At first glance, the uninformed listener could easily mistake virtuosic guitar prodigy, composer, and renowned improviser for nearly anything other than a world-class recording artist. Dropping the needle on his newest endeavor, Speak To Me, tells the same listener a different story, exemplifying that age-old saying: never judge a book by its cover. From its unassuming opening blues and gospel-inspired track, “Hymnal,” to its quirky and subdued epilogue, “Nothing Happens Here,” this album tells a story and paints the listener a full picture. Without a single word being spoken or sung, Lage creates and sculpts gorgeous, inspired soundscapes with his astounding guitar work at the front and center. The true hallmark of this body of work to the versed and educated music consumer is likely to be the diversity of styles and sounds encompassed in only 13 tracks.
With each song running relatively short (by jazz standards), a noticeable trait of each is that there is little recycling of musical material to digest. The title track, “Speak To Me,” feels like an ode to both Lage’s upbringing in Santa Rosa, California as well as his early fascination with jazz music. At the opposite end, the swaggering, and roots-tinged romp “76” sounds like it would be just as at home on a jam band bootleg. Whether it be the moody, brooding acoustic melody of “As It Were” or the swampy and driving feel of “Northern Shue,” Lage has no shortage of creativity and self-expression to share by way of his stringed companion. Getting lost in the textures and atmosphere of this record can be immersion of the highest order when consumed attentively. Not that it cannot be enjoyed casually in any setting, but it is undoubtedly best enjoyed as an active and conscious activity. Conjuring the images of the dierent scenes and settings of Lage’s compositions, the listener will soon not only hear but likely also feel this music. The producer of this record, singer/songwriter Joe Henry, has been cited as a major influence on the final product. He spoke on the vision he had for this album describing it as “How can we make a record where Julian is improvising... while we’re attending to the song?” Lage praised this guidance and its outcome on the project heavily, expressing gratitude for Henry serving as a “forcefield around the project” (Blue Note). "Speak To Me" is Lage’s 12th solo studio record and he is neither a stranger nor newcomer to the music world. The subject of an award-winning documentary Jules at Eight, Lage’s virtuosity and prodigious beginnings continue to serve him well as he grows and develops into a more explorative and adventurous guitarist with each release. Past projects have included a tribute to the history of legendary jazz record label Blue Note Records (which signed Lage as an artist in 2020) in the form of 2021’s Squint. As well as a love letter to mid-20th century rock n roll and pop in 2019’s Love Hurts (which served as my introduction to Lage’s work). Through each release, Lage seemingly explores a different aspect of his musical journey and his interests.
Accompanying the release of this record there is an extensive tour that has seen Lage performing as the Resident Artistic Director of the San Francisco Jazz Collective; as well as a phenomenal show in Nashville in September, all the way to Tokyo before the end of 2024. Lage is an artist on an upward trajectory that only continues to display his ability to grow and improve with each passing milestone. Whether it serves as an introduction to Julian Lage, improvised music, or instrumental music as a whole, there is something for every type of listener. From its honest and stripped-back delivery to its boundary-pushing style, it is one of many albums that will be added to the collection of a music connoisseur. "Speak To Me" is a triumphant achievement for the entire world of music that deserves to be listened to again and again.
- Harrison Eason
