JULIAN LAGE

SQUINT Blue Note 10/10

Julian Lage has had a stunning career, from the bands of Gary Burton and John Zorn, to collaborations with Nels Cline and David Grisman plus numerous albums in his own name. This debut Blue Note instrumental album features his guitar, drums, upright bass trio with music largely penned by him. It’s a unique mix; although a fully paid-up jazzer the music is song-like with accessible melodies and grooves. His guitar tone is rounded and slightly crunchy when digging in but beautifully warm when played lightly. In short, a gorgeous marriage of touch and tone. Opener, Etude is pretty; solo guitar playing that is pianistic and harmonically a little Debussy-esque His cover of Mandel-Mercer’s Emily is exquisite; lyrical playing with a dynamic tone that sits and darts within the drums and bass. Title track, Squint is a broad mix of jazz, rock, broadway and R&B which keeps you glued to the piece’s trajectory. Saint Rose has an Americana pop vibe with a great guitar performance. Familiar Flower has adventurous lines, blustery hybrid picking phrases and organically sharp band interplay. If you’re into genre blending, expressive dynamic ranges and sophisticated virtuosity, Julian is nothing short of stunning! [JS]