Modern Lore
Staff Pick
Modern Lore
If you love jazz guitar but haven't heard of Julian Lage, do yourself the biggest favor ever and check him out! Technique, tone, taste, phrasing, etc etc etc, Lage has it in droves. I've played and taught guitar for almost 30 years and rarely has an album impressed me like Modern Lore has. Don't miss it!
The more things stay the same the more they change. On 2016's Arclight, Julian Lage's first electric date, the guitarist led a trio with bassist Scott Colley and drummer Kenny Wollesen to justifiable acclaim. Singer, songwriter, and producer Jesse Harris, an old pal of the guitarist, helmed those sessions as they wove through jazz history from ragtime through bop and beyond, threaded with enough homespun feel that the album sounded instantly familiar. That trio and Harris reunite for Modern Lore. Lage keeps his electric guitar, too. The music here is an effortless turn from rephrasing jazz through the sound of a Telecaster to engaging rock & roll's circular rhythmic and dynamic possibilities -- which is not to say that Modern Lore is a jazz-rock fusion record. Nope. It's simply instrumental, Americana-tinged rock with a a smattering of jazz improvisation and other exotic touches woven in. Surf and flamenco are threaded into the delightful "General Thunder." First single "Roger the Dodger" offers an angular intro and Steely Dan-esque melody line. Lage's breezy technique combined with Wollesen's drums and vibraphone alternate that sound in a sultry waltz rhythm as Colley's woody bassline adds an edgier danceable strut to the proceedings. "Splendor Riot" has just enough country in it to add a pastoral air, but its bright, gospel-tinged chords and fleet yet repetitive runs offer a delightful twist. The interplay between Colley and Lage in the bridge is simultaneously earthy and elegant. "Look Book" is the only nod to bop, albeit through the combined gazes of mutant sophisticates such as Jimmy Bryant, Speedy West, and Les Paul. Likewise, the wonderfully chaotic "Earth Science," with its razor-sharp arpeggios, decentered rhythms, and knotty exchanges, walks the line between modern jazz and prog. Closer "Pantheon" is a ballad that underscores the relaxed, uncluttered feel that is at the groove-laden core of Modern Lore. This is Lage and his trio playing for themselves and obviously enjoying it; they create an easy intimacy and offer a warm welcome for listeners. The music here is not only solid, but attractive and clever to boot. ~ Thom Jurek, Rovi
- Condition: --HPB condition ratings
- New: Mint condition or still sealed (SS). Absolutely perfect in every way. New.
- Fine/Like New (EX): No defects, little sign of use, well cared for. Plays perfectly. Close to new. Not necessarily sealed or unused, but close. Could be an unopened promotional or cut item. Sometimes called: mint-minus.
- Very Good (VG): Will show some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it.
- Good (G): Attractive and well cared for, but no longer fresh. Minor signs of wear, scuffing or scratching, but will play almost perfectly. For vinyl: barely detectable crackles or pops.
- Fair (FR): This item is in okay condition. For vinyl: good is not so good and the record may have low level crackles or pops when playing. CD: one or more tracks may skip.
- Poor (P): Obviously well-worn and handled. Most vinyl collectors will not buy good or below, but some tracks on CD or vinyl will play.
- Format: CD
- Sold by: --
- Label: Orchard
- UPC: 673203113121
- New: Item is brand new, unused and unmarked, in flawless condition.
- Fine/Like New (F): Book may have been read. Looks new and has no defects. May show remainder marks. Used textbooks do not come with supplemental materials.
- Near Fine (NF): Clean, with no defects, but may show slight wear at edges of book or dust jacket. Used textbooks do not come with supplemental materials.
- Very Good (VG): Shows signs of wear. May have minor defects: clipped or chipped dust jacket; owner’s inscription; remainder mark; minor foxing or bumping. Used textbooks do not come with supplemental materials.
- Good (G): Average used book with all pages present. May have any of the defects above to a greater degree, including highlighting, library markings, or loose bindings. Rare and collectible books may have cocked spine, cracked hinges, water stains; torn or repaired dust jacket. Used textbooks do not come with supplemental materials.
- Fair (FR): May be very worn, soiled, torn, or barely holding together. Used textbooks do not come with supplemental materials.
- Poor (P): May have extensive damage from moisture or insects; detached boards; parts may be missing; marginally salable unless very unusual. Used textbooks do not come with supplemental materials.
- New: Mint condition or still sealed (SS). Absolutely perfect in every way. New.
- Fine/Like New (EX): No defects, little sign of use, well cared for. Plays perfectly. Close to new. Not necessarily sealed or unused, but close. Could be an unopened promotional or cut item. Sometimes called: mint-minus.
- Very Good (VG): Will show some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it.
- Good (G): Attractive and well cared for, but no longer fresh. Minor signs of wear, scuffing or scratching, but will play almost perfectly. For vinyl: barely detectable crackles or pops.
- Fair (FR): This item is in okay condition. For vinyl: good is not so good and the record may have low level crackles or pops when playing. CD: one or more tracks may skip.
- Poor (P): Obviously well-worn and handled. Most vinyl collectors will not buy good or below, but some tracks on CD or vinyl will play.
- New: This movie is unopened and brand new.
- Fine/Like New (EX): Near new. No defects, little sign of use. Plays perfectly. Not necessarily sealed or unused, but close. No skipping; no fuzzy or snowy frames in VHS.
- Very Good (VG): Attractive and well cared for but no longer fresh. Minor signs of wear, but will play almost perfectly. For VHS: barely detectable distortion or very few fuzzy or snowy frames.
- Good (G): This item is in okay condition and basically works well. There may be some minor distortion on VHS tape; slight scratching or wear on DVD.
- Fair (FR): Basically plays, but may be obviously well-worn with some scratching or tape distortion.
- Poor (P): Disc or tape is intact, but may be scratched or stretched. There may be skips or distortion or product defects.