Julian Lage Dazzles John Bohlinger

​When it comes to jazz virtuoso Julian Lage, you’d be hard-pressed to find an electric guitarist who uses less gear. “Any time I’ve [used too much equipment], there’s an awkwardness where I’m still grappling with the fact that I play here,” he says, gesturing to his guitar, then gesturing to his amp, “but the sound comes out there.” He continues, “It sounds like a joke, but it’s been a struggle for me. Any time there’s layers or filters or anything, I feel dissociated.” Of course, Lage’s rig, which buoys his clean, no-frills tone, makes sense for a musician like himself—whose playing often comes across fluidly, and as gently as his personality.

For Lage, that fluidity stems from his conception of music as a language. “I think that the way people speak is often more unfettered,” Lage told Premier Guitar in 2021. “There might not be an obvious correlation between the way people speak in a lecture and the notes on the guitar. But it's just a little stretch of the imagination to see that those are pitches, those are rhythms, those are phrases."

On View with a Room, Lage’s second release on the hallowed Blue Note Records, he’s offering a fresh, bold continuation of the conversation he’s created over the years. The album features his latest ensemble, made up of himself, bassist Jorge Roeder, and drummer Dave King—but this time, he’s added the legendary Bill Frisell. Together, the musicians help to expand Lage’s body of work with performances of 10 of his original compositions.

While on tour for the album, Lage invited PG’s John Bohlinger to the soundcheck before his show at Brooklyn Bowl inn Nashville to share his insights into why he likes a straightforward rig and “honest” tone. In the interview, Lage elaborates on his three main guitars (his Nachocaster, Collings signature, and ’55 Les Paul), explains why he prefers low volume on his amps, and offers a remarkably brief tour of his pedalboard.

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#guitar #rigrundown #julianlage

[NickGranville]

One of the greats of our generation IMO

[waterwoodguitars]

Beautiful playing, beautiful tone and beautiful guitars. The gentleman has mastered his craft.

[BladeDoomer]

Those subtle touches.... On another level

[felipegarcia]

Very nice so clean magic at the finger tips

[brandondavidson]

John got all rizzed up. I think i did too lol. What beautiful and clean playing!? Incredible, much love from Indiana ❤❤

[MisterSoThrowed]

So many emotions crammed into a few phrases.

[mattshaheen]

I have Les Paul's autograph and it says the same thing. "Matt, keep on pickin'. Les Paul."

[steelcityspeedshopj.r]

he is like that Friend that is totally like way ahead of you talent wise and when he plays with you kind of makes you not want to play anymore 😂❤❤❤❤❤

[Jeb_binch]

Heard some Someday My Prince Will Come in there. Wish he’d revisit some standards in his current style.

[blondstrat]

isn't he the one that was an amazing child prodigy?

[chilpill]

You really can get any tone u want out of a tele

[marktestoni]

I wish Bohlinger would dress and act like an adult when does these interviews He is not a teen or a 20 something hanging out at GC

[joederosas]

Wherever you see fantastic playing (in this case Julian's), you'll find John Bollinger appreciating it 😊...