Coward (Nels Cline album)

Coward is a solo album by American guitarist Nels Cline which was released in October 2009 on the Cryptogramophone label.

Coward
Studio album by Nels Cline
Released	February 10, 2009 (2009-02-10)
Recorded	April 13–18, 2008
Genre	Jazz
Length	72:25
Label	Cryptogramophone CG141
Producer	Jeff Gauthier
Nels Cline chronology
Draw Breath (2007) Coward (2009) Dirty Baby (2010)

Reception

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic
All About Jazz
Pitchfork Media	6.9/10

The AllMusic review by Michael G. Nastos states, "This sounds like a very personal and emotional project, certainly one that is rendered from the heart, and must be listened to with the challenged bravery and wide open ears that ignorant, frightened people and those afraid of living life will never, ever experience".

Writing for All About Jazz, John Kelman stated "Like the best solo guitar albums, Coward transcends being merely an exercise in the instrument's vast potential—though it is that, too. Impossible to create without Cline's unequivocal virtuosity, the largely acoustic Coward remains about everything but guitaristic acumen. Instead it's an instrumental masterpiece, further positioning Cline as one of today's most open-minded composers, players and musical conceptualists. Despite its not inconsiderable challenges, it retains a surprisingly broad appeal, making it a true classic that will likely keep aspiring guitarists scratching their heads for years to come".

Pitchfork's Mark Masters stated "There's no doubt that Coward is a worthy addition to his canon, but the chances of it being anyone's go-to Cline disc are roughly the same as someone listing a compilation as their favorite album".

Track listing

All compositions by Nels Cline

1. "Epiphyllum" - 4:21
2. "Prayer Wheel" - 5:00
3. "Thurston County" - 7:04
4. "The Androgyne" - 3:11
5. "Rod Poole's Gradual Ascent to Heaven" - 18:41
6. "The Divine Homegirl" - 4:24
7. "X Change(s)" - 4:20
8. "The Nomad's Home" - 3:43
9. "Onan (Suite): Amniotica" - 2:48
10. "Onan (Suite): Lord & Lady" - 5:00
11. "Onan (Suite): Dreams in the Mirror" - 1:38
12. "Onan (Suite): Interruption (Onan's Psychedelic Breakdown)" - 1:51
13. "Onan (Suite): Seedcaster" - 3:12
14. "Onan (Suite): Liberator" - 3:21
15. "Cymbidium" - 3:51

Personnel

• Nels Cline – electric guitar, acoustic guitar, sruti box, autoharp, zither, megamouth, kaossilator, quintronics drum buddy