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 High-level musicianship without ego – Technique is fully absorbed into the music; nothing showy, nothing sloppy. Clean, legible writing – Themes are clear, proportions feel right, and every track knows when to stop. Strong trio chemistry – The conversational flow between players is consistent and intelligent. Cons Too polite emotionally – Very little friction, danger, or volatility to raise the stakes. Album arc is flat – Tracks work individually, but the record doesn’t escalate or t...
