One of Nels 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.
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.
