Wilco Guitarist & Jazz Legend Nels Cline
January 18, 2016
Products of the Mind Episode 15: Wilco Guitarist and Jazz Legend Nels Cline
Who becomes a rock star at age 48?
Welcome to Episode 15 of Products of the Mind. On this episode, I speak with Wilco guitarist and jazz legend Nels Cline.
“We wanted to be hippies; we wanted to be Rock & Roll wizards.”
Not everyone who goes to L.A. makes it big, but some people who are from there can go all the way. Today we speak with Nels Cline, guitarist for indie rock megastars Wilco and longtime solo artist (including with his band The Nels Cline Singers) and collaborator with countless other music legends. Nels talks about growing up in West L.A.; being “one half” of a set of twins; cultural music lessons in public school; and inspiration from Ravi Shankar.
From sitar to guitar, Nels unravels his journey to finally making it big with Wilco.
Hear what it’s like to survive as an artist: Volvo trips from L.A. to the bay; the struggle to make rent; regular life “getting in the way” of the dream; and opening for Primus.
And of course we learn about Nels’ inspirations, including (but certainly not limited to): Humble Pie, Jimi Hendrix, and John Coltrane.
Other musical gems:
- Yes
- King Crimson
- The Yardbirds: Happenings Ten Years Time Ago
- Manic Depression (Jimi Hendrix)
- Geraldine Fibbers wiki
- Wilco’s Impossible Germany (live)
- Best Coast
- Cibo Matto
Nels Cline Homepage
Nels’ Twitter @nelscline
The songs played in this episode:
- “Impossible Germany” by Wilco – Buy it on iTunes
- “The Wedding Band” by The Nels Cline Singers – Buy it on iTunes
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The Credits
Products of the Mind is produced by Mana Monzavi.
The illustration accompanying these show notes is by Whit Harris.
The theme music for this episode was provided by Le Chateau. The track name is “Bury You.” Go buy it on Soundcloud!
This episode and these show notes © 2016 David Lizerbram
