Nels Cline's "Lovers (for Philadelphia)" at Union Transfer

Ars Nova Workshop, “Philadelphia's most reliable and ambitious presenter of new jazz and improvised music” (Wire Magazine), is proud to present a new commission to be performed by Nels Cline, lead guitarist for the band Wilco and one of Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Guitarists.”

“Lovers (for Philadelphia)” has been created specifically for and inspired by Philadelphia, and is an expansion of Cline’s ravishing project “Lovers,” released on Blue Note Records in 2016, which "puts an elegant, knowing spin on orchestral jazz” (The New York Times). “Lovers (for Philadelphia)” will be performed on Saturday, June 2, at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden Street. ...

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Ars Nova Workshop, “Philadelphia's most reliable and ambitious presenter of new jazz and improvised music” (Wire Magazine), is proud to present a new commission to be performed by Nels Cline, lead guitarist for the band Wilco and one of Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Guitarists.”

“Lovers (for Philadelphia)” has been created specifically for and inspired by Philadelphia, and is an expansion of Cline’s ravishing project “Lovers,” released on Blue Note Records in 2016, which "puts an elegant, knowing spin on orchestral jazz” (The New York Times). “Lovers (for Philadelphia)” will be performed on Saturday, June 2, at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden Street.

Research trips have led Cline on an inspiring journey, through uniquely Philadelphian moments, artifacts, and sites—Jimmy Smith’s organ; Paul Motian’s childhood home; the beginning of Dizzy Gillespie’s career and end of Lee Morgan’s; the continuing home of the Sun Ra Arkestra—and into the memories housed in uniquely Philadelphia institutions—such as the Sigma Sound archives, the Blockson Collection, the Free Library’s orchestral music holdings, and the Curtis Institute archives. He has explored the outstanding minds of Dr. Albert Barnes, Louis Kahn, and three generations of Calder. This only scratches the surface. What has emerged is an autobiographical “second book” of Lovers material, performed one night only, and featuring interpretations of material composed and/or performed by McCoy Tyner, Benny Golson, Paul Motian, Eddie Lang, Sol Kaplan, Ethel Waters, The Delfonics, Brenda & The Tabulations, and more.

“Lovers (for Philadelphia)” will be performed by Cline and an all-star 17-piece ensemble, including conductor-trumpeter Michael Leonhart, drummer Alex Cline, and keyboardist Yuka C. Honda, best known for her work in Cibo Matto. The event will also mark the debut of a new Tired Hands Brewing Company beer co-created and brewed by Cline himself. Additional surprises are in store, with many more details to follow.

Major support for “Lovers (for Philadelphia)” has been provided by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.

Ensemble incudes:

Nels Cline, guitars
Michael Leonhart, conductor + trumpet + flugelhorn
Charles Pillow, flutes + oboe + English horn + alto saxophone
JD Parran, flutes + baritone saxophone
Ben Goldberg, contra-alto + Bb clarinets
Jasper Dutz, bass + Bb clarinets
Sara Schoenbeck, bassoon
Amir ElSaffar, trumpet
Ravi Best, trumpet
Alan Ferber, trombone
Will Shore, vibes + marimba + percussion
Stacey Shames, harp
Yuka C. Honda, keyboard
Nick Millevoi, guitars
Carla Kihlstedt, violin
Erik Friedlander, cello
Devin Hoff, bass
Alex Cline, drums + percussion

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