Lage is a true master of the lounge. Nothing highlights this more than Nocturne. Although written by Spike Hughes in 1933 and recorded with an ensemble of musicians, Lage's version of it is a clear break away from the 30's jazz. It is smoother and the use of the electric guitar, a fascinating choice, adds a new flavour to the jazz composition.
Nocturne plays out like a saga, the beginning sets the background of our hero and the track builds into a crescendo where the drums, the electric guitar and the double bass working together show us the struggle of our hero (perhaps at night) against his enemies. He eventually emerges victorious, the Night King and everything goes back to as it was.
The great thing about the track is that it is reassuring. At no point does one feel that this will end badly. Both the recorded and the Live at Los Angeles versions of this song are brilliant. Lage is truly a prodigy.
You can learn more about Julian Lage here:
About the curator - Aarushi Aggarwal
Aarushi is a senior at college and is majoring in history and international relations. Her music library is as much home to jazz as it is to Indian classical. Her passion for discovering new music far supersedes other equally important things like finishing assignments on time. She loves dogs, coffee and chocolate.
