Love Hurts / Julian Lage

Hailed as one of the most prodigious guitarists of his generation, Julian Lage has spent more than a decade searching through the myriad strains of American musical history via impeccable technique, free association and a spirit of infinite possibility. Though only 31, the New York-based musician boasts a long, prolific résumé as sideman (alongside such icons as Gary Burton and John Zorn), duo partner (with Nels Cline, Chris Eldridge and Fred Hersch), and as soloist and bandleader. Love Hurts - which marks Lage's third Mack Avenue LP recorded with a trio, and his first to feature bassist Jorge Roeder and drummer Dave King (The Bad Plus) - sees the Grammy-nominated guitarist exploring the American song catalog from a truly unique vantage point, performing music written by a range of audacious and original artists, from Roy Orbison to Ornette Coleman, Jimmy Giuffre to Peter Ivers.

Lage and his rhythm section build upon the wandering sonic outlook of his previous LPs, further impelling his defining amalgam of jazz fusion, jam band liberation, standards, and embryonic rock 'n' roll with virtuosic precision, adventurous improvisation, and a remarkably clear vision.

REVIEW:

The disc is manna for lovers of assertive electric guitar, played by one of today’s top practitioners, in an unadorned trio setting.

I’ve had the chance to review guitarist Julian Lage in concert several times in recent years...the youthful virtuoso has crafted a distinctive voice that is not only comfortable with a broad range of jazz styles but can handle traditions beyond any simple genre confines. For his latest release, Love Hurts, Lage has formed a new trio that includes bassist Jorge Roeder and drummer Dave King, the latter long known as one third of The Bad Plus.

Love Hurts’ rough energy, displayed on mostly first-takes in the studio, also suggests some of John Scofield’s better efforts. But Lage’s growing virtuosity, on a Gretsch Duo Jets guitar this time around, marks this album as the 31-year-old’s strongest recording to date.

--ArtsFuse (Steve Feeney)