Nels Cline: Lovers

Conducted by Michael Leonhart with the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra

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Nels Cline is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and creative guitarists of his generation. Over the course of a career spanning more than 200 recordings, he has led numerous groups, collaborated across genres from jazz to rock to experimental music, and been a full-time member of Wilco for over two decades.

One of Cline’s most ambitious works is Lovers, a project first envisioned in the 1980s, and conceived of as a darker take on atmospheric “mood music”. The album weaves together jazz standards with works by Sonic Youth, Annette Peacock, The Ambitious Lovers, and Cline himself, and is an expansive exploration of some less-traveled aspects of romance, love, and sex.

Longtime friend/poet/producer David Breskin, championed the idea for years before helping secure funding to make this project possible. When Cline met composer/arranger Michael Leonhart, he found a co-conspirator who shared his vision, and through hard work and inspiration they brought the project to life.

The team of Cline, Breskin, and Leonhart assembled a 23-piece ensemble and recorded over five days, with an additional day for strings and harp. What began as an almost overwhelming concept became an 18-track double album that unfolds like a musical memoir, moving from Nels’ early jazz influences to later experimental inspirations, honoring friends, mentors, and personal milestones.

In 2026, Lovers celebrates its tenth anniversary. Nearly a decade ago, a planned Big Ears performance was canceled when a snowstorm kept Cline grounded in New York City, making a  return especially poignant. The large ensemble, conducted by Leonhart, will feature Chris Lightcap (bass), Alex Cline (drums), Guitarist Gregg Belisle-Chi (2nd guitar), members of Knoxville Jazz Orchestra, and Cline himself.