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(photo by Anne Hammersky) Mike Marshall & Chris Thile :: listen To say that Chris plays the mandolin is an entirely inadequate statement. It would be closer to the mark to say that the mandolin is an extension of Chris' very being. Perhaps that might sound odd, until you hear him play...see him play. Many musicians are drawn to a particular instrument, urgedÊ by some desire, whatever the source, to speak with the voiceÊ of that instrument. Chris heard the call of the mandolin at age two and had fully heeded it by age five. So fascinated was he by the instrument, he offered his entire collection of quartersÊ (all ten of them) to buy a mandolin. The result of his years ofÊ devotion to the mandolin is a gift not only to himself, but also to the entire world of music.Ê Raised in Southern California, where bluegrass was far from the norm, Chris was introduced to the genre when his familyÊ attended weekly performances of the band Bluegrass Etc. At the age of 5, he began lessons with the band's mandolinist John Moore. Through Bluegrass Etc., Chris met future Nickel CreekÊ band mates, siblings Sean and Sara Watkins. Despite their young ages at the time they met, the trio began collaborating and hasÊ now been playing together for over ten years as the band Nickel Creek. Nickel Creek's music displays maturity and depth, combinedÊ with youthful energy and exuberant innovation. It is difficult toÊ believe the artists are only in their early twenties. Nickel Creek has been an integral part of bringing "progressiveÊ acoustic" music to a vastly diverse audience. Their self-titled albumÊwent gold in February 2002, and they recently won their firstÊ Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk album for "This Side". While Nickel Creek gains ever-increasing popularity, the membersÊ of the band continue to develop as individual musicians. Chris's solo projects are instrumental explorations of nearly every direction imaginable. They flow from traditional bluegrass to classical, Celtic, jazz, and more, showcasing a sound that is definitely Chris's very own. He began recording his solo material at the age of 12 with his first album, "Leading Off", which was named the #1 Bluegrass Album of 1994 by The Chicago Tribune. At age 17, he released "Stealing Second". The albums show a level of skill and maturity that belies Chris's young age at the time of the recordings. Both albums present a variety of styles and pieces, nearly all composed by Chris himself. Drawn to classical studies and continually inspired by the great classical masters (most notably Bach), Chris studied composition and theory at Murray State University in Kentucky. The maturity of his composition skills as well as his technical mastery is breathtakingly apparent in his highly acclaimed album "Not All Who Wander Are Lost". The album features many of the finest acoustic musicians recording today including BŽla Fleck, Edgar Meyer, Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, and Bryan Sutton. With "Not All Who Wander Are Lost", Chris explores an entire realm of musical diversity, crossing boundaries of style and genre to pull together a musical journey of emotion, texture, and spirit. Chris's most recent project is a duo album created with renowned mandolin player, Mike Marshall. "Into the Cauldron" is a mandolin lover's dream. The only instruments used in the entire recording are mandolin and mandocello. This purity of theme adds a unique flavor to the album in what feels like a dialog between two musical souls, rather than an arrangement of songs. Full of an exquisite mixture of original and traditional material, the album ranges from Bach to Charlie Parker, from Celtic to bluegrass (of course). Chris and Mike have an amazing musical chemistry that makes the album an absolute delight to listen to. Unsurprisingly, Chris is receiving significant recognition from the music industry for his mandolin playing. In 2001, he was awarded Mandolin Player of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association. He has played mandolin on the albums of such well- known artists as the Dixie Chicks and Dolly Parton, to name a few. Critics and musicians have favorably compared Chris to the likes of Sam Bush and Bill Monroe, and have even hinted at similarities to a young Mozart or Bach. With his command and mastery of his chosen instrument, it is clear that Chris Thile has barely tapped his pool of musical genius.Ê Fans of Chris wait excitedly for his next body of work, whether it is another Nickel Creek album or a new solo project. One thing is certain, the evolution of Chris's composition, playing, and mastery of the mandolin is certain to be a source of joy and enchantment for those he has touched with his music. Go to artist website.