Chris Thile

Once thought as that little kid with the mandolin, Chris Thile has matured into a band leader (Nickel Creek) and now a solo recording artist who continues to develop his own unique style. On the heels of Bela Fleck, Dave Matthews and other neo-bluegrass fusion musicians, Chris Thile has expanded upon his early roots beginnings to include jazz fusion and indie/alternative meanderings. His fourth solo CD, Deceiver, while still on the independent bluegrass/country label Sugar Hill, carries a modern sound befitting someone in their early twenties regardless of their musical leanings. Thile's latest batch of lyrics are steeped in rebellious angst and emo romance, while still making a respectful nod to the sounds of the old traditional waltzes and reels of his youth. It's exciting to watch this virtuoso musician grow up, grab hair gel and leap between genres, heading toward becoming a neo-eclectic alt star on his own terms. Already a mature old-timer as a songwriter and performer, Chris Thile seems determined to sow his musical oats in new ground without letting anyone set any expectations on what he should be bringing to their ears.