Guitarist Nels Cline on his early music education

In this interview done backstage at the 2016 Newport Jazz Festival, guitarist Nels Cline talks about his early musical development, including his first instrument, his first paid gig and his formative experiences at community college. Cline was performing his “Lovers” suite at the festival.
Interview by Irene Lee. Video production by Will DiGravio. Editing by Lee Mergner & Melissa Mergner. Thanks to Carolyn McClair, Melanie Nanez, Danny Melnick, Jay Sweet and the staff of the Newport Jazz Festival.
For more information about Nels Cline, go to www.nelscline.com
For more information about the Newport Jazz Festival, go to www.newportjazzfest.org
For more information about JazzTimes, go to www.jazztimes.com

[@Bix12]

I find myself relating more and more to Nels as I find out more about him...in his performance/playing choices, in his personal journey of discovery, and the episodic events which occurred along the way

[@ampgent]

It is a testament to this man’s spirit, and to the beauty and power of music, that he initially endured terrible teachers and other setbacks to persist and become such a wonderful musician.

[@iancunningham5576]

The original one and only. Nels