
Julian Lage and the Speak To Me Band
“[His] sound has the warmth of Joe Pass, the bite of Les Paul, and the dexterity of both.” – Pop Matters
Hailed as one of the most prodigious guitarists of his generation and in the “highest category of improvising musicians” (The New Yorker), Julian Lage has spent more than a decade searching through the myriad strains of American musical history via impeccable technique, free association, and a spirit of infinite possibility. The California-born, New York-based musician boasts a prolific resume on his own accord in addition to collaborations with Gary Burton and John Zorn, as well as duo projects with Nels Cline, Chris Eldridge and Fred Hersch, among others. In his previous appearances at Big Ears Festival, Lage brought his trio, featuring bassist Jorge Roeder and drummer Dave King. Lage returns to the festival in 2024 with a new venture: Julian Lage and the Speak To Me Band featuring Jorge Roeder, Levon Henry, Kris Davis, and Rudy Royston.