Label: Blue Note Records, 2024
Personnel - Julian Lage: acoustic and electric guitar; Jorge Roeder: bass, vibraphone; Dave King: drums; Patrick Warren: piano, keyboards; Levon Henry: tenor saxophone; Kris Davis: piano.
Guitarist and composer Julian Lage explores different styles and group formats - from solo to quartet to sextet - in his fourth full-length album for Blue Note, Speak To Me. On seven tracks, his versatility is showcased alongside regular associates bassist Jorge Roeder and drummer Dave King, with keyboardist Patrick Warren adding distinct flavors to their sharp sound.
On the opener, “Hymnal”, strings emulation flow from his keys while Lage’s acoustic phrases dialogue with Roeder’s bass lines. It’s all delivered with a liberal narrative perspective. “Northern Shuffle” infuses cheerful rock n' roll-flavored blues with outside electric guitar playing, adding a slight dissonance that enhances its appeal. Featuring a sextet arrangement, Levon Henry's tenor saxophone shines on this piece.
Similarly presented in a sextet setting, "South Mountain" leans towards folk with strummed passages in five and a loose-limbed finale. "76" delivers an intoxicating rock tale with Lage on acoustic guitar and pianist Kris Davis contributing a gripping solo. "Speak To Me" electrifies with free spirit, saturating the atmosphere with vibrant colors, while "Two and One" revisits acoustic blues with hints of Django Reinhardt's swinging propensity.
If “Omission” is a dyed-in-the-wool contemporary country song, then “Serenade” waltzes unhurriedly with passionate romanticism, highlighted by Warren’s soaring keyboard accompaniment. “Tiburon” features vibrant guitar improvisation over a rich harmonic progression and King’s simmering drum work, while “As it Were” captivates with Lage’s dissonant acoustic swoops and fragile aesthetics.
Lage’s ability to infuse songs with unexpected twists while maintaining a strong foundation showcases his unique musical vision, which, never rigid but not completely rooted in improvisation, relies on a sure-footed synthesis of post-bop, rock, and American music. On this account, this eclectic artist, who often combines angular detail with pleasant melodicism, cannot be reined by an obvious classification.
Favorite Tracks:
01 - Hymnal ► 06 - South Mountain ► 11 - As it Were