Product Description
Synopsis: The world's top guitarist Julian Lage's first new album in two years features a new quartet including John Medeski and is once again produced by Joe Henry, showcasing a new form of American music. Julian Lage, the world's top guitarist, who is scheduled to tour Japan in December with 7 shows in 6 locations, has released his new album, his first in approximately two years since his Grammy-nominated album "Speak to Me." For this fifth album on Blue Note, singer-songwriter Joe Henry, a key figure in the Americana boom and who has worked with many legendary artists, returns as producer. All songs are newly written by Julian, and the album was recorded with a new quartet consisting of John Medeski (organ, piano), Jorge Roeder (bass), and Kenny Wolsen (drums, percussion). While continuing the roots music direction shown in his previous album "Speak to Me," elements of straight-ahead jazz and free jazz can be felt throughout. In particular, Medeski's organ and piano work largely determined the direction of this album, successfully highlighting Julian's signature lyrical melodies in tracks like "Opal," "Night Shade," and "Something More." The album cover, featuring a photograph of Julian looking down at a guitar fretboard, symbolizes the album title and is also eye-catching. This album is impressive for its sound, which presents a new way of depicting the quintessential American landscape. Julian Lage is solidifying his position as a guitar hero, and his new sonic world is one to watch. Media reviews and more: Julian Lage, one of the world's top guitarists, releases his new album approximately two years after his Grammy-nominated album "Speak to Me." For this fifth album on Blue Note, singer-songwriter Joe Henry, a key figure in the Americana boom and who has worked with many legendary artists, returns as producer, following his work on the previous album. Continuing the roots music-influenced direction of his previous album, "Speak to Me," Julian Lage also incorporates elements of straight-ahead and free jazz throughout. Medeski's organ and piano work, in particular, largely defines the album's direction, successfully enhancing Julian's signature lyrical melodies in tracks like "Opal," "Nightshade," and "Something More." This album is impressive for its sound, which presents a fresh perspective on the quintessential American landscape. Julian Lage is solidifying his position as a guitar hero, and his new sonic world is definitely one to watch. (C)RS
