This improvisation left me speechless... [Julian Lage]

Full tab available on my Patreon page! ‪@JulianLageofficial‬ is a modern guitar hero, and his improvisation based around his song Day and Age just blew my mind!
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Hi, my name is Paul Davids! I am a guitar player, teacher, producer, and overall music enthusiast from the Netherlands! I try to inspire people from all over the world with my videos, here on KZbin.
If you want to know more about me, check out PaulDavidsGuitar.com or check out my guitar courses at: learnpracticeplay.com and nextlevelplaying.com, and acousticadventure.com
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Paul
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[@MateusAsato]

unbelievable. Julian is amazing.

[@activese]

he seems so humble and kind

[@coma13794]

When julian smiles and makes little noises while he plays, you know he's in his happy place. A national treasure, as is Paul for sharing this content.

[@runrin_]

adorable really.

[@jubileedx]

yes! this! reminds me of Glenn Gould's hummings and mumblings over his piano playing

[@Beardyoldsalt]

I literally can't listen to him for this reason.

[@coma13794]

@@Beardyoldsalt You have gotta be kidding.... it's one of the best parts! Lots of jazz musicians do it, too.

[@Beardyoldsalt]

@@coma13794 Like nails on a chalkboard. I do enjoy his playing.

[@ERAPOSORESERVA]

Julian seems to be the sweetest person in the world

[@NickGranville]

Julian is a massive influence. Next level player. I stood in front of him (and filmed) at the namm show at the Collings booth and it’s still some of the best guitar playing I’ve ever heard. And he’s a super nice guy too, as you know.

[@JunkieMonkey321]

julian always seems like the absolute kindest, most genuine soul ever. next level player and so down to earth.

[@nekkon1989]

Saw this dude live in Hamburg three months ago. Flew from Greece just for the show. I didn't regret it, best guitar player I've ever seen perform live

[@MrThurobrand]

I was amazed hearing Julian at Newport Jazz eighteen years ago. I knew he was and is special.

[@nbbob23]

Julian Lage has stunning breadth and depth in his playing. He plays with his jazz trio, in a traditional music duo with Chris Eldritch (Critter), and blindingly broad suite of projects with other players - including with his wife, Margaret Glaspy. He writes songs that hold beautiful melodies. Quite simply, he is a remarkable player. Every guitar player knows this. I don't understand why he is not the household name he deserves to be. And, Paul, he has been leaving me speechless for years. Cheers, all.

[@coma13794]

FINALLLLLLLLY, between you and Mr Beato, it's great to see Julian getting the recognition. He's from another planet.

[@doyourbest999]

He had a documentary made about him when he was 8, feels like he’s been getting a lot of recognition for most of his life

[@coma13794]

@@doyourbest999 I feel like there's a lot of material from when he burst onto the stage as a child prodigy....not so much in recent years, despite his incredible studio and live work.

[@caprise-music6722]

Well he certainly is a *universe-class* guitar player. No doubt about that!

[@bl8155]

I’m always blown away by how humble Julian is, what an incredible gift of a human being.

[@hrabanus]

It's not just that his playing is so complete and tasteful, his smiling while doing what he does is embodiyng everything I love about music. Great vid, thanks for sharing!

[@devonull8784]

You asked for favorite improvisation I've witnessed. Around 1984 at Ft Bragg {Liberty}/Fayetville NC, I'm in the Army barracks and someone mentions that Robin Trower is playing at the pool bar called the Flaming Mug downtown. I grab my keys and drive in a straight line to the bar, order a beer, find the stage, examine the pedals to guess which one is Robin Trower and post up at the stage edge three feet in front of that spot. I guessed correctly. The show begins, people don't know him so they keep shooting pool. Only about 8 of us who knew his legendary status are huddled together {behind me} and I watched every note. Robin rolls his eyes back into the top of his skull and just lets go when he solos. It is spiritual, psychedelic, hypnotic and mesmerizing to watch his fingers go while he leans back wrinkled, frail like he might collapse at any second but magic is coming out of the amp. He played the whole Bridge of Sighs album. Too Rolling Stoned was unforgettable.

[@HoratioFitzbastard]

As someone fortunate enough to have seen Robin Trower live myself, I must say that would have been incredible.

[@MuiltiLightRider]

Julian really is a generational talent. His sense of dynamics and phrasing is unmatched

[@tanishqrao]

Sees new paul davids video notification leaves the current video and starts Paul's video

[@kayless32]

Same hehe

[@josephjohn494]

Exactly 😂

[@davehk99]

How do you say “things that are always done” without saying “things that are always done “

[@bloodynin9757]

I also done that and then left half way through

[@Atmusic148]

Yeah, automatically. I was like where did this come from

[@jtbailer88]

Julian is the oddest combination of unreasonably humble and unbearably skilled. I'm blown away by his playing, but even more so by how uncomfortable he seems to be with the praise he rightly deserves. We're unbelievably lucky live during his lifetime.

[@johndoyle325]

Julian plays with such JOY! You can see it in his face and it flows through his playing. I can’t help but smile whenever I listen to him. Thank you for sharing this! 🙏🏻

[@kleckerklotz9620]

Oh man, this man is amazing. You can really see how much he loves music. Just those smiles can tell a lot. He is really into what he does. And that's why he is so good. Very inspiring. Thanks Paul.

[@AMTunLimited]

It's incredible that he can take all of his improvisation and still sit inside of a chord shape to play the "accompaniment" chords and bass notes.

[@billysuter]

Julian playing is nothing short of phenomenal. Learning his songs taught me so much.

[@andrewnicon]

Its like the dude sees the neck in a completely different way than any other guitar player. Like his brain just approaches the way all of the notes are laid it, it reminds me of a many playing six pianos at once.

[@sillysausage4549]

I raise you Holdsworth. He actually WAS unique in his approach. FWIW I would rather listen to Lage, because the relative simplicity is much easier on my ear.

[@TheGreatKlausby]

He‘s my favorite guitarist, just incredible. Saw him live in Hamburg this year… He‘s also just an incredibly nice guy.

[@or9481]

His playing unfolds like a conversation, with unexpected directions, conflicts, and resolution. It is magical to hear live.

[@nehringmitchell9734]

Thanks for having the tabs on the screen as he was playing! I could understand what he was doing a lot better, and enjoyed it a lot more as a result. Crazy nice playing.

[@timwatson4118]

Saw the JL trio recently at the Vancouver Jazz Festival. They had the entire theatre in a state of blissful wonder. Their music is incredibly technical yet completely approachable and fun. Bravo gentlemen.

[@thomasthulievre286]

Best improvisation I've seen : Julian Lage in Paris. I almost exclusively go to metal shows but he is, by far, the best guitarist I've seen in my life.

[@MichaelHughes124]

I’ve had the great pleasure of seeing Julian play live three times. Twice solo and once in his trio. A beautiful and singular performer. If you get the chance, you absolutely must see him.

[@bodenschatz10]

So excited for the Julian interview. Julian is absolutely it.

[@ili626]

Been a fan many years.. Julian has always struck a balance of unique imagination, sophistication yet aesthetic accessibility for me.. Art!

[@nathanielbrewster8457]

Same! I've been completely captivated by him. His expression and touch -- otherworldly. And I learned Day and Age first, too!

[@knoxt303]

I saw Julian play in Raleigh (NC) earlier this year and it was surreal. He makes it all look so easy and more importantly, he looks like he's always having such a good time playing music.

[@scottjones6624]

Watching and listening to him makes me teary. The combination of mastery and beautiful persona is just scintillating.

[@rawrimaoctopus5715]

Julian is in a league of his own when it comes to improve and ideas that mixture of jazz fusion is brilliant

[@devinnagami]

No way you post this video right now... I've been obsessing over this song for the past 2 weeks trying to learn how to play it. Part of me is excited that I'm making progress. The other part is depressed that I'll never sound like Julian lol

[@JG-ly2ij]

Stay on it brother. Dream big. Aim high. Your muse will help. Abandon doubt. Find that happy place. We are all behind your reaching.

[@MattLightBlue]

The recording is astonishing too. You almost never hear this level of dynamics on KZbin

[@JoshSmithGuitar]

He is truly one of a kind. Both as a person and a musician. The best.

[@NILOCOgov]

There isn’t another player who takes my breath away as often as Julian does.

[@augustpendergast4478]

I had the pleasure of seeing Julian at the Montreal Jazz Fest last week. Amazing show.

[@JeremyAndersonBoise]

Julian is easily my favorite living guitarist, and what a gem of a person he seems to be, on top of it. His playing changed my understanding of electric guitars, after having played them for some thirty years. I accidentally saw Nels Cline 4 live here in Boise a few years ago and I will never be the same.

[@gbsal79]

Julian is one of the talented and inspiring artists alive today. Every single note he plays is just a glimpse of heaven.

[@kingmatthewa]

I had the privilege of "running" sound for Julian years ago for one night at a theater in Fayetteville, Arkansas. I say "running" because it was very minimal sound reinforcement. It was a great night. Left a lasting musical impression and such a nice guy.

[@passerbycmc]

Man what a cool experience. I am seeing him and his trio live next week playing in a ultra small intimate venue and i have not been this excited about a seeing a musician or concert for a very long time.

[@matt_greene]

Julian is the GOAT no other way of looking at him

[@KrenarCilkuGuitar]

This is the coolest thing ever. Can't wait for the full video!

[@afedero90]

this video and his playing, was a massive boost of positive energy for me today! Love it, thanks for this

[@EltonoutoftheclosetOfficial]

Bravo!! Delighted to see that Julian's not a snob about using his left thumb on the fretboard. 👌

[@huckleberryfinn1018]

Can't wait for the whole interview! My guitar teacher introduced me to his work and since then I'm mesmerized.

[@jano3289]

There is a masterclass with Julian when he still played an archtop out there that is extremely insightful. He talks about orchestration and how he gets his tone. Very very good.

[@firstnamesurname6550]

Lage aesthetic sense for making music through a guitar is bliss for my ears, mind and soul ... each performance an opportunity to learn and get inspired by his crafmanshift ... ... a detail to love, when/where he seems to get surprised by his own outcomes as if he never expected that the impro would developed and ends like it was ... been really surprised by the adventure , and not by the impression of his playing in others ... to next, when others tells 'WOW' ... He said: Thanks, Really? ( as if he doesn't know why others enjoys what he loves to do ) ... Art and Wisdom as it best ...

[@ConstantineLovesGod]

Dude, I've been listening to Julian's music without even knowing how big of an influence he was on so many guitarists! This video from you really surprised me haha! Awesome. God Bless you!

[@Riffified]

This is perfect content. Julian has also been a huge part of why I play guitar, with "Day & Age" also having a massively special place in my heart. So so so cool to see you light up while he's playing and to see a snapshot of his mind up close.

[@McCrakkn]

This is one of the first times I legitimately had goosebumps from a song. Can't wait to see the whole video!

[@drcockles]

Pure class, Paul and Julian !

[@ruelsmith]

OMG! Such talent! Thanks for turning me onto him...

[@fredfloyd34]

Paul really knows how to pick em..Lange....wow...Youallknow Davids is a master...

[@patrickdoherty1966]

Nice one Paul! Julian"s playing is an absolute joy!

[@OIP_1]

wow! one of many things i love about julian lage's playing is how he puts multiple genres into a melting pot and it still sounds cohesive and also personal to him. little quotes, musical winks and jokes, occasionally flashy just for the fun of it, then jaw droppingly beautiful phrasing and voicing. just a master.

[@raysilva8988]

I first heard Julian on mandolinist Dave Grisman’s Dawg CD and he was only 11 years old. I was blown away then, but I marvel at who he is now as a guitarist/musician. Thanks for sharing this Paul.

[@Ben_Mdws]

Saw Julian’s trio at The Barbican this year and it just knocked my socks off

[@WzKy]

I discovered Julian through one of your videos and went on my own deep dive for the past few years. Now as one of my favourite artists, it's nice that it comes full circle. Excellent stuff!

[@pi-sx3mb]

Sublime. Taking the phrase "next level" to the next level.

[@ToraFish86]

Thank you for turning us on to great music, always!

[@starrynightguitars]

I saw Julian in LA about 4 years ago. Totally minding blowing. Incredible technique but such musicality.

[@Violadepau]

Congratulation and thanks for this, Paul.

[@dwmichaels]

I do love that the internet has made me aware of soooooo many fantastic players. I can't say if there were this many incredible players when I was younger, or if I just wasn't aware of them because there was no internet (likely!). Thanks for sharing. Such fabulous playing.

[@moritzvdforst]

Thank you for this one... Julian is the modern Mozart on guitar. There's a lot of talent out there, but Julian is a timeless master of guitar.

[@derekgeryol3729]

I can't wait to watch the full discussion you had with Julian!!!

[@frankgoodmanbuzzholland7517]

Not merely a next level guitarist, but obviously a next level Human. (Or the level after that.) And Paul Davids Shines.

[@klausfaerevaag]

Been to two of his concerts. An absolute joy to watch. You can tell that he loves and BREATHES music.

[@Pilki01]

julian is one of the most wonderful guitarists, and seems to be a wonderful person too. Thank you for sharing this with us Paul. Any time I feel at a bit of a loss with my playing, I will listen to Julian. His music shows me there's an infinite number of ideas to pull from when playing, and when each one deserves their moment

[@jeremyversusjazz]

absolutely the most surprising and captivating guitarists. period. 🤷‍♂️

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Never give up. Just as Juilian inspires, so does Paul Davids. Thanks for doing what you do.

[@Upside_Down_Guitar_Guy]

I saw him at SFJAZZ. His music is transcendent. This improvisation, though, is one of his best I've ever heard. Thanks so much for sharing his music, Paul!

[@DarrynDavis]

You in awe of Julian? I get it, but WOW! I will stay in my current state of being in awe of both of you.

[@uniqdzign2]

Paul, the video you show at the beginning, with him playing with his trio, is possibly one of my all time favourites. I've been following him for years now, and love his playing. You never know for sure where he's going in a solo, which is fascinating to me as a player.

[@Cremedevoodoo8]

Impressive 😮 Impressive transcription 😵

[@rowandegeus]

That was beautiful.

[@neilmarsh7437]

Can’t wait for the full episode Julian doesn’t blow my mind he nourishes it! That was wonderful

[@spittalmusic]

Did I get here first? Always gotta love a new vid on Paul David’s channel, and it’s featuring one of my favs 🎉

[@hmartirosyan]

In early 2001 (I was 14 and so was Julian), my dad programmed our VHS recorder to autmatically record the Grammy Awards ceremony overnight, since we were 12 hours apart from LA where it took place. In the morning, we were watching the show and there, Julian played in the prodigy section, along with other talented kids. That was a blast for me, and since then I started taking guitars more seriously.

[@ggproductions7078]

bloody hell lad. 3.43 million!!!! Bloody brilliant work man. Nice one.

[@phillyflood]

His playing can only be described as magic. Julian simultaneously makes me want to play and sell all of my guitars. 😆

[@chrisanderson1515]

Just finished a session. Was gonna go to bed.... then this came on and now there is a guitar on my lap.

[@petethefeet1461]

wow that was wonderful what an artist Julian is

[@HoratioFitzbastard]

The thing I love about Julian's playing is that he makes every note so rich and satisfying yet still finds the space to let every one of those notes breathe.

[@KevinDarty]

I've got this playing while I work and I swear, I just can't listen to this in the background. It is so beautiful and amazing I'm calling this a "break" and soaking it in. Thank you 😀

[@hakanl135]

Julian is an amazing human being and one of the few guitarists who has mastered improvisational musical expression , my all time favourite guitar player is Ferenc Snetberger , an absolute gem of an artist , highly recommended.

[@ErikStone]

Love the mellow sound

[@martinmartin8871]

Wonderful! Thank you Paul. A lot to gratefully pilfer with the chord naming. Not sure I can but worth the research and practice. Melodic and modern!

[@grahamaldridge]

Absolutely love Julian. By *far* my favourite guitarist.

[@ShortP1089]

ever since i heard nocturne for the first time, i knew this guy was an incredible musician right after the first few seconds. the sound he creates is just mind crushingly good. what a nice guy as well, had the honor of working with him in vienna once

[@eliassantos1334]

Crazy good! Out of the box, completely!

[@spittalmusic]

And you’re right, that improvisation is serene

[@johnnydarifi1880]

It's a real privilege to be alive at the same time as players of Lage's calibre.

[@frodeleirvik]

True musicianship! I became aware of Julian maybe only a year ago and it's been one mesmerising rabbit hole...

[@chandonfigg]

completely mind blowing!!

[@BrandOdyssey]

Astoundingly good.

[@StahlsBlues]

Loved and Subscribed!

[@johnmarkle8448]

My favourite improvisors: Ted Greene: the Baroque improvisation and his ability to modulate any song into any key is beyond comprehension. His knowledge of "chord chemistry" (his term) is inspiring and he deserves far more recognition as one of the great guitar players of the 20th century Julian Lage: all the reasons you mentioned, but his touch and use of tension are beyond comparison Gutherie Govan: chameleon man who can shred across any genre and also has an immaculate ear for melody. Hollywood Woman and the intro solo on Wonderful Slippery Thing are two of his greatest The common thread with all of these players, and the thing that I (and I'm sure many amateur musicians struggle with) is that they never play a song the same way twice. Their performances are not reconstructions of the recording, but an entirely new take on the piece, and they do that every time. Guitar players in particular are prone to getting stuck in boxes: scale shapes, chord shapes, strumming patterns, picking patterns, well-known keys, memorized licks, on and on. We have our comfort zones and it can be very challenging to really see the entire instrument. These players are true musicians first, guitar players second.

[@flashpointatom]

The best country pentatonics Ive ever heard

[@chadcottle9953]

This is virtuoso-level playing. WOW.

[@davegenske8973]

So love that. Thanks