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

[@MateusAsato]

unbelievable. Julian is amazing.

[@activese]

he seems so humble and kind

[@nicholasward8358]

Right! He seems like a super wholesome, kind gentleman, which you love to see.

[@chefnicolasgomez]

You too

[@JerPlaysGuitar21]

Same goes for you, Mateus!!! You both are a couple of my favorite guitarists out there :D (and Paul is up there too, and he DEFINITELY takes the top spot for best interviewer in the guitar scene)

[@sacredgeometry]

Yeah he really is

[@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.

[@thecolourwhiteproductions3391]

I often find the greatest to be the most humble. The more I see people with an attitude less than humble I know instantly they're not as good as they think they are

[@aarorissanen930]

Humility seems to be a theme amongst the truly great guitarists. Govan, who I truly believe to be the greatest currently, is a truly humble and nice guy as well.

[@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.

[@KevinRussellSpaceSimSTEAMphony]

Having the tab music running below the performance (at that color and scale) is GOLD. Best example of production I've seen on KZbin.

[@Gu1tar1st]

I went to a concert by David Russell, the classical guitarist. He was playing Bach’s Chaconne, and at one point he played a section I didn’t recognise. It was a magnificent rendition of the piece, and he got a standing ovation. I asked him about the section I didn’t recognise. He said “I got lost in the middle, so I improvised in the style of Bach back until I got to a place I recognised” It was seamless.

[@KevinTPLim]

That’s incredible, do you know if there’s a video of that anywhere?

[@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.

[@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.

[@Rwko.]

Την επόμενη φορά παρε με και εμενα :D

[@philippefernandes6145]

3:58 The way he smiles here is incredible! It’s the same way a child smiles when they discover something new. It’s as if his ears weren’t expecting to hear what they’re hearing, and he becomes surprised and happy with the results of his “playing” when he realizes. It’s as if, even after practicing for hours every day, every time he picks up the guitar, it’s like it’s the first time.

[@JunkieMonkey321]

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

[@stevengrinold7631]

Peter Mazza is like this too. They are just beautiful humans who are also monsters!

[@or9481]

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

[@BenLawton-88]

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

[@jonashasselgren]

Julian Lage a total genius. You can hear old jazz and other traditions and music in he’s playing, yet so fresh and modern sounds like no other. He seems to be from another planet yet so humble and down to earth😎

[@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.

[@MuiltiLightRider]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@jamesonrichards5105]

julian is the happiest dude i've ever seen. like he is at peace all the time, doing what makes him happy

[@SEGREDOSPROIBIDOS1]

Julian seems to be the sweetest person in the world

[@adriand7949]

He really is, I was at a small masterclass that he gave and it was so beautiful. He’s a very gentle and considerate soul.

[@quincytennyson6020]

@@adriand7949 Same, I got to enjoy a masterclass with him in Nashville and it was life changing.

[@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.

[@schincat]

He once said that each note has its own volume. Digest that.

[@HoratioFitzbastard]

@@schincat Most guitarists can't find that volume even if they are aware of the concept.

[@frankgoodmanbuzzholland7517]

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

[@walckt]

As a sax player who dabbles in guitar, I love your channel. This was 110% inspirational for me. The tension and relief, the phrasing, the dynamic contrast - I could go on. Thank you so much for producing this content.

[@nicok5630]

Saw him in London a few months ago. Super nice guy, mind blowing control over the Tele, no fret noise, no slurring, perfection

[@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!

[@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! 🙏🏻

[@krroebsu]

The two albums Chris Eldridge (Punch Brothers) & Julian Lage have done together, Avalon & Mount Royal, are a beautiful blend of musical styles that leave you more in love with acoustic guitar than you thought possible. Truly inspiring playing.

[@PhilippPJG]

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

[@captainkangaroo4301]

I’ve had a couple of very pleasant conversations with Julian over the years. The first time was 7-8 years ago when he was the opening act for the guitar trio from the old Tacoma Records days and John Fahey compatriots Rick Ruskin, Toulouse Engelhardt (the Segovia of Surf) and my old Minneapolis friend Peter Lang. After Julian’s set we sat and listened to the trio taking turns blowing our minds. Great memories.

[@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.

[@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.

[@anneonym7346]

C'mon dude be realistic : thousand pianos at once, with one hundred hands.

[@akasgsvirgil9503]

If a guitar player can give someone joy with their playing, that's true talent!

[@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!

[@gbsal79]

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

[@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.

[@austenj4539]

Mozart was also associated with the 'global minority'. Still persisting and we can be proud.

[@davidgluck8064]

I have seen him twice in Portland, OR. Both were beyond amazing. The second time he kept doing these fugue like improvisations…. Just speechless. But it was one of the new blues / shuffles - think it may have been northern shuffle - he did the fugue-like stuff mixed with deep and old school blues stuff with tons of attitude. He’s such an excellent musician. And both times I’ve seen him he’s talked and taught and he seems like a super nice person as well.

[@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.

[@sordel5866]

And he has an entirely separate career with John Zorn: he plays in an acoustic duo with Gyan Riley; an acoustic trio with Riley and Bill Frisell; and, on electric guitar, in the New Masada Quartet.

[@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.

[@Pepper-cd9yr]

Chord at 5:53 is most definitely an A major sound to my ear and not a C# minor sound. Julian Lage is an amazing player. Thank you for sharing his performance with us and for transcribing all of it too. Your passion is infectious!

[@quincytennyson6020]

What is nuts to me is that you just popped the question and he proceeded to drop what is ultimately my favorite composition of that song he's ever done.

[@firstname_rene]

what's awesome is just how casually epic he is... the humble 'that was fun' reaction he emotes after he plays makes it even better

[@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.

[@Beardyoldsalt]

It's all theatrics. Pure foolishness.

[@silvermediastudio]

When Julian hits his late 40s and starts playing old school country western, we're in for something really wild.

[@playthechanges]

You're right he is in another league. A modern master and genius on the instrument. Going to see him live in September! My favorite improv I've ever witnessed was seeing Stanley Jordan playing his multiple parts simultaneously live. Full bass lines and an incredible lead solos over them. I've never seen an audience so blown away at a jazz club.

[@robalderman6979]

I did a master class with Julian and he was the most amazingly humble gentle insightful people I have ever had the privilege to interact with. His level of playing is otherworldly! Effortless. Only the right notes...Nothing needs to be subtracted.

[@GinTonDrix]

Paul Davids MVP for transcribing this

[@pitpride1220]

Thank you for the tabs! I know it is time consuming. Truly appreciated.

[@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

[@billysuter]

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

[@nathanielbrewster8457]

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

[@bodenschatz10]

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

[@SwapBlogRU]

Hooooly... When I see you (of all people) fangirling over a guitarist (I've never heard of Julian before, but I've been subbed to you for a while and have always regarded you as someone who has mastered the guitar) - that certainly says that he is some sort of super rare virtuoso at the very least.

[@coma13794]

Read the comments here, see the regard in which julian is held. It's a rarity indeed. If you have time, look at the videos for Nocturne, I'll be Seeing You and Tributary. It'll be time well spent, I promise.

[@coma13794]

Read the comments here, see the regard in which julian is held. It's a rarity indeed. If you have time, look at the videos for Nocturne, I'll be Seeing You and Tributary. It'll be time well spent, I promise. Also, you're spot on, Paul doesn't gush like this for anyone else. It's a sign!

[@scottjones6624]

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

[@coma13794]

A stunning number of people have shed a tear over his playing. I flew half way across the country to get back home in time to see him play at he Village Vanguard in NYC, a super intimate club, and got a little teary during Jorge's bass solo. The whole night was magical.

[@dz_ca]

Had to look through my emails to see when I first heard of Julian's music, looks like it was 2013 when I first saw his NPR Tiny Desk (from 2011) and then I moved to NYC in 2015 and had the good fortune to see him play with Chris Eldridge at Rockwood Music Hall in 2017. Wish I saw him more times when I was there, and I missed him when he came through Vancouver this summer. Next time.

[@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.

[@HoboGardenerBen]

I'm so glad you love him and are spreading awareness of him as an artist of thenhighest caliber. His song Tributary makes me cry every time and the whole album is beyond amazing.

[@stratmad]

Julian is the best on the planet right now IMHO. Hearing and seeing him play every time is a treat and a lesson.

[@bruno_dias]

Julian is probably the most accomplished guitar player alive and active due to its smoothness, creativity, coherence and, best of all, the most gorgeous tone you can hear on a guitar today. His notes are notes that really count musically... And that's how you create art.

[@michaelcaldwell7107]

I’m a saxist, but the first time I saw Julian, I thought ‘Why don’t more guitarists/musicians play this way. Not only is his sound so easy to listen to, you can’t pigeon-hole him because he incooperates some many different influences into a style that constantly surprises and makes you want to hear more.

[@p90bridge]

Julian is guitar evolution in the same way as Jimi was imo. I had fallen out of love with the guitar after a decade and a half of ruthless dedication, then I heard Julian Lage and now I'm ready for another decade or two I think

[@pi-sx3mb]

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

[@portsideguitar1981]

Julian always looks so happily surprised about the music he’s just made. It’s like he’s channeling something from beyond, in the best way. So great you got to sit in the room with him!

[@ferrocile]

I first discovered Julian while learning Autumn Leaves. I came across him playing it in a random video, and his intro and improv sounded out of this world (much like in this video). I had never heard anyone play like this before. His mastery of the fretboard is astounding. It makes his playing so effortless and free and it only ever sounds like him. He has a rare talent.

[@Ch3zzy]

Saw Julian Lage at a smaller venue out here in CO a couple weeks ago. As a guitarist it was the most inspiring and enjoyable experiences of my life.

[@WagnerStoffelOne]

Each generation has been blessed with fantastic guitarists and we're lucky to have Julian Lage in ours.

[@JesseBlueEads]

The first time I saw Julian a year or two ago, it was inspiring how engaging he and the trio were at every moment. Their playing and the mix was always balanced and unafraid to play softly, and the whole audience was invested in every bit of the show. I haven't seen that to that degree on that scale anywhere else.

[@JamesIng-i1c]

Best part is seeing how truely happy he is playing. The smiles when he does something he knows will blow minds haha 😂

[@mkwgg1919]

I stumbled into a performance about 10 years ago; no idea what to expect. Besides the evident joy and pleasure of playing, what struck me was something else. He continuously seems to surprise himself with the shapes and musical threads he discovers while improvising. Nothing rehearsed, just a purity of expression and flow.

[@senek4663]

I'm currently learning day and age, it's incredible to think that he everything is improvised. For me the best guitarist and so humble. Great man

[@schincat]

I have had the absolute pleasure of seeing Julian in concert multiple times and truly, no one plays like he does. He hears music intrinsically differently than any other guitarist I can think of. Thankfully I will be seeing him at MIM in Phoenix later this year. I think at this level of playing there is no best but there is what one enjoys hearing most and that player is the best for you. Julian Lage is that player for me.

[@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.

[@JoshSmithGuitar]

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

[@squatternutbosh]

There were moments where my brain flatlined and I even surprised myself at my reactions. Julian can sneak in so many surprises with not only what notes he plays but the technique he chooses to colour them with. That bend he snuck in particular really fried me.

besides his technique, wich is actually from another planet... his interpretation is pure love

[@UncleWalter1]

First time I saw Julian play, I'd never heard of him. I was going to see Eric Harland's Voyager play the Melbourne International Jazz Festival years ago and Julian was playing. I was there to see Eric Harland play, but I could barely take my eyes off Julian the whole time. The guitar is in his DNA. Every note mattered as much as the next and as much the one before. I'd never heard anything like it.

[@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.

[@MattLightBlue]

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

[@starrynightguitars]

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

[@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.

[@rawrimaoctopus5715]

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

[@cleverclover7]

julien is so special. on top of being a virtuoso is just the sweetest human.

[@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.

[@majorfeelgoodrecords2740]

Beato got me into Lage, Thanks for this. You both are amazing. 🎼🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@ili626]

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

[@JohnMcNicholas]

A few months ago he came into the music store where I teach in Atlanta and he couldn't have been nicer. He played a few guitars while he was there and he sounded wonderful. He truly has the "touch" we'd all love to have.

[@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

[@aidenmohrmann1850]

Hi Paul! Your channel is one of the main reasons I play guitar. You also introduced me to Julian Lage several years ago. My ears have never been the same!

[@HoboGardenerBen]

Julian's heart is wide open. By expressing from that state of being he helps open up my jaded old pumper and get the healing tears flowing, like right now :)

[@Vestu]

Something I haven't seen any other player play. The amount of lush, rich harmonies in that period of time is rare for guitar

[@hmmmmm6034]

Damn. What a beautifully played piece.

[@Rutledge3]

Dude, I’m not totally convinced Julian Lage is even human!🤯 So good! Great interview too!

[@jaymueller2418]

I met Julian before a show a few years back when he and my friend Juanito Pascual shared a bill in Boston. What a lovely guy. Then I heard him play. He is, to my way of thinking, peerless.

[@matija42]

Julian Lage is so special.. I also fell in Love with the "Live in Los Angeles"-Concert. I also learned and transcribed "Nocturne". His playing is so tasteful and full of surprises..

[@DrippingTapMusic]

Such an incredible player, I've not heard or watched much of his playing until now. Wonderful!

[@jeremyversusjazz]

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

[@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 ...

[@gavindadds4414]

Julian is the epitome of melody and lyricism. Amazing he does all that on a Tele. We're all so used to music of this genre being played on semi or full hollow body. He could probably find the cheapest guitar out there and make it sound amazing, he's just that good.

[@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.

[@dxdelafu]

Crazy! How someone can play something so impromptu and stay on beat is very impressive. He is a genius. And his signature Collings acoustic guitar? The best!

[@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.

[@jwwesterink3162]

Speechless is the tight word. He is incredible. Another that touches met every time I see and hear it is the faboulous bass solo by Tal Wilkenfeld with Jeff Beck and Vinnie Calaiuta (drums) and Jason Rebello (keys). Tears to your eyes

[@DaWizardOfOz7]

He is so inventive even when he plays his older tunes that it still feels like the first time for him