Guitarist Nels Cline may be best known these days for his work with Wilco, but he’d already established himself as an inventive guitarist and composer long before teaming up with the band. On his new CD, Initiate (Cryptogramophone, 2010), the Nels Cline Singers trio explores a variety of rhythmic and harmonic concepts from their very original viewpoint. In this interview, Cline talks about the all-inclusive concept behind his current trio; his concerns years ago about playing in the trio format; and the previous jazz masters whose styles of leadership in the studio and on the bandstand he most tries to emulate. Learn more at www.nelscline.com.

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