During the 2013 Jazz Cruise, JazzTimes set up a make-shift video production studio in one of the cabins on the MS Westerdam. Throughout the week, a succession of artists-including Karrin Allyson, Gerald Clayton, Sean Jones, Terell Stafford, New York Voices, Joey DeFrancesco and many others-came in to talk about the cruise, jazz education and their own projects. You can also see more of these video interviews at the JazzTimes YouTube channel.
Born and raised in the Santa Rosa, California area, guitarist Julian Lage has been playing music since he was very young, initially encouraged by his guitar-playing father, but also influenced by many teachers and mentors, including Gary Burton and Jim Hall. Julian has toured with Gary Burton, as well as with his own group. In the last year or so, he’s also been collaborating in a duo setting with Wilco guitarist Nels Cline and with pianist Fred Hersch, both of whom he hopes to tour with.
In these two In Person interview segments, Julian talked about his musical education and development, including his first musical instrument, first paid gig and first jazz album. He also talked about working with Burton from a young age, getting to know Jim Hall and collaborating with Nels Cline. And he discussed his solo guitar project. Julian was on the cruise to play with Burton’s quartet which also features Scott Colley on bass and Antonio Sanchez on drums.
Julian Lage on his musical education and development:
Julian Lage on working with Gary Burton and Nels Cline, his plans to record a solo guitar project and the future of jazz:
Interview by Irene Lee. Video production by Lee Mergner.
Originally Published
