I'm always amazed at how expressive Julian's playing is. I don't often dig guitar jazz, even if I separately like guitar and jazz (mostly by horn players), but it's like Julian is breathing his phrases through his fingers, while everyone else is clumsily hammering them out.
You’re not wrong with that analysis. It really does flow through him. You’ll see him do things with his right hand in quiet moments where it’s still flowing even while not playing a damned note. Hard to explain, but you’ll know it when you see it.
I saw him in a very small room a few years ago and I know precisely what the previous commenters mean. He goes deep into the tune like no other modern guitarist.
One of the few musicians I would actually like to just have a conversation with. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing him 4 times in the last two years and it’s a transcendental experience.
An old Les Paul into a clean blackface Fender amp is the sound of the '60s and '70s. It's still the best tone that can be had out of a guitar rig. It takes me back to my youth. BTW, Julian Lage was a child prodigy and was my neighbor in Sonoma County, CA. Love what he's done in the music world. Very proud.
Most of the new music I pick up and new artists and bands I follow come from these rig rundowns. I will happily add this guy to the list. Thanks PG for another amazing new talent to follow.
This is wonderful. I’m a recent convert to Lange thanks to Beato & Paul Davids and really wanted to know more about his setup. I’m a huge tele fan and to see jazz played so beautifully on one is fantastic
I met him after a show once, and can confirm he is that nice of a person. Btw, if you have never heard the ROOM album he did with Nels Cline, it is a must have....
Thanks Julian and John. I'm 60 and grew up dropping the needle on my hero's never even knowing what they looked like. Hope to see you live perform one day.
Great rundown! Would have loved it even more if you would have stuck your head behind the amp and noted the speaker. They make such a huge difference, it’s always nice to know.
One of the best rig rundowns I've seen on, ironically, perhaps the smallest rig I've seen LoL - I'm not particularly into jazz but I'd for sure go to see him if he ever came to New Zealand - just another reminder of why to love guitar and that you can find inspiration in every genre
he is an absolute joy...the man and his art! Though, he did not touch the Collings at the Charlottesville show. Margaret Glaspy did one song with it...
Infuriatingly kind person. You shouldn’t be allowed to have this talent and be this nice, at the very least he should be bad at spelling or parking or something to tether him down to earth.
If I was lucky enough to have Julian as a neighbor, he would most likely have a restraining order on me because I would constantly be wanting to talk and listen to his playing, and showing me all his tricks on guitar. My wife would never see me and hate him for it! LOL
I ended up here after watching a Telecaster history video on Five Watt World. I’ll def checkout some of Julian’s music! Also, he’s kind of “Woody Allen”.
My god, what an incredibly interesting guitar player and human being. He seems to be in pursuit of absolute purity - just man and guitar. Almost seems like he’d do it without an amp and pedals if he could get away with it 🤣. Such an amazing talent.
Which he certainly has. World's Fair is a great album recorded with just a 000-18 Martin acoustic and it's one of his best, in my opinion. It seems like he goes through phases where he really likes playing through a certain guitar or medium (a certain amp, pedals, etc.) and it is really fun to follow.
Exactly when I thought guitar has reached to it’s end….BOOM! There is Julian Lage. What a breath of fresh air. I came from rock and metal side of the guitar but I get mesmerized each time I’m hearing him playing the guitar. His playing style matches his personality. Coolest dude ever! Thank you PG for arranging this interview.
His music has a freshness to it while still being jazz at heart, it's intriguing. I'm almost more impressed by how comfortable he is talking and formulating sentences. I feel like he could tell us about his breakfast and we would all sit and listen.
Humble nerd brag. Top .05% of Lage listeners on Spotify. Probably more hours on YT. After 10 years off, his influence pulled me back into to loving and getting lost in my guitars.
Excellent ideas. At 63, 40 years of gigs under my belt, THIS guy just taught me more than a few ideas, aside from his beautiful playing. I really like what he said about "feeling worthy" of the guitar. I've always had that unworthiness gnawing at me, though Julian is rewarded by the full agreement in the teamwork of the guitar's love for what he's doing, as well as the choice of amps/ pedals. His volumes is what I never expected, and I'm going to do some experimentation based on what he's doing. Amazing all around.
I have to admit I didn’t know who this was, but trust me since watching this I dove into his music and wow. He’s probably forgotten more than I’ll ever know, plus he’s relatable, music is approachable and speaks in a way anyone can understand. He appears to be very intelligent and interesting person. I enjoyed this!
This highly educated prodigy has subtle class that will translate into a legacy that will be openly studied in the arts for a long time to come. Simply, and stoically, eternal zen.
Articulate, intelligent, humble, kind, gentle, unprecedented talent and creativity... thank you Julian. And thank you John and Premier Guitar for all you provide the community of guitar players. This is a great convergence of modern times, technology, and guitar geekery. Love it.
Mr Lage is not just one of the finest players I've ever heard (and always one with flawless tone) but he also seems one of the most pleasant and down to earth ones. Thoroughly enjoyed this rundown, probably my favourite so far.
I don't know the possibility but i would love a TOOL rig rundown. The DunlopTV one is outdated and low quality and i would love the guys PG to give us a proper Rig Rundown.
I love p90s and his playing style with that Les Paul is pure magic, even more than the Dynasonic pickups to my ear. What a great dude. Enjoyed this very much
