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Julian Lage

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description Julian Lage Overview

Julian Lage is an American jazz guitarist and composer whose work draws on jazz improvisation, acoustic string music, blues, and American folk traditions. A performer from childhood, he has recorded as a bandleader and collaborated with musicians including Gary Burton, Nels Cline, Chris Eldridge, and John Zorn. Lage signed with Blue Note Records in 2020, and his music is distinguished by melodic clarity, dynamic ensemble interaction, and the use of both electric and acoustic guitar.

help Julian Lage FAQ

Which Julian Lage album should a new listener start with?

Squint is a strong entry point because it captures his core trio with bassist Jorge Roeder and drummer Dave King. Released by Blue Note in 2021, it balances blues, jazz improvisation, and concise original compositions.

What guitar does Julian Lage usually play?

Lage is closely associated with a Nachocaster, a Telecaster-style instrument built by Nacho Banos. He also plays acoustic guitars, and his recorded work ranges from intimate duos to amplified trio performances.

Which Julian Lage album features Bill Frisell?

Bill Frisell joins Lage's trio on View with a Room, released by Blue Note in 2022. Frisell adds a second guitar voice without replacing the established rhythm section of Jorge Roeder and Dave King.

Was Julian Lage already recording before he signed with Blue Note?

Yes, his leader debut Sounding Point appeared in 2009 and received a Grammy nomination. Before his Blue Note period, he also recorded Room with Nels Cline and collaborated with musicians such as Gary Burton and Chris Eldridge.