up for their fan club, and wish to receive email updates, then you will be notified of such events as this.

I wish Taylor and Lesa and my mom could've joined me for this event. You would've loved it.

Cameron