Julian
Lage Group
Ben Roseth, alto saxophone; Julian Lage, guitar; Aristides Rivas, cello;
Jorge Roeder, bass; Tupac Mantilla, drums
Tuesday, July 21, 7:30 pm
Dinkelspiel Auditorium*
Tickets: $34 general | $17 students
* In response to audience demand, this concert has been moved to Dinkelspiel Auditorium. Recognizing the intimacy that distinguishes the Campbell Recital Hall concert experience, the Stanford Jazz Festival production staff is making specific technical arrangements to preserve the acoustic excellence and enhance the atmosphere of this very special show. Note: the Take 5! discount ticket offer does not apply to this event.
Following the success of his 2009 album Sounding Point,
guitarist Julian Lage brings his exciting international band to the
Stanford Jazz Festival. Since he emerged as a child phenomenon, Julian’s
playing and musicianship have developed and matured through wide-ranging
study and extensive gigging. He has long since come into his own
as an artist with something important to say and an undeniable gift
for communicating with audiences. His new group’s unique lineup
includes cellist Aristides Rivas, percussionist Tupac Mantilla, saxophonist
Ben Roseth, and bassist Jorge Roeder. Their concept is firmly rooted
in the communication and improvisation of jazz, but their sound is
strikingly original and not easily categorized, drawing on folk,
bluegrass, Latin American music, chamber music, and more. Sounding
Point features Julian’s own jazz compositions as well
as diverse covers, collaborations, and original through-composed
pieces. An electrifying performer with limitless creativity and a
unique vision, Julian Lage has become a favorite of Stanford audiences,
and this performance by his innovative group is not to be missed.
“[Lage] plays like Jim Hall with a dash of Chet
Atkins. His solos sparkle…”
Supported in part by John & Carolyn Messer, the
Ongkeko/del Calvo Family
Photo Credit: Jimmy Katz
Q&A with Julian Lage
Who are your favorite musicians or composers?
In no particular order I would definitely say my favorites are Wayne
Shorter, Igor Stravinsky, Jim Hall, J.S. Bach, Martha Argerich, Björk,
Maurice Ravel, Danilo Perez, Julian Bream, Brad Mehldau, Chris Thile,
Steve Kimock, Inara George, and Nat Mugavaro.
Do you have any rituals or superstitions when preparing for performances?
Before shows with my group, we like to come together and choose a
couple of themes that we want to pursue on any given night. Some
nights we might play thinking about struggle, and what it means to
us as well as how to overcome it. Other nights, it might be suspense:
How can we play so the sound feels like the music is lurking in the
room, eager to jump out at you.
Describe the most memorable gig you’ve ever attended when you
weren’t playing but were in the audience.
I have two shows that are tied. Seeing Björk a few years ago
at Shoreline completely changed my life. Taylor Eigsti has always
been a huge Björk fan and I hadn't ever really gotten into her.
So when he found out she was coming to the Bay Area, he said, "You
are coming!" I'm so grateful he persisted! The second most memorable
show was seeing Wayne Shorter with Herbie Hancock, Brian Blade, and
Dave Holland at the Newport Jazz Festival. I watched from backstage
and I remember that as the set unfolded, the rain started to come
in from off the coast. It felt as though their music had the power
to call the rain. It was beautiful.
What are your hidden talents?
Hmmmm, I'm not sure I have any......oh wait! I used to be able to
touch a 10-foot basketball rim. Does that count?
What are your two favorite places and why?
I think my favorite city is Copenhagen, Denmark mainly because I
love the sense of design there. There is an incredible creative energy
that you feel there that is unlike any other city. I'm also a quite
a big Bay Area fan.
What do you do to relax?
It's hard for me to really slow down and relax but when I do, I love
cooking with my girlfriend and watching Arrested Development.
Is there a particular teacher or teachers who had a strong influence
on you?
I've been so fortunate to have many amazing teachers in my life both
musically and personally. One person who has been my biggest influence
as a guitarist as well as a personal role model is my guitar teacher,
Randy Vincent. From the time I was eight to 13, I took two, three-hour
lessons a week with Randy and I'm so grateful for the time we spent
together.
“I’d really love to meet…”
Osvaldo Golijov.
Give us a playlist from your Ipod.
1. "The Races" by The Bird and The Bee
2. Symphony No. 7 by Dmitri Shostakovich
3. "The Blind Leaving The Blind, Mvt. 1" by Punch Brothers
4. "Masquelero" by Wayne Shorter Quartet
5. "Whitewater" by Bela Fleck
