Nels Cline’s Forward-Thinking Jazz Is Superb
Trailblazing guitarist and Wilco secret weapon Nels Cline is back with a bracing new jazz quartet recording and joined by similarly forward-thinking musicians.
nels cline
‘Share the Wealth’ Balances Nels Cline’s Interest in Tradition and Exploration
Eclectic guitarist Nels Cline expands his long-standing improvising band to create a small orchestra that plays with a combination of freedom and discipline on Share the Wealth.
The Best Jazz Albums of 2010
Jazz was working all the angles in 2010. Is there any other genre that has as much range -- from solo instruments to big bands, from instrumental to vocal, from European musicians to both North and South Americans, from truly pretty music to raucously avant-garde "noise"?
The 70 Best Albums of 2010
2010's best albums are highlighted by the emergence of a future superstar, two veteran and virtuoso rappers, and a Dream Team of indie bands releasing career peaks.
Bobby Previte / Jamie Saft / Nels Cline: Music from the Early 21st Century
A power-trio of electric guitar, keyboards, and drums takes on the challenge of free improvisation—but using primarily elements of rock and electronica as strongly as the usual creative music or jazz. The result is focused.
Kris Davis’ ‘Diatom Ribbons’ Is the Most Versatile and Bracing Jazz Recording of 2019
New Jazz pianist and composer Kris Davis makes a recording that presses with excitement into hip-hop and groove music without sacrificing any daring or compromising her vision.
For Ben Goldberg It’s a ‘Good Day for Cloud Fishing’
Composer and clarinetist Ben Goldberg writes tunes inspired by the poetry of Dean Young for a shimmering trio, which in turn inspired new poems.
Wilco Builds ‘Ode to Joy’ on Durable Structures Worthy of Focus
Wilco's Ode to Joy shows a band invigorated by studio flourishes and unexpected complications.
The Best Jazz of 2018
The definition of "jazz" has never been broader, and the music has never been brighter. Two PopMatters critics pick their favorites in four modern jazz categories.
The New Nels Cline 4 Sinks a Putt on ‘Currents, Constellations’
Nels Cline used to go nuts on all of us. Now he's measuring things out more carefully.
Get in the Ring: Mike Watt Talks ‘Ring Spiel ’95’
In 1995, Mike Watt released his first solo album and embarked on a tour with some talented, famous and supportive friends. He looks back on that time now with fondness but says that, at first, he wasn't sure what the future would bring.
“I Had to Step Up My Game”: An Interview with Nels Cline of Wilco
In a candid interview with PopMatters, Nels Cline discusses his new double album, why it took a quarter of a century to come to fruition, and his role in the ever-evolving Wilco.