This Side by Nickel Creek (CD, Aug-2002, Sugar Hill Records)

This Side is Nickel Creek's second CD and garnered a Grammy for "Best Contemporary Folk Album". This Side further develops this trio's artistry within their BlueGrass/Folk Realm. The CD continues in the same alternative bluegrass genre as their first CD - 'Nickel Creek' and then offers wonderful glimpses into each songwriter's individual talents. Chris Thile (Mandolin), Sean Watkins (Guitar), Sara Watkins (Violin) have a remarkable talent for capturing the essence of Bluegrass while transforming the genre to include mournful ballads, lively jazzed up instrumentals as well as traditional sounding original songs.

This CD departs from their first album through a showcasing of each songwriter's unique talents. Sara's songs include "Speak" and "Sabra Girl" which elegantly portray her soft gentle tones & harmonies. Chris Thile's rough-hewn "Spit on a Stranger" and "Green and Gray" allow his personality to shine within his other-worldly mandolin magic. Sean Watkin's talent complements the trio's offerings through his hit song "This Side" and his incredible guitar mastery. Their musicianship is simply unparallelled.

If you enjoy Allison Krauss, Bering Strait, Bela Fleck, David Grissom - You're sure to enjoy Nickel Creek's This Side. I never tire of listening to this CD and relish every musical note. Highly recommended.

"... To hear Nickel Creek is to hear the vibrant reinvention of a classic form." --Time Magazine

Great CD. I've seen a couple of their Seattle shows - tremendous musicians live. The styles they use skip around a little on this CD, but there are some key tracks: The Fox, The Lighthouse's Tale, Out of the Woods, Sweet Afton. If you're a Nickel Creek fan, you need this CD.