The Nels Cline Consentrik Quartet jazz ensemble delivered an extraordinary performance at The Falcon in upstate New York on Wednesday night. Located about 10 minutes north of Newburgh, NY, in the quaint town of Marlboro, The Falcon stands out as one of the live music gems in the Mid-Hudson Valley. Year after year, it books top-notch acts, bringing some of the best music to upstate New York. Its setup as a dinner theatre, combined with good food, a great selection of beverages, and live music, makes for a very enjoyable night out.
The show commenced promptly at 7 p.m., featuring exceptional music that was unique and thoroughly appreciated by all in attendance. The band excels at improvised jazz, showcasing versatility, seamless song lead-ins, and solos that come together flawlessly. The band members include Nels Cline on guitar, Tom Rainey on drums, Chris Lightcap on bass, and Ingrid Laubrock on sax & clarinet. This versatile quartet has collaborated with some of the best jazz musicians in the industry. At times, the influences of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Greg Osby were discernible—an illustrious company that epitomizes the essence of jazz.
Nels Cline's use of guitar electronics to create unique music experiences is particularly noteworthy. He animates the stage as he adjusts his electronic gear to find the perfect combination of settings. The chords, notes, and sounds produced are singularly captivating, evoking a wish that this energy could be immortalized in a photograph. After their set, the band took a brief intermission, returned for an encore, and then mingled with the audience—an engaging and appreciated gesture.
The Consentrik Quartet's five-show, three-city tour proceeded to New York City on Thursday and concluded with two dates in Philadelphia: a Friday evening show and two performances on Saturday, a matinee at 3 p.m. and an evening show at 8 p.m. Nels Cline will then perform two shows at the Sultan Room in Brooklyn on February 20 with Joe Russo & John Medeski, before joining Wilco for a tour in Japan and Australia. Cline's busy schedule places him alongside Warren Haynes as one of the most industrious musicians in the industry. These Concentrik Quartet shows offer another avenue to enjoy outstanding music and entertainment. If you're in or near Philadelphia, or can make the trip, don't miss the chance to see this band perform.
