In the late 80s, Nels Cline formed the Nels Cline Trio, which featured his guitar playing complemented by Mark London Sims (Dark) at bass and Michael Preussner at drums. The trio released several 7 inch demos and one album, before replacing Sims with Bob Mair (subMedia, Sleight of Hand, Lean-To) at bass. This new trio released three albums before splitting up, featuring some of Cline's most melodic works, before he ventured into a freer and more minimalist territory in the decade to come.

Nels Cline Trio on Last.fm.