Like many bands, the three southern Californians of Nickel Creek have their compelling levels of mystery. But sometimes they still get asked to describe their music.

"When I meet someone on a plane, someone who sees the instrument and wants to know what I do," says mandolinist Chris Thile, "I always say, 'It's acoustic."

Guitarist Sean Watkins extols the freedom a trio can provide. "Because we knew each other so well musically as well as personally, our songs can take different shapes live without too much thought — and it's really nice to have three versatile instruments when we leave the page."

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