Nels Cline Singers

[Leeway]

I went to Baltimore last night to see the Nels Cline Singers at the Windup Space. I went not from any strong existing interest in Nels Cline; indeed, I really know very little about his body of work, except for the New Monastery recording of Andrew Hill music, and occasional appearances on other people's albums. It seemed a good opportunity to find out more.

The Nels Cline Singers are: Nels Cline (electric guitars), Trevor Dunn (acoustic and electric bass), Scott Amendola (drums, electronics), and Cyro Baptista (percussion). I suspect the name is an example of Cline's dry, self-deprecating wit, which was on display during the evening. There is some vocalizing but far from what the name would suggest.

I've seen all the members of the group before, but curiously, in different individual situations. In particular I would note that Dunn is really a superb bassist in many different contexts. I saw Cyro with Evan Parker; for me, that combination did not work that well, at least that evening. Amendola when I've seen him is a hard-hitting, mostly rock-ish drummer; may just have been the context.

There were two sets; I stayed for both. I've noticed when reading reviews of Nels Cline/ Nels Cline Singers that reviewers have a hard time describing what Nels does. I will not be any more successful I think. To focus on the SIngers, imagine a blend of Sonic Youth-type rock, with electronics adding odd and beguiling atmospheres, with percussion both driving and complex, and numerous twists and turns that keep the music from becoming predictable. As the large crowd, and the many gearheads checking out the instruments, indicated, Nels is also a "guitar god" capable of amazing runs on the guitar. I don't think Nels abuses that element of the performances. This is a very self-aware and ambitious group that seems to be seeking more challenging terrain.

Cyro surprised me most, with an absolutely driven performance on percussion. The most surprising moment of the evening was when Cyro whipped out a bullhorn, stood up,and began saying something, which I suspect was pure gibberish, at a rapid-fire clip into the bullhorn. Even Nels looked a bit surprised. I really enjoyed the two sets. It was fun to attend a performance that combined the power of rock with the complexity of jazz.

[LWayne]

I was there last night as well and agree it was a great performance. Hard to describe but pleasurable to experience.

LWayne

Edited May 9, 2014 by LWayne

[BFrank]

I'm seeing them here in SF on Friday. Really looking forward to it!

I don't think Cyro Baptista is with them on this leg of the tour, though.

[BFrank]

Tomorrow night. Read a nice review in the NY Times and locally in the SF Chron.

Looks like Cyro WILL be with the band, too.

[LWayne]

Cyro is the engine that makes the quartet hum!

LWayne

Edited May 9, 2014 by LWayne