Nels Cline
Nels Cline is one of the most versatile, imaginative and original guitarists active today. Combining breathtaking technique with an informed musical intelligence, Cline displays a mastery of guitar expression that encompasses delicate lyricism, sonic abstractions, and skull-crunching flights of fancy, inspiring Jazz Times to call him, The World’s Most Dangerous Guitarist.
Born in Los Angeles in 1956, his earliest musical influences included Jim Roger McGuinn, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, John Fahey and Duane Allman. Later these giants as well of those of jazz, jazz/rock, punk and the improvising avant-garde twisted his head around. Cline claims his most valuable music training came from his work with bassist/multi-instrumentalist Eric von Essen, with whom he performed as a duo from 1977 until von Essen’s untimely death in 1997.
In the late 1970s, Cline played in the chamber-jazz group Quartet Music with his brother, percussionist Alex Cline, violinist Jeff Gauthier and bassist von Essen. Quartet Music recorded 4 albums and toured extensively, a 12 year run that was highlighted by two performances in 1989 with the Milwaukee Symphony for which Nels arranged several of his compositions. Clines’ 1987 Enja release, Angelica, which added New York City altoist Tim Berne to a roster of longtime Cline collaborators Alex Cline, Stacy Rowles, Eric von Essen, is a fine example of his work from this period.
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Album Review
- Sara Schoenbeck by Karl Ackermann
- Entity by Neri Pollastri
Extended Analysis
Album Review
- The Boyé Multi-National Crusade For Harmony by Mark Corroto
- Share the Wealth by Vincenzo Roggero
- An Ayler Xmas Vol. 4: Chicago vs. NYC by Mark Corroto
- Share The Wealth by Mark Sullivan
Radio & Podcasts
Album Review
- Share The Wealth by Mike Jurkovic
- Music from the Early 21st Century by Chris M. Slawecki
July 28, 2018
StLJN Saturday Video Showcase: Nels Cline 4 offers guitar times two
May 28, 2014
Enter "The Nels Cline Singers - Macroscope" Giveaway!
January 03, 2012
Alternative Guitar Summit brings together Nels Cline, Mary Halvorson,...
August 25, 2011
Nels Cline Trio - Silencer (Enja, 2011) ****
June 07, 2011
Tim Berne, Jim Black, Nels Cline - The Veil (2011)
March 31, 2011
Scott Amendola, Nels Cline & Trevor Dunn in World Premiere with Oakland...
January 19, 2011
Nels Cline Singers: Winter 2011 Tour Dates
November 29, 2010
UCLA Live Presents Alice Coltrane Tribute Dec. 5 All-star evening...
October 15, 2010
Nels Cline - Dirty Baby (Cryptogramophone, 2010)