Scenes From Above (2026)

"The versatility and inventive spirit of American guitarist and composer Julian Lage have led him to collaborations with transcendental saxophonist Charles Lloyd, iconic vibraphonist Gary Burton, visionary composer and saxophonist John Zorn, and guitarist-improviser Nels Cline, with whom he released an excellent contemporary duo session in 2014. The follow-up to "Speak To Me" (Blue Note, 2024), "Scenes From Above" is a nine-track set of originals—written during what Lage calls a 'writing spring'—and dedicated to his father, Mario Lage. The album retains Jorge Roeder on bass while adding keyboardist John Medeski and drummer Kenny Wollesen. On six tracks, the core quartet expands into a quintet with pianist Patrick Warren, who also contributes bells, dulcitone, percussion, and strings. Not particularly groundbreaking or deeply memorable, "Scenes From Above" nonetheless brings the intimate chemistry of Lage’s new group into clear focus." (JazzTrail)