Nick Kendall

October 25, 2007 at 6:49 AM

I played with him this evening. It was funny, seeing his face and immediately knowing without a doubt that I'd seen him online somewhere, but I couldn't figure out where.

It was from that "Time for Three" interview, that's where.

I'll have to introduce myself. I wonder if he thinks my face looks familiar, too... ;)

He'll be performing Brubeck's concerto on Saturday, that's what.

From Jim W. Miller
Posted on October 25, 2007 at 7:11 AM

I didn't listen to them for a long time because I assumed they'd have to be terrible country players, and they play country. When I heard them, maybe the same video you're talking about, it must have been Youtube, I was really surprised. They might not have Uncle Dave Macon's "beloved" soul but they're interesting to listen to in their own right. The way they apply precision isn't the distraction I was expecting. It was kind of a new experience. The video I saw reminded me a lot of Bela Fleck. I think he's had so much influence that certain things he does are important components of new Bluegrass, things that identify it. I was thinking if they sound so much like him, without him, it would be really interesting to hear them together. I bet people are mulling that over somewhere. I wonder of Bela is thinking pay 30 years of Bluegrass dues first, then we'll talk. LOL.

From David Russell
Posted on October 25, 2007 at 1:27 PM

Jim,

You may have missed the point of 'Time for Three'. They aren't trying to be a new bluegrass band (although Zach grew up in a whole house full of bluegrass-playing brothers and has played it basically all of his life). They are rather forging new territory by combining several styles at once, while developing a unique style of their own at the same time. I think its this "as yet unheard" element that makes them so special.

From Jim W. Miller
Posted on October 25, 2007 at 1:55 PM

I don't think I missed the point of anything. I was joking about the Bluegrass dues, but what I happened to hear was a variety of Bluegrass. One thing I noticed them doing that might fall under "as yet unheard" was applying principles of good classical chamber ensemble playing to it. Interesting to hear. The particular song I heard wasn't especially deep music though. A lot of Bela is the same way. It was a good-time showpiece heavy on technical display, with these "never heard" explorations thrown in. These days audiences demand the best technique and that's what seems to get highlighted. Some of the most appealing fiddling honestly wouldn't cut it these days for what's expected technically, the same reason I suspect a lot of the classical players from the same generation wouldn't either.

From Emily Grossman
Posted on October 25, 2007 at 6:33 PM

The concerto he's playing Saturday combines about ten different jazz styles, some of which pull from the country and bluegrass feel, but mostly it's a modern jazz piece.

From Karin Lin
Posted on October 25, 2007 at 7:50 PM

Wow! What fun that must have been. He's such an engaging guy.

From Ruth Kuefler
Posted on October 26, 2007 at 11:40 AM

That's so cool!! I love the music he plays with Time for Three . . . I'd love to see them live some day.

From David Russell
Posted on October 26, 2007 at 12:05 PM

Emily,

Say "hi" to Nick for me.

He's always been a unique player. I'm sure his performance Saturday will be memorable. Enjoy the cool piece!

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