Emerging on the music scene 13 years ago, Julian Lage was quickly deemed a guitar-playing prodigy. Playing a unique style that melded blues, classical, folk and jazz influences, Lage received praise from musical luminaries... more », including Herbie Hancock and Bela Fleck. He chose to become a sideman with established instrumentalists like Gary Burton.
Now at the age of 21, Lage releases his debut album, Sounding Point, on EmArcy Records, an imprint of Universal Records. The music ranges from through-composed works and impromptu improvisations in duo and trio settings to solo excursions and a finale capped by a masterful interpretation of Miles Davis s All Blues. Lage also delivers impressive covers of Elliott Smith s Alameda and Neil Hefti s Lil Darlin. The CD features special guests Eigsti, Bela Fleck and renowned mandolinist Chris Thile of Nickel Creek and
Emerging on the music scene 13 years ago, Julian Lage was quickly deemed a guitar-playing prodigy. Playing a unique style that melded blues, classical, folk and jazz influences, Lage received praise from musical luminaries, including Herbie Hancock and Bela Fleck. He chose to become a sideman with established instrumentalists like Gary Burton.
Now at the age of 21, Lage releases his debut album, Sounding Point, on EmArcy Records, an imprint of Universal Records. The music ranges from through-composed works and impromptu improvisations in duo and trio settings to solo excursions and a finale capped by a masterful interpretation of Miles Davis s All Blues. Lage also delivers impressive covers of Elliott Smith s Alameda and Neil Hefti s Lil Darlin. The CD features special guests Eigsti, Bela Fleck and renowned mandolinist Chris Thile of Nickel Creek and
Punch Brothers fame.
Not sure what the previous reviewer was expecting...
T | WA | 04/07/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Sounding Point showcases four different groups: Lage solo, his jazz combo, a trio with Bela Fleck and Chris Thile, and a duo with pianist Taylor Eigsti.
The previous reviewer seemed to mistake the subtle for the uninteresting. With the addition of a cellist and the substitution of a percussionist for a drummer, Lage's combo work is relatively low key, but by no means boring - it is rather quite engaging. 'Clarity' begins with abstract noodling, but soon comes together into medium-tempo waltz. 'All Purpose Beginning' is written in the style of film scores, with varying moods and degrees of intensity. 'Motor Minder' is an exciting Merengue-inspired song that dances between 5/4 and 6/4 time signatures.
For me, the real highlight of this album is Lage's trio work with Fleck and Thile. Fleck and Thile's playing is top-notch, and yet Lage easily holds his own against such veritable giants. Give either of their three tracks ('The Informant,' 'Long Day, Short Night,' and 'Alameda') a listen and you'll quickly realize this is clearly not elevator music. In fact, the first two such tracks almost demand active listening - anyone familiar with Fleck or Thile will understand. And though not as technically complex, their cover of Elliott Smith's 'Alameda' is one of the most enjoyable songs on the record, maybe topped only by heavy and aptly very bluesy 'All Blues.'
Sounding Point is a great debut record. It should not be overlooked."
Great job Julian, no surprise there.
A. Bush | California | 05/12/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Jules,
Most sincere congratulations on the EmArcy debut. You deserve it in spades. One thing for sure, having played duets with you, if that second reviewer had any idea the level of mastery you've developed on your instrument, his "elevator" would be akin to the one at the end of Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. In all seriousness, man, you're a great player in every way there is to be great. Here's hoping we meet and make music again. All the best, andre bush"
Great first CD
Anthony Cooper | Louisville, KY United States | 06/13/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If I were only allowed three words to describe this CD, I'd choose "virtuosic Bill Frisell". Julian Lage is a young guitarist whose voice is unique amongst the jazz guitarists out today. His use of country influences and his arrangements in the tracks with sax and cello sound somewhat Frisellian. The trio tracks with Bela Fleck and Chris Thile show off Lage's fast fingers, but he's also very melodic. The original songs are very well written. It's a very impressive debut. I think the CD would have been stronger with fewer lineups -- they add variety but takeaway some depth.
Fans of jazz guitar should get this CD."
Outstanding debut
M. Kelley | Berkeley, CA | 06/25/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Julian Lage is an amazing creature. In this, his first album, he has assembled an exceptional group of musicians, and created a diverse and enriching musical treat for us. His music has an astonishing breadth, and stems from jazz, classical, blues, folk, and several other genres. I have rarely heard such unique vision. Lage is a musician who does not compromise in the creation of his own music. He is young, perhaps 21 years old at the time this album came out. But I discovered that he has been playing for years as a sideman for such greats as Carlos Santana, (at the age of 8,) Pat Metheny, Toots Thielemans, David Grisman and Gary Burton.
Fortunately, his youth means we can look forward to many more contributions from this fine artist. Check him out! You won't be disappointed."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1
