Julian Lage - Scenes from Above (2026)
I hear the intelligence immediately, and I respect it throughout — but I don’t fully sink into it. Scenes From Above is beautifully played, carefully balanced, and immaculately tasteful, almost to a fault. Julian Lage’s touch is impeccable and the trio interplay is locked in, yet the album rarely puts itself at risk. It feels more like a demonstration of control than a document of necessity. I admire it every time I listen, but that admiration doesn’t always turn into desire.
Pros
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High-level musicianship without ego – Technique is fully absorbed into the music; nothing showy, nothing sloppy.
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Clean, legible writing – Themes are clear, proportions feel right, and every track knows when to stop.
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Strong trio chemistry – The conversational flow between players is consistent and intelligent.
Cons
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Too polite emotionally – Very little friction, danger, or volatility to raise the stakes.
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Album arc is flat – Tracks work individually, but the record doesn’t escalate or transform as a whole.
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Low obsession factor – Easy to respect, harder to crave; replay value depends heavily on mood.
Genre: Jazz
Country: US
Final Verdict: 65% (Good Album)
Yearly Ranking: 25th / 69
Highlight: Havens
Made me think of:
Pat Metheny
Bill Frisell
Kurt Rosenwinkel
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