Recently, our friend Bob Margolis spoke with Nels Cline about what got him into the music of Wilco, who creates the setlist each night and much more…
When asked if he had developed an “attitude” towards playing in more song structured environs, after a long career at home in more free-form orbits Nels Cline answered no, pointing out that he fell in love with the guitar in large part due to, well, songs. Cline had a specific composition which turned him on to the song writing elan of Wilco’s frontman. “I was in a van traveling as part of drummer Scott Amendola’s band (Ed note: please check out that record, Believe) when (Wilco’s) Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
When asked to what degree is the band a democracy, he said it has become that way regarding arrangements of tunes in the writing process, but as far as which tunes get played on certain nights, he deferred to Tweedy. “Jeff makes the set lists and he really does take into account the day of the week, where we are and what the setting is. It’s an art. One night recently, Mike came up with a list which was totally wacky with all sorts of tunes in odd places. We thought it might happen. Jeff saw it and just said ‘come on, guys…’ So, right, we are in a stadium on a weekend for this gig coming up – don’t expect a lot of ballads.”
Despite Wilco taking up the bulk of Cline’s time, he is still active in other projects. For those who reside in New York, the week July 30-August 4th is a mini Nels-stock, where he will play in groups including BBC with Tim Berne and Jim Black at The Stone July 31st, a stellar freakfest at Summerstage with M. Ward, Mike Watt, Dougie Bowne and Yuka Honda on August 1st, and with Jenny Scheinman, Matt Penman, and Jim Black August 4th at Joe’s Pub.
One Response
thanks for the article!
nels is easily my favorite guitarist out there. absolutely unmatched talent and an incredibly unique tone and style. plus he is a really genuine guy willing to go out of his was for his fans taboot.
his various bands, especially the nels cline singers (nels, scott amendola on drums & electronics, devin hoff on contrabass) are absolutely incredible live.
i had the great pleasure of meeting nels after an all ages show in madison last year, and while discussing my amazement with the band (scott literally drummed the glasses right off his face), and nels asked where i was from – chicago, where they were playing the following night at a 21+ show, i explained how i traveled to madison to see them as i was only 20 at the time. nels said “come on by around 3, we’ll at least get you in for the soundcheck and i’ll see if i can’t get you in for the show”
just as i walk up to the bar, nels & crew arrive. help unload their gear (actually holding nels jazzmaster in my hands, even if it was in a case, is a moment i will never forget!), sat and watched soundcheck, and even got to sit ‘backstage’ during an interview nels was giving to a local college radio host. come showtime, i was on the guestlist and made it in. those 2 nights were easily one of the greatest experiences in my life.
nels is truely an amazingly talented person, and its such a blessing he is reaching more ears with his work in wilco. being from chicago, have seen wilco about a dozen times, and it always brings a smile to my face when someone near me at a show, say during his ‘signature’ solo in impossible germany just has “that look” of awe, cannot believe what they just heard. i’ve turned more than a few casual wilco fans onto nels’ other works. glad to see the word being spread at my favorite blog. keep it up guys!