Julian Lage: Modern Lore

Julian Lage contains many guitar personae within his slender frame. A prodigy from an early age, the now-30-year-old has spent his career sliding fluidly between projects like the languid cool jazz of his work with saxophonist Dayna Stephens, folksy duets with David Grisman, and thoroughly modern fare as with his recent recording of John Zorn compositions.
When he takes the lead, as he does on Modern Lore his new trio album recorded with drummer Kenny Wollesen and bassist Scott Colley, he gives the many sides of his musical personality a turn in the spotlight. And the result is a snappy, multi-colored affair that gives him ample room to show off his unmatched skills with his chosen instrument.
For much of the album, Lage looks for ways to expand upon the mode of the country picker. Opener “The Ramble” takes its title very seriously, evoking a bumpy and aimless drive through some dusty landscape. But it’s rhythm and pacing also give off a spirit of Chet Atkins somehow guesting with peak ‘70s-era Genesis. If you can imagine “Watcher Of The Skies” reimagined by a country swing band, you’re getting close. “Wordsmith” leans much more jazzy but returns to this bluesy, Duane Eddy-like feel that adds a nice noir-ish sliver to its otherwise pleasant atmosphere.