NEM#146: Nels Cline Writes Jazz Fusion (And Plays Guitar for Wilco)

Though best known as lead guitarist for Wilco since 2004, Nels has recorded 30+ instrumental albums, often as band leader. We discuss "Headdress" by The Nels Cline Singers from Share the Wealth (2020), "The Nomad’s Home" from Coward (2009), and "Fives & Sixes" from his first solo release, Angelica (1987). We conclude by listening to "Imperfect Ten" by The Nels Cline 4 from  Continue Reading …

NEM#117: Chris McQueen (FORQ, Snarky Puppy): Like Fusion, But Cool

Chris has been guitarist for the Dallas/New York-based fusion group Snarky Puppy since its inception in 2004 and his simultaneously headed rock bands (Oso Closo then Foe Destroyer) and most recently explored acoustic guitar duets. We discuss "M-Theory" from his main band at this point, FORQ, from their album Four (2019), co-written with keyboardist Henry Hey. The intro music  Continue Reading …

NEM#77: Shawn Phillips: Uncategorizable from Texas

Shawn started with two albums as a '60s folk singer, went to England to cavort with Donavan, The Beatles, et al, and emerged in the '70s with ten albums of eclectic, progressive music with shamanic lyrics delivered with a twang. We discuss "She Was Waitin' for Her Mother at the Station in Torino and You Know I Love You Baby but It's Getting Too Heavy to Laugh" (or "Woman"  Continue Reading …

NEM#16. Narada Michael Walden Funks the Moment

Narada started as a fusion drummer in the '70s (with Mahavishnu Orchestra, Jeff Beck, Weather Report, Santana, etc.) then released numerous solo albums and produced and wrote for artists like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, and many more. He believes in working fast: creating a mood and getting the most out of it. We discuss "Freedom" (written by Richie  Continue Reading …