Julian Lage — Music Videos

Julian Lage is an American guitarist and composer whose music connects jazz improvisation with American roots traditions and a detailed awareness of the guitar’s acoustic possibilities. His playing combines a clear melodic line with changes of touch, resonance, and rhythmic emphasis.

Squint, released in 2021, places his writing in a trio with bassist Jorge Roeder and drummer Dave King. Pieces such as “Saint Rose” and “Boo’s Blues” show how a compact ensemble can move between relaxed song-like passages and more unpredictable interaction.

The guitar’s sound is part of the composition: a ringing note, a muted attack, or a slightly roughened chord can alter the direction of a phrase. Lage’s recordings reward close listening to these small choices as much as to the speed or complexity of a solo.