Credits:

Julian Lage

Description:

Julian Rage, one of Americana jazz's most popular guitarists, makes his Blue Note debut. The album is a trio effort with bassist Jorge Roeder and drummer Dave King, with whom Rage has honed their teamwork over the years, and nine of the 11 tracks on the album are original compositions. Nine of the eleven songs on this album are originals, and the trio's deep, skillful interplay and expressive songwriting shine through on this album. I love improvisation, but I've always been fascinated by the music of singer/songwriters and others," says Rage. For me, the jazz that came out of Blue Note has always had both sides," says Rage of his move to Blue Note, "Grant Green's 'Idle Moments,' Joe Henderson's 'Inner Urge,' and his work with Bobby Hutcherson shine through. McCoy Tyner's "Time for Tyner" and other albums that I loved and that contained great music. I see this move as a wonderful opportunity to interpret music from the Blue Note tradition in my own way." He commented.Rage had a six-day trio performance at the Village Vanguard, a jazz mecca in New York City, in January 2020, and planned to go into the studio with the same members of the trio, but cancelled them all due to the new coronavirus. However, the extra time spent at home gave them an opportunity to think about the various social issues that surrounded the U.S. last year. Included in this album will be a collection of songs that Rage has reexamined and reweaved about herself, society, and music. About this unusual process, Rage says, "My first thought in making this album was to create positive and beautiful music. However, when the recording didn't happen, I began to think about the intent of the music and it became clearer to me than ever that art and music are platforms to influence, heal, and create conversation among people. It became very important to me to express the emotional complexity and fuzzy, unclouded feelings in the songs, and as a result, I think I was able to give this album not only a lightness, but a depth that fits the world we live in today." He said.

Tracklisting:

1.Etude
2.Boo's Blues
3.Squint
4.Saint Rose
5.Emily
6.Familiar Flower
7.Day and Age
8.Quiet Like A Fuse
9.Short Form
10.Twilight Surfer
11.Call of the Canyon