npr.org
Nels Cline's "Consentrik Quartet" Album Showcases Genre-Bending Jazz
Nels Cline's new album, "Consentrik Quartet," released in 2025, blends indie rock and various jazz subgenres, showcasing his diverse musical career and collaborations with Ingrid Laubrock, Chris Lightcap, and Tom Rainey, resulting in a dynamic album ranging from delicate to explosive.
- How does the album's composition reflect Cline's personal experiences and musical evolution?
- Cline's musical journey, from the Los Angeles scene of the '80s to his current work in New York, is reflected in the album's diverse sounds. The album's composition was influenced by the lockdowns, resulting in pieces ranging from hummable melodies to explosive improvisations. This blend reflects Cline's extensive experience in various jazz subgenres and his collaborations with notable musicians.
- What future trends or developments in jazz music does the album's style and success suggest?
- The "Consentrik Quartet" album suggests a potential resurgence of interest in hard bop, updated for a new millennium. Cline's choice of instrumentation—guitar, saxophone, bass, and drums—and the band's ability to shift between quiet intimacy and intense energy point to a fertile area for future exploration within jazz. The album's success might inspire other musicians to explore similar combinations of genres and intensities.
- What is the most significant impact of Nels Cline's "Consentrik Quartet" album on the contemporary music scene?
- Nels Cline's new album, "Consentrik Quartet," showcases his versatility across jazz and indie rock genres, blending elements of free jazz fusion with contemporary heavy metal jazz influences. The album features a quartet including saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock, bassist Chris Lightcap, and drummer Tom Rainey, creating a dynamic sound ranging from delicate austerity to powerful energy.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The review presents a largely positive portrayal of Cline and his work. Phrases like "muscular grit" and "keening depth" highlight Cline's artistic strengths. The selection of specific examples of tracks and the descriptions of their qualities reinforce this positive framing. While this doesn't explicitly push a biased narrative, it's worth noting the lack of critical counterpoints to balance the overwhelmingly positive tone.
Language Bias
The review uses positive and descriptive language ("muscular grit," "keening depth," "spectacular fury," "joyous roar") to describe Cline's music. While evocative, this enthusiastic tone might be considered subjective rather than strictly objective reporting. The critic's opinions are clearly labeled as such, reducing the potential for bias.
Bias by Omission
The review focuses heavily on Cline's musical career and collaborations, neglecting potential discussion of the album's reception or impact beyond the critic's personal interpretation. While this is common in music reviews, a broader context might include sales figures, critical acclaim from other sources, or the album's influence on other musicians. This omission doesn't necessarily indicate bias, but it does limit the scope of the analysis.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the success of musician Nels Cline, who has had a long and varied career. His success in the music industry can be seen as a positive influence, potentially inspiring others and creating economic opportunities, which indirectly contributes to poverty reduction. While not a direct link, economic success stories can have a ripple effect in communities, leading to improved livelihoods and reduced poverty.