Brion helps Nickel Creek say farewell

NICKEL CREEK, JON BRION, Abravanel Hall, Saturday

Those who don't believe you can rock out and play mandolin at the same time have never seen Nickel Creek.

The bluegrass/progressive acoustic trio of Chris Thile (mandolin), Sean Watkins (guitar) and his sister Sara Watkins (violin) played for more than two hours before a near-capacity crowd Saturday night, the final stop on the first leg of their "Farewell (for Now) Tour."

The group announced previously it would be taking an indefinite hiatus after its current tour. Because of that, it seemed as if the crowd cheered a little louder after favorites were played for what could be the last time.

Nickel Creek offered a good mix from all the group's albums, with such songs as "The Lighthouse's Tale," "Scotch and Chocolate," "Helena," "Anthony" and "When in Rome." All three took turns on lead vocals, as well as harmonizing together on such songs as "Out of the Woods." Likewise, there were plenty of solos for each to showcase his or her masterful playing skills, as on "House Carpenter."

Musically, everything was tight and played perfectly, just as the songs had been played a hundred times before. And it's probably for that reason that band is ready to try something new.

There were times when the band members looked as if they were on autopilot and just going through the motions. But when they were joined onstage by opening act Jon Brion, there seemed to be extra enthusiasm in each member's performance, as if they were excited to be doing something a little different.

Brion is a multitalented singer, songwriter and producer who has worked with Fiona Apple, Robyn Hitchcock and Kanye West, in addition to writing several film scores. He joined the band on guitar for "This Side" and played a mean piano as the group did a great rendition of Radiohead's "Just (You Do It to Yourself)."

During Brion's opening set, he used a Les Paul guitar to play another Radiohead song in a way that would take too long to explain in the space I've been allotted — but it was crazy good.

The Watkins' siblings joined Brion during his opening set for Hank Williams' "Hey Good Lookin!" and the Pretenders' "I Go To Sleep," a song written by Ray Davies of the Kinks.

Then it was Thile's turn to join Brion onstage. He let loose a blistering mandolin solo, maybe his best of the night, proving once again why he is one of the best in the world at that instrument.

The show ended with another cover, with everyone onstage for the Beatles' "Helter Skelter."

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E-mail: preavy@desnews.com