Nields sisters bring ‘dynamic trademark sound’ to NYC

by Beth Sharkey

Monday November 14, 2005

Nerissa Nields told her fans that, according to the Buddhist tradition, she is a "greedy" type of person.

She explained that no matter how great her life actually is, she can always find something else to want—even a regular, nine-to-five job. She pegged her sister and fellow performer Katryna as a "hateful" type. Their audience laughed.

Onstage at Satalla in New York City on Oct. 16, the two women could not appear more grateful and kind.

Recently mentioned in The New Yorker, Nerissa and Katryna comprise the folk-pop-rock sister act known as The Nields. They have performed at the Clearwater Folk Festival, the Newport Folk Festival and New Bedford’s Summerfest.

They have appeared with artists such as Dar Williams and have opened for the composite folk act Cry Cry Cry. The sisters have released 11 albums to date, some as a part of a larger band also called The Nields.

Nerissa, the older sister, is the duo’s songwriter and guitarist. Katryna lends her voice to Nerissa’s clever, emotive material to complete their dynamic trademark sound. Their versatile material ranges from quintessential folk gems such as "When I’m Here" to poppy older tracks like "Jeremy Newborn Street" and the rougher, rock-inspired sound of songs like "Gotta Get Over Gretta."

Onstage, the sisters joke about their inability to define themselves.

"If we were militant folk singers," Nerissa said, pointing to empty stools in front of the stage, "we would make you come sit here. But we’re not."

In the cozy venue, The Nields performed songs from their most recent release, "This Town Is Wrong." A unique creative endeavor, the album is a companion to Nerissa’s first novel. The title track describes a girl who learns to "make the rules" for herself.

Throughout the performance, The Nields’ voices traveled through a series of mind-boggling harmonies. At times, the two voices were nearly indistinguishable. When Katryna sang the lead vocal parts, her breaking, vaguely Celtic soprano rings clearly. Katryna prefaced one such notable song, "The Day I Let Glory Steer," with anecdotes about her daughter (who was present in the crowd).

Another highlight, "When I Let You Into My Closet," gave voice to Angela and Randi over a Beach Boys-inspired guitar sound. Later, "This Town Is Wrong" cued quiet sing-a-longs from the audience. The sisters expressed their gratitude toward their fans and family. They lingered after the show, chatting easily with fans.

Greedy and hateful? No.

Insightful and down-to-earth? Yes.