Julian Lage looks at his future from the front rank of performers of his generation - a composer, arranger and guitarist, who delights and inspires musicians and fans alike. Lage’s virtuosity is only part of what makes him such a formidable artist; he also possesses broad musical wisdom, sophistication and wit.
"I have always seen music as an extension of nature, rather than a realm that is within my control, and it has become my greatest teacher. Within the lessons that I learn through music, are dynamic and inspiring relationships with people. I feel deeply grateful to be a part of this rich environment, and I look forward to seeing what it has in store for me, as I develop personally and musically."
Julian was born in Santa Rosa, California where...
(Read More)Julian Lage looks at his future from the front rank of performers of his generation - a composer, arranger and guitarist, who delights and inspires musicians and fans alike. Lage’s virtuosity is only part of what makes him such a formidable artist; he also possesses broad musical wisdom, sophistication and wit.
"I have always seen music as an extension of nature, rather than a realm that is within my control, and it has become my greatest teacher. Within the lessons that I learn through music, are dynamic and inspiring relationships with people. I feel deeply grateful to be a part of this rich environment, and I look forward to seeing what it has in store for me, as I develop personally and musically."
Julian was born in Santa Rosa, California where his family still resides. Educated at an early age in Western classical music at the San Francisco Conservatory Julian pursued jazz studies at Sonoma State University, where he developed improvisational skill in parallel with his classical musical education. He also attended Ali Akbar College of Music where he studied Indian music. Currently he is studying advanced classical composition at Berklee College of Music in Boston.
Julian began playing guitar at 5 years old, in the blues tradition, but soon discovered jazz and started playing publicly at the age of 7. At 12, Julian played on the nationally televised Grammy Awards telecast where internationally renowned vibraphonist Gary Burton spotted him. Burton asked Julian to join his band and their collaboration was born.
Julian toured with the Gary Burton GENERATIONS quintet contributing a number of original compositions to the quintet’s repertoire and filled the guitar chair held by such distinguished artists such as Larry Coryell, Pat Metheny, and John Scofield. He recorded with Burton on his GENERATIONS album and again in 2005 on the cd NEXT GENERATION. Some of the concerts he performed with Burton’s quintet were at the San Francisco Jazz Festival, the Monterey Jazz Festival, the Newport Jazz Festival, as well as several tours to Europe and Japan.
In 2005 Julian also appeared on Nnenna Freelon’s GRAMMY nominated album "Blueprint Of A Lady" as well as a second GRAMMY nominated album, "Lucky To Be Me". This was the debut recording by long time musical collaborator and pianist Taylor Eigsti and features a duet composed by Julian and Taylor. They subsequently toured Brazil and performed concerts in the U.S. and Europe and collaborated on Taylor’s new CD "Let it Come To You" (May 6, 2008 release).
Julian has also performed with Herbie Hancock, David Grisman, Bela Fleck, Charles Lloyd, Mark O’Connor, Lee Konitz, Martin Taylor, Billy Higgins, Jane Monheit, Billy Hart, and Christian McBride, among many others.
Download the stunning full length track 'Motor Minder' from Julian's forthcoming album Sounding Point
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Sounding Point EPK
9mins 59sec
