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Julian Lage: World's Fair

By Mark F. Turner
July 19, 2015
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Guitarist Julian Lage's chameleon-like abilities have covered many styles from jazz in ensembles with vibraphonist

Gary Burton

vibraphone
b.1943

" data-original-title="" title="">Gary Burton and drummer

Eric Harland

drums
b.1976

" data-original-title="" title="">Eric Harland to avant-free expressions with guitarist

" data-original-title="" title="">Nels Cline in Room (Mack Avenue, 2014) and folksy bluegrass with Punch Brother's member Chris Eldridge in Avalon (Modern Lore, 2014). A phenomenal technician Lage is more importantly a player with pronounced tonality and delicate touch who exudes a plethora of moods from his instrument as displayed with his first solo release World's Fair. It's the perfect showcase of his fine abilities on acoustic guitar.

A sense of warm intimacy begins a set of originals with the track "40's" a tune that exudes expressiveness in its lyrical qualities. Vigorous chord structures juxtaposed with gossamer laced notes that are slightly nostalgic lie at the heart of "Japan." Yet true to Lage's inquisitive nature there's plenty of diversity with melodious adventurism in "Peru" fueled by Lage's quicksilver picking; blues bending plucks in "Ryland" and neoclassical persuasions in the dramatic yet lovely "Century."

Each track displays moments of nuance and virtuosity. The barn burner "Gardens" is an intense and roller-coaster thrill ride with a feverish tempo and dynamic changes. Whereas the cover of the iconic 1937 show tune "Where or When" lingers like a comfortable memory. Much could be spoken of Lage's technical prowess and facility which are in full aplomb but his ultimate gift might lie at how he harnesses these skills with emotion and empathy in this splendid release.

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Track Listing

40's; Peru; Japan; Ryland; Double Stops; Gardens; Century; Where or When; Missouri; Red Prarie Dawn; Day and Age; Lullaby.

Personnel

Julian Lage

guitar, electric

Julian Lage: acoustic guitar.

Album information

Title: World's Fair | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: Modern Lore Records

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Julian Lage Concerts

Oct 4 Sat

Julian Lage

Maryland Hall For The Creative Arts
Annapolis, MD

Oct 5 Sun

Julian Lage

Ridgefield Playhouse
Ridgefield, CT

Oct 18 Sat

Julian Lage

Sanders Theatre
Cambridge, MA

Nov 3 Mon

Julian Lage

Elbphilharmonie Kulturcafé
Hamburg, Germany

Nov 4 Tue

Julian Lage

The Helix
Dublin, Ireland

Nov 9 Sun

Julian Lage

Het Concertgebouw
Amsterdam, Netherlands

Jan 31 Sat

Julian Lage

Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts
Brookfield, WI

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