Julian Lage Elevates Jazz Expression With "Scenes From Above"

Written By: Big C

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Photo Credit: Hannah Gray Hall

Sometimes the view becomes clearer when you learn to share the sky. GRAMMY-nominated guitar virtuoso Julian Lage soars into new creative territory with his upcoming album Scenes From Above. The record, introduces a vibrant new quartet featuring John Medeski on keys, Jorge Roeder on bass, and Kenny Wollesen on drums. Together, they explore the intersection of intuition and composition, weaving delicate improvisation. The lead single Opal produced by Joe Henry, shimmers as a luminous invitation to this sonic world. Lage says:

I came in with a desire to present this as an egalitarian thing, rather than ‘I’m the leader — let’s build something around me.

Keyboardist Medeski reflects:

Julian really thinks about things, has a lot of intention… but it’s a beautiful combination of caring about the concept and being free in the moment.

That sense of shared musical conversation defines Scenes from Above, a project that glows with humanity and trust. From Medeski’s soulful phrasing to Wollesen’s rhythmic Subtleties, every note feels alive, recorded in real time as four distinct voices find harmony in exploration. This combo frames the album as an act of collective balance, equal parts introspective and expansive. Written in a flurry ahead of a residency at SFJAZZ, the album’s nine tracks were born from creative instinct and raw immediacy. Watch the live performance of "Opal" and connect with Julian Lage on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube.

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