The Nields

The Nields stand among the most dynamic groups in today's folk-rock scene. One concert critique characterized their sound as blending "equal parts Beatles, Cranberries and Joni Mitchell." Originating as an acoustic threesome during 1991, the ensemble has developed into an energetic five-piece unit. Katryna delivers Nerissa Nields' compositions, which merge sharp lyrics with emotional depth, while the music maintains intensity through David's guitar work—shaped by Pete Townshend and Adrian Belew—alongside the firm foundation laid by bassist Dave Chalfant and drummer Dave Hower.

Born in New York yet raised in Washington, D.C., the Nields sisters maintained a lifelong passion for vocal performance. Nerissa, entering the world on June 2, 1967, began composing at age seven, whereas Katryna, born April 30, 1969, received vocal instruction from their father; the siblings devoted extensive time to harmonizing within their home kitchen and during family car journeys. Their abilities further improved through participation in a course led by Revel Singers director John Langstaff at the Potomac School.

The sisters maintained joint singing activities until pursuing separate college paths, with Katryna focusing on religious studies at Trinity College in Hartford, CT, and Nerissa concentrating on English at Yale University. Nerissa encountered David Jones, a graduate student skilled on guitar, leading to romance; following their 1990 wedding, Jones adopted his spouse's surname.

Post-graduation, Nerissa, Katryna, and David Nields performed as an acoustic trio at folk venues throughout Washington, D.C. In 1991, the group shifted temporarily to Windsor, CT, where David served as an English instructor and theater department head at the Loomis Chaff Boarding School.

Their initial release, the 1992 album 66 Hoxsey Street, along with the follow-up Live at the Iron Horse Music Hall from 1993—captured live in Northampton, MA—highlighted the trio's collaborative efforts. Prior to their next recording, the band grew into a quintet for Bob on the Ceiling, helmed by bassist Dave Chalfant (born January 31, 1968, in Barcelona, Spain) during 1993. Although drummer Dave Hower (born January 8, 1967, in New York) contributed to just five songs initially, he soon joined as a permanent member. The subsequent effort, Gotta Get Over Greta, came under the production of Kevin Moloney, known for prior work with U2 and Sinéad O'Connor. Issued by Razor & Tie in 1996, it saw re-release the following year via EMI/Guardian, incorporating three bonus tracks. Play arrived in 1998, succeeded in spring 2000 by If You Lived Here You'd Be Home Now.

Beyond their primary project, Nerissa and Katryna provided backing vocals for Dar Williams on the albums The Honesty Room and Mortal City.