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NICKEL CREEK Reasons Why (The Very Best) Sugar Hill ****

Bluegrass can sometimes feel the most introspective of music, a self-referential series of tunes, rhythms and emotions that refuses to look beyond its own world for inspiration. Step forward Nickel Creek. This southern California three-piece of siblings Sean and Sara Watkins and Chris Thile has happily pushed the music's boundaries through their three Sugar Hill albums, with rock and jazz influences flavouring the traditional, especially on original songs such as When in Rome. And now, for anybody who has missed the journey, this is a fascinating compilation of risk-taking music as the band opt for a time-out following their world tour next year. Both Thile and Sean Watkins have recorded solo albums, and Thile in particular seems set fair for an interesting solo career. This compilaton features 14 tracks with a second disc featuring seven videos. www.nickelcreek.com Joe Breen