I'm always amazed at how expressive Julian's playing is. I don't often dig guitar jazz, even if I separately like guitar and jazz (mostly by horn players), but it's like Julian is breathing his phrases through his fingers, while everyone else is clumsily hammering them out.
You’re not wrong with that analysis. It really does flow through him. You’ll see him do things with his right hand in quiet moments where it’s still flowing even while not playing a damned note. Hard to explain, but you’ll know it when you see it.
I saw him in a very small room a few years ago and I know precisely what the previous commenters mean. He goes deep into the tune like no other modern guitarist.
His music has a freshness to it while still being jazz at heart, it's intriguing. I'm almost more impressed by how comfortable he is talking and formulating sentences. I feel like he could tell us about his breakfast and we would all sit and listen.
One of the few musicians I would actually like to just have a conversation with. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing him 4 times in the last two years and it’s a transcendental experience.
Exactly when I thought guitar has reached to it’s end….BOOM! There is Julian Lage. What a breath of fresh air. I came from rock and metal side of the guitar but I get mesmerized each time I’m hearing him playing the guitar. His playing style matches his personality. Coolest dude ever! Thank you PG for arranging this interview.
Excellent ideas. At 63, 40 years of gigs under my belt, THIS guy just taught me more than a few ideas, aside from his beautiful playing. I really like what he said about "feeling worthy" of the guitar. I've always had that unworthiness gnawing at me, though Julian is rewarded by the full agreement in the teamwork of the guitar's love for what he's doing, as well as the choice of amps/ pedals. His volumes is what I never expected, and I'm going to do some experimentation based on what he's doing. Amazing all around.
This highly educated prodigy has subtle class that will translate into a legacy that will be openly studied in the arts for a long time to come. Simply, and stoically, eternal zen.
I have to admit I didn’t know who this was, but trust me since watching this I dove into his music and wow. He’s probably forgotten more than I’ll ever know, plus he’s relatable, music is approachable and speaks in a way anyone can understand. He appears to be very intelligent and interesting person. I enjoyed this!
Mr Lage is not just one of the finest players I've ever heard (and always one with flawless tone) but he also seems one of the most pleasant and down to earth ones. Thoroughly enjoyed this rundown, probably my favourite so far.
Articulate, intelligent, humble, kind, gentle, unprecedented talent and creativity... thank you Julian. And thank you John and Premier Guitar for all you provide the community of guitar players. This is a great convergence of modern times, technology, and guitar geekery. Love it.
An old Les Paul into a clean blackface Fender amp is the sound of the '60s and '70s. It's still the best tone that can be had out of a guitar rig. It takes me back to my youth. BTW, Julian Lage was a child prodigy and was my neighbor in Sonoma County, CA. Love what he's done in the music world. Very proud.
My god, what an incredibly interesting guitar player and human being. He seems to be in pursuit of absolute purity - just man and guitar. Almost seems like he’d do it without an amp and pedals if he could get away with it 🤣. Such an amazing talent.
Which he certainly has. World's Fair is a great album recorded with just a 000-18 Martin acoustic and it's one of his best, in my opinion. It seems like he goes through phases where he really likes playing through a certain guitar or medium (a certain amp, pedals, etc.) and it is really fun to follow.
How can someone from(New York?) be so soft spoken and humble! Love his minimalist gear approach and philosophy. This guys a peach and fantastic player!
I"ve wanted to hear Julian talk about his setup for a long time, so thanks so much for making this video. He didn't disappoint. He has such clear intent for how he wants to be heard, how he wants to feel when playing. He'll use as little gear as possible to achieve that. As always, such a nice and grateful man too.
Julian got me to pick up the guitar again after 25 years. I went from metal head to nothing but a UA Woodrow dialed all the way down. Trying to learn how to control tone with nothing but your hands is incredibly satisfying.
Most of the new music I pick up and new artists and bands I follow come from these rig rundowns. I will happily add this guy to the list. Thanks PG for another amazing new talent to follow.
I love p90s and his playing style with that Les Paul is pure magic, even more than the Dynasonic pickups to my ear. What a great dude. Enjoyed this very much
he played and talked for us music students at sf state back in like 2016ish. i recorded the audio of it and still listen to it every now and again. his playing was so good but more than that his insight was so important to me. what a great and interesting guy.
I saw him twice and had a short conversation with him a couple years ago (I’m glad for that). He is a really nice and kind guy. And he is the real musician. You know most of us are trying to play something but guys like this it’s just whole different level of everything.
What a gentle soul, Julian is beyond humble and truly a gift on so many levels to all of us. Just goes to prove that everyone is drawn in closer to a "whisper" -- A perfectly articulated " whisper " ,, Then some out-of-control head throbbing amplification , my own Fender Twin Reverb is pretty much set at the same settings, and I also use the normal channel with just a touch of reverb from a straightforward pedal. And believe me, if you wanted to turn it up you could peel the sheet rock off the wall studs if you wanted to. I also tend to pick up my telecaster more than anything else nowadays, and thoroughly enjoy flat wound 11s , Anyway, what a wonderful interview to thoroughly watch Julian's mannerisms and get a inside look at his gear and his philosophy In using it. Again, what a humble and gentle soul.
When he asked “shall I plug in the signature model?”, this deep animal instinct within me made me say “yes!” out loud. My dream guitar… and I have five Gretsches. Also that Treble on 2 and Bass on 3 is about where I found the sweet spot on my Vibrolux Reverb. It’s because the smaller Fenders don’t have a mid control. So to get the right mid hump, you have to tame the bass first from getting too flabby… which brings you down to about 3. And then the Treble is way too high… so it comes down too… and then you have beautiful warmth. On my bigger Fenders, I don’t need to do that so much.
I'm lucky enough to have seen him live twice, and both times the've been some of the best concerts i've been to. I think it was the concert he played the Collins and he only used the bigsby once and never touched it again. What a great and humble musician we have amongst us!
A great interview. The interviewer understands what’s interviewee is saying and has enough knowledge about both the interviewee and instruments/equipments to say just enough to encourage the master to talk more. Julian seems always eager to share everything he knows about what’s being asked maybe especially so here because of the interviewer. The settings on amplifier shocked me also and the demonstration on his effector really showed settle but clear contribution. Again a great interview. Thank you for sharing this with us.
A true musical genius and even better person, class act all the way around. Everything he plays has musicality, intent, and says something. No matter how insane his technique is it’s always used in a melodic way. The chordal stuff he does is drop dead gorgeous, he’s quite the inspiration. His solo acoustic album, and the stuff he did with Zorn and Nels Cline I’ve been especially enjoying lately.
Amazing interview! It's not just about geeking out about gear - I'm glad Julian talked about his philosophy about the equipment, the playing and the band.
Thanks Julian and John. I'm 60 and grew up dropping the needle on my hero's never even knowing what they looked like. Hope to see you live perform one day.
I met him after a show once, and can confirm he is that nice of a person. Btw, if you have never heard the ROOM album he did with Nels Cline, it is a must have....
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Man I love this dude; not just one of the most amazing guitarists alive, but also one of the nicest people. What a champ.
I couldn't say it better, so I'll just say ditto.
He does use a champ. 57 tweed one i believe
Sums it up for me. Perfect. :-)
This guy it´s absolutely insane. The musicality he has it´s just ridiculous. Not letting aside his perfect technique of course.
Julian Lage: if Mr. Rogers were also a guitar god
The way this man says "thank you" is so genuine. It's refreshing to see someone this good who's this humble
The best are usually very humble.. they understand what it takes
@@bronzewand i have found the opposite to generally be true
This guy doesn't even need a guitar to begin with to sound great. A monster player and what an incredibly nice human being.
Wtf....??
@@lueysixty-six7300 he even mastered the air guitar 😂
I'm always amazed at how expressive Julian's playing is. I don't often dig guitar jazz, even if I separately like guitar and jazz (mostly by horn players), but it's like Julian is breathing his phrases through his fingers, while everyone else is clumsily hammering them out.
You’re not wrong with that analysis. It really does flow through him. You’ll see him do things with his right hand in quiet moments where it’s still flowing even while not playing a damned note. Hard to explain, but you’ll know it when you see it.
I saw him in a very small room a few years ago and I know precisely what the previous commenters mean. He goes deep into the tune like no other modern guitarist.
Barely January and PG has already been killing it with Rig Rundowns. Julian and Sunn O))) are awesome starts to the year
Rig Rundown's with John B are the Best.
Beast mode
His music has a freshness to it while still being jazz at heart, it's intriguing. I'm almost more impressed by how comfortable he is talking and formulating sentences. I feel like he could tell us about his breakfast and we would all sit and listen.
Julian's touch and taste on that Gibson is incredible, I'm speechless
I can not agree more. I would like to add, Gibson please!!! Make a signature goldtop with p90 to this man !!!
Julian Lage is a genius. Musically gifted, well spoken, and thoughtful. The cat is just... DEEP.
One of the few musicians I would actually like to just have a conversation with. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing him 4 times in the last two years and it’s a transcendental experience.
Julian's personality is just like his music - warm, playful and uplifting. Great vid!
Exactly when I thought guitar has reached to it’s end….BOOM! There is Julian Lage. What a breath of fresh air. I came from rock and metal side of the guitar but I get mesmerized each time I’m hearing him playing the guitar. His playing style matches his personality. Coolest dude ever! Thank you PG for arranging this interview.
Please don't choke on his thing while you're down there
@@ordinarypeople2270 I guess you are still traumatized by what happened to your Ma the other day!
Julian is a gift to the guitar community.
saw julian's trio late last year and was blown away. Not a single note was forgotten, but in a very musical way. Instantly became a life long fan.
What a great talent! Julian has such a beautiful guitar voice and his ability to verbalize his thoughts is equally beautiful. Good job, John!
One of my favorite interviews ever. Julian exudes humility and kindness... it comes from his mind, to his fingertips, to our ears. What a gift!
Excellent ideas. At 63, 40 years of gigs under my belt, THIS guy just taught me more than a few ideas, aside from his beautiful playing. I really like what he said about "feeling worthy" of the guitar. I've always had that unworthiness gnawing at me, though Julian is rewarded by the full agreement in the teamwork of the guitar's love for what he's doing, as well as the choice of amps/ pedals. His volumes is what I never expected, and I'm going to do some experimentation based on what he's doing. Amazing all around.
This highly educated prodigy has subtle class that will translate into a legacy that will be openly studied in the arts for a long time to come. Simply, and stoically, eternal zen.
One of the few artists who actually managed to make me cry like a baby without saying a word.
I have to admit I didn’t know who this was, but trust me since watching this I dove into his music and wow. He’s probably forgotten more than I’ll ever know, plus he’s relatable, music is approachable and speaks in a way anyone can understand. He appears to be very intelligent and interesting person. I enjoyed this!
Without a doubt one of the most brilliant guitarists we've ever had. I saw him live a few years ago and it was absolutely amazing.
What he played at the end was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever heard a guitar play
And likely totally improvised. It’s like he’s composing music in real time, rather than just improvising. Never seen anyone do it like that.
Everytime I hear Julian I know I have to go practice. :)
Saw him last year. I'm not a huge jazz fan but I loved every minute of it. Such a wonderful musician and equally lovely guy. Huge fan.
Mr Lage is not just one of the finest players I've ever heard (and always one with flawless tone) but he also seems one of the most pleasant and down to earth ones. Thoroughly enjoyed this rundown, probably my favourite so far.
John and Julian... two of the nicest people in the universe.
Articulate, intelligent, humble, kind, gentle, unprecedented talent and creativity... thank you Julian.
And thank you John and Premier Guitar for all you provide the community of guitar players. This is a great convergence of modern times, technology, and guitar geekery. Love it.
An old Les Paul into a clean blackface Fender amp is the sound of the '60s and '70s. It's still the best tone that can be had out of a guitar rig. It takes me back to my youth. BTW, Julian Lage was a child prodigy and was my neighbor in Sonoma County, CA. Love what he's done in the music world. Very proud.
What a down to earth artist. Hands down to this dude.👏🙌🤘
My god, what an incredibly interesting guitar player and human being. He seems to be in pursuit of absolute purity - just man and guitar. Almost seems like he’d do it without an amp and pedals if he could get away with it 🤣. Such an amazing talent.
Which he certainly has. World's Fair is a great album recorded with just a 000-18 Martin acoustic and it's one of his best, in my opinion. It seems like he goes through phases where he really likes playing through a certain guitar or medium (a certain amp, pedals, etc.) and it is really fun to follow.
How can someone from(New York?) be so soft spoken and humble! Love his minimalist gear approach and philosophy. This guys a peach and fantastic player!
He belongs to the world now, but the first flights on his considerable wings were in Northern California/SF Bay Area
Of course, there are delightful people everywhere, and many are wonderful musicians!
Puts me in mind of Woody Allen sometimes.
I"ve wanted to hear Julian talk about his setup for a long time, so thanks so much for making this video. He didn't disappoint. He has such clear intent for how he wants to be heard, how he wants to feel when playing. He'll use as little gear as possible to achieve that. As always, such a nice and grateful man too.
Damn, that thing he played on the Les Paul in the middle was just insanely beautiful. Can’t help but smile when he plays.
Julian got me to pick up the guitar again after 25 years. I went from metal head to nothing but a UA Woodrow dialed all the way down. Trying to learn how to control tone with nothing but your hands is incredibly satisfying.
No swear words, no cussin',no bragging, no loud obnoxious statement! just a quiet un-assuming genius..is all !!! NOTHING BUT RESPECT !!!
Most of the new music I pick up and new artists and bands I follow come from these rig rundowns. I will happily add this guy to the list. Thanks PG for another amazing new talent to follow.
Rock on!
I saw him in an old church in downtown Knoxville. Amazing experience. This was one of my favorite rig rundowns, such a pleasure.
I love the cameraman's "WOW!" at the reveal of Nigel's stage Les Paul. Unbelievable.
'that's not the space I want to occupy as a guitar player'. I love this gentleman's vibe.
He just described his guitar as "DEAD AND OLD" in such a loving way lol. What a legend he is.
That’s amazing to see premier guitar do a rig rundown with Julian!!! He is simply amazing to watch play! Great choice!!!
Love Julian’s playing and is enthusiasm for the music and the instrument. Whenever I hear him play I fall in love with the telecaster all over again.
Julian is so great and gracious. He's able to find notes with ease, I can't seem to find them.... what a touch too
I love p90s and his playing style with that Les Paul is pure magic, even more than the Dynasonic pickups to my ear. What a great dude. Enjoyed this very much
Starting off my day with this made me happy. And these 2 are birds of a feather.
he played and talked for us music students at sf state back in like 2016ish. i recorded the audio of it and still listen to it every now and again. his playing was so good but more than that his insight was so important to me. what a great and interesting guy.
When he started playing that Les Paul... wow. Goosebumps!
I love to hear him talk about music... he has so much joy in his heart
One of the greatest improvisers out there. So inspiring to hear someone so "free". Thank you Julian! :)
I was wondering TODAY if there was a rig rundown for Julian Lage and this was released TODAY? Miracle
What a pleasant guy. Saw him play live with the Punch Brothers and then again the next night with Nels Cline I think. What a talent.
He’s a trip! Love his sensibility and humor. Never seen an interview. Great gear. Obviously, I’m here because Julian is a fantastic musician.
Julian a a bright light shining in this world. A wonderful man and of course a beautiful musician.
Amazing dude, I saw him in Boston the night before he shot this. He even mentioned, "I have the simplest rig ever".
Amazing musician and seems like a wonderful person. The fact that he was gifted that Les Paul from Christopher Guest makes me an even bigger fan.
I could listen to Julian talk all day.
He is absolutely amazing artist and person !
This man is guitar Jesus. He’s like the kindest, most genuine cat ever.
Thank you Premier Guitar for doing this episode!! What a treat to hear Julian’s foresight into his instruments.
I love the thoughtful, humble, polite way he speaks about his guitars and his technique.
It is absolutely just amazing that Julian is playing the Spinal Tap guitar. What a musician, what a guy.
Julian is a gentleman. Love him as a player and as a person.
Julian Lage is such a class act. His winning personality flows through his magical guitar playing.
Had the pleasure of seeing Julian play at Jazz à Sète, one of the most beautiful venues for one of the most beautiful sets I’ve seen. Love this guy
I saw him twice and had a short conversation with him a couple years ago (I’m glad for that). He is a really nice and kind guy. And he is the real musician. You know most of us are trying to play something but guys like this it’s just whole different level of everything.
Being that good AND that nice of a human ……..legend status
What a gentle soul, Julian is beyond humble and truly a gift on so many levels to all of us.
Just goes to prove that everyone is drawn in closer to a "whisper" -- A perfectly articulated " whisper " ,, Then some out-of-control head throbbing amplification , my own Fender Twin Reverb is pretty much set at the same settings, and I also use the normal channel with just a touch of reverb from a straightforward pedal. And believe me, if you wanted to turn it up you could peel the sheet rock off the wall studs if you wanted to.
I also tend to pick up my telecaster more than anything else nowadays, and thoroughly enjoy flat wound 11s , Anyway, what a wonderful interview to thoroughly watch Julian's mannerisms and get a inside look at his gear and his philosophy In using it.
Again, what a humble and gentle soul.
Man, he is very articulate in his speech on top of being a world class player. What a guy!
When he asked “shall I plug in the signature model?”, this deep animal instinct within me made me say “yes!” out loud. My dream guitar… and I have five Gretsches.
Also that Treble on 2 and Bass on 3 is about where I found the sweet spot on my Vibrolux Reverb. It’s because the smaller Fenders don’t have a mid control. So to get the right mid hump, you have to tame the bass first from getting too flabby… which brings you down to about 3. And then the Treble is way too high… so it comes down too… and then you have beautiful warmth. On my bigger Fenders, I don’t need to do that so much.
I'm lucky enough to have seen him live twice, and both times the've been some of the best concerts i've been to. I think it was the concert he played the Collins and he only used the bigsby once and never touched it again. What a great and humble musician we have amongst us!
A great interview. The interviewer understands what’s interviewee is saying and has enough knowledge about both the interviewee and instruments/equipments to say just enough to encourage the master to talk more. Julian seems always eager to share everything he knows about what’s being asked maybe especially so here because of the interviewer. The settings on amplifier shocked me also and the demonstration on his effector really showed settle but clear contribution. Again a great interview. Thank you for sharing this with us.
I always think of the great Ted Greene when I see jazz players on a tele. Julian is such a monster player and seems like the nicest dude to talk with.
Thank you for this wonderful conversation. Julian and his music are a boundless treasure.
Everything comes out from under this man’s fingers just knocks me out. I love it
It doesn't matter what musical genre you like, but yes or yes you should listen to Julian Lage, a true six-string hero. Great Video.
A true musical genius and even better person, class act all the way around. Everything he plays has musicality, intent, and says something. No matter how insane his technique is it’s always used in a melodic way. The chordal stuff he does is drop dead gorgeous, he’s quite the inspiration. His solo acoustic album, and the stuff he did with Zorn and Nels Cline I’ve been especially enjoying lately.
Never heard a note from this guy, but his enthusiasm, humility and downright niceness has caught my attention.
I was waiting so long for this video! Thanks a lot!
Hope you enjoyed it!
One of the purest rig rundowns. Great job John!
Julian is such an amazing and expressive musician. What a talent and seems like the nicest guy.
Spinal Tap! That was a surprise. Julian is the GOAT. Go see him live if you get the chance!
A dream of an interview with the best interviewer and the best interviewee. Fascinating.
I saw him last winter! What an amazing talent! Thanks for this rundown.
Amazing interview! It's not just about geeking out about gear - I'm glad Julian talked about his philosophy about the equipment, the playing and the band.
Thanks Julian and John. I'm 60 and grew up dropping the needle on my hero's never even knowing what they looked like. Hope to see you live perform one day.
I saw him in atl recently and it was 100% of what you’d hope it would be
I met him after a show once, and can confirm he is that nice of a person. Btw, if you have never heard the ROOM album he did with Nels Cline, it is a must have....
Same! I met him at a North Sea Jazz show. He's such a nice and genuine person.
Been looking forward to this one
I love the positivity that absolutely radiates from this fella!
Saw him in Monterrey. Dude is so nice, drummer is fire
Maybe the best guitarist touring in the world right now. Glad to see him on here. Wish Americans appreciated players like other parts of the world.
What a great musician and a lovely man, The great ones are usually humble like Julian
Beautiful video!
It's rare to see such a soft spoken guitar player
What a lovely, lovely man unbelievably articulate with and without his guitar!
One of the best musicians of our time! Oh, and what a lovely person he is, not surprised at all! And John doing great interviews as usual.
This dude is a treasure. So timeless. Reminds me of a Jazzy William Tyler.
What a throughly nice chap. I wasn’t aware of his work but wow!
Great interview John.
Julien, you are an amazing musician.
What a great musician and human being, and the interviewer is so enthusiastic and good here, well done!
Lest we forget Mike Stern, legendary jazz guy who uses a tele [and even has a sick Pacifica tele signature]
Hard not to love Julian and the way his personality comes out in his playing, nice one!