Nels Cline, renowned guitarist from Wilco, displays his broad musical range in the 'Consentrik Quartet'.
REWRITTEN ARTICLE:
Hey there! Let's dive into some tasty sounds from the vibrant world of music. Today, we're talkin' 'bout Nels Cline, one hell of a versatile guitarist who's seen as a rock hero by indies and a jazz visionary by the avant-garde crowd. This cat's a long-time Wilco member and his latest project, the Consentrik Quartet, is an audacious mix of his diverse musical journeys. Got a few fun facts and analysis to share about this new album, so let's get to it!
(SOUNDBITE OF NELS CLINE'S "SURPLUS")
Now, Nels Cline's been makin' waves on the LA scene since the '80s, often jammin' alongside his twin bro, Alex, a percussionist. They got their fingers in every genre pie, from jazz to indie rock. This double-dipping lifestyle is something Cline's carried over into jazz, where he's played in almost every subgenre imaginable, from screamin' free jazz to romantic covers of the classic American Songbook on his 2016 release "Lovers."
(SOUNDBITE OF NELS CLINE'S "SURPLUS")
The Consentrik Quartet is capable of settlin' into hummable tunes, like "Surplus," and then burstin' into a spectacular fury. It's certainly got muscle, and there're moments that'll take ya back to the '80s, when the jazz fusion scene was kickin' things up a notch. Even sounds that remind us of the growing range of heavy metal jazz blends on today's scene pop up now and then.
Fascinatingly, Cline started the group for an improvised jam in Brooklyn six years ago, but began writing for 'em during all those 2020 lockdowns when the world was silent. And that silence inspired some beautifully dark and affecting moments in the quartet's music, where quiet sections give way to bold, provocative ones—like the aptly-named "Slipping Into Something."
(SOUNDBITE OF NELS CLINE'S "SLIPPING INTO SOMETHING")
Since movin' to New York in 2009, Cline's been collaboratin' with bassist Chris Lightcap and drummer Tom Rainey in multiple formats, most notably in Lightcap's outstanding group, Superette. With the addition of saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock, another New York scene staple, the quartet produces a huge, bright energetic sound that really shines on quieter numbers, like "Satomi," written for Satomi Matsuzaki, the bassist and singer for Deerhoof.
(SOUNDBITE OF CONSENTRIK QUARTET'S "SATOMI")
Nels has got quite the knack for cheeky names for his bands, like his group The Nels Cline Singers who have no vocalist, but make brooding abstract music. The Consentrik Quartet's name may not seem like a joke, but Cline himself admitted he chose the Middle English spelling consent-R-I-K simply 'cause he liked it better.
(SOUNDBITE OF CONSENTRIK QUARTET'S "THE BAG")
It's tough to say why this particular lineup—guitar, saxophone, bass, and drums— hasn't become more commonplace. There were the John Scofield, Joe Lovano bands of the '80s and, more recently, ensembles featuring saxophonist Walter Smith III and guitarist Matthew Stevens. The Consentrik Quartet's explosive joy is unlike anything else, and their unisons over Lightcap's snortin' bass and Rainey's furious drumming are a force to be reckoned with.
So there ya have it—the Consentrik Quartet's new album is a rockin', righteous explosion of improv, and if you haven't heard it yet, you're truly missin' out!
(SOUNDBITE OF CONSENTRIK QUARTET'S "DOWN CLOSE")
- Nels Cline, the guitarist, has a twin brother Alex, also a musician, and together they have explored various genres, including jazz and indie rock, which influences his work in the Consentrik Quartet.
- The Consentrik Quartet, formed for an improvised jam in Brooklyn, has unisons that are especially notable, creating a unique sound that combines elements from jazz fusion, heavy metal jazz, and various subgenres of jazz.
- Despite the unconventional name, The Consentrik Quartet, consisting of guitar, saxophone, bass, and drums, stands out as an intriguing and powerful lineup in the entertainment and music scene, with their distinctive approach to improvisation.
