Nickel Creek + Fiona Apple To The Rescue

After a pretty glum day yesterday, Sistra + this show in Central Park made my night many times better. I've seen Fiona perform 3 (4?) times before, and she's known for being very "hit or miss" live. She's moody, as we all know, and sometimes she prefers to scream most of her lyrics -- she definitely loves her cacophony at times. But, when she decides to really sing - to really perform... WOW. Amazing. Two highlights of the show were her covers of Patsy Cline's "Walking After Midnight" and Ella Fitzgerald's "When I Get Low, I Get High".

This was the first time I've ever seen her live where she honestly looked like she was having an absolute ball. Nickel Creek balances her out so nicely and draws out her greatest musical intuitions, wide-ranging influences, timing, and timbre. Fiona was having fun --spinning and twisting inside the music, quite un-self-consciously. She yelped in joy from time to time- laughed... even playfully gave Sara Watkins a love bite on the shoulder (not kidding!). She just seemed so very comfortable in her own, unique, skin... and happy. The feeling was contagious. And that voice. Oh, that voice.

And her song-writing too - music AND lyrics. Genius. You know, "Criminal" actually makes a good bluegrass song, too? Who would have thought it?

As for Nickel Creek... it was really more a Nickel Creek show than anything (Fiona was more of a guest in their show), and they're just great. So versatile. Such wonderful musicians. Sweet, clear voices. Chris Thile not only plays a mean mandolin, he also is charming and funny. I didn't realize until last night live what a beautiful voice Sara Watkins has, in addition to her fiddle playing (oh why did I quit the violin in the 4th grade??). I'm looking forward to Sara's solo album - out this year I think?

p.s. I hope they put out an album of these joint Nickel Creek - Fiona performances they've been doing (or a studio collaboration)... I love them together.