Julian Lage
Squint
Blue Note, 2021

Squint is Julian Lage’s first album as a leader released by Blue Note.

The album features the American guitarist accompanied by his usual trio consisting of Jorge Roeder on double bass and Dave King on drums. It was recorded in Nashville in August 2020 after two years of touring and a long gestation period due to the pandemic crisis.

The most fascinating moments are those expressed in ethereal and open songs: the introductory “Silent Dancer”, the wonderful ballad “Rêve de Voglio”, and the angular “Mysterious Life of Blowfish” are emblematic

The record opens with “Etude”, a solo guitar track, and as the title suggests a poetic study for guitar. This is followed by “Boo’s Blues”, an edgy and aggressive blues that reveals the common background of the three musicians: jazz, but also blues, rock, country, and folk. The title track is a long exploration of blues rock territory with a beautiful dialogue of guitar and drums, while “Saint Rose” is a nocturnal blend of Hawaiian and bluesy sounds. The general tone of the record is acoustic with clean and soft sounds at the base of a calm yet intense and never mellow atmosphere.

“Emily” and “Quiet Like a Fuse” are two beautiful ballads balanced by the dark and mysterious “Familiar Flower” and the country sounds of “Day and Age” and “Call of the Canyon”.

Squint is a well written and successful album that is particularly appreciated for the acoustic sounds. Lage continues in his aesthetic research that seamlessly mixes jazz, rock, country, blues, and folk; often managing to find a personal and very fascinating musical path.
(EM)

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