Nels Cline, known as the guitarist for American band Wilco, continuously surprises with his adventurous (and mainly instrumental) combo, exploring the boundaries between jazz, noise and rock. Feat. John Zorn veteran Cyro Baptista.

Since around 10 years Nels Cline is mostly famous as the guitarist in American band Wilco, where he draws the attention with extraordinary solos and electronic outbursts. Before that he made name as a jazz guitarist with a penchant for rock and noise. In 1986 he already performed at the Bimhuis in saxophonist Julius Hemphill’s band, with his twin brother Alex Cline on drums. He collaborated with indie rock heroes Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth) and Mike Watt (The Stooges), as well as with renowned jazz musicians such as Charlie Haden and Tim Berne. Last year he released several albums: a duo album with jazz guitarist Julian Lage, a collaboration with Medeski, Martin & Wood and a new Nels Cline Singers album entitled Macroscope (**** ½, Downbeat).

Despite its name, The Nels Cline Singers is mainly an instrumental band. In this combo Nels Cline plays with bassist Trevor Dunn, drummer Scott Amendola and percussionist Cyro Baptista. These broad-minded musicians continue to surprise. They can switch to any style at the drop of a hat, often in the same song, from psychedelica to Brazilian lounge jazz and from electronic ambient to garage rock.

‘Nels Cline is one of a rare breed of guitarists who can move fluidly between jazz, improvised music and rock without it feeling contrived’ (Downbeat).

‘I’m not in any one genre, and never have been. I was a rock ’n’ roll kid, but after hearing Coltrane and Miles and Weather Report, then Indian music and Nigerian pop and that sort of thing, there was no turning back. From that point on, the idea of purism just was not possible’ (Nels Cline).

Macroscope, de nieuwe, vijfde cd van The Nels Cline Singers is te beluisteren op http://nelscline.com/listen
‘Macroscope is the Nels Cline Singers’ most expansive, approachable album yet.’ (Los Angeles Times)

Click here for a background article about Nels Cline by jazz journalist Vera Vingerhoeds.

The Bimhuis restaurant is open prior to the concert from 6.30 til 8.30PM (reservations via 020-7882158). After the concert, the Bimhuis Café is open (free entrance).

MET TREVOR DUNN, SCOTT AMENDOLA, CYRO BAPTISTA

Nels C Cline gitaar, Trevor Dunn bas, Scott Amendola drums, Cyro Baptista percussie/zang