Guitarist Julian Lage has released \u201cNight Shade,\u201d a new single and live performance video from his forthcoming Blue Note album, Scenes From Above, due January 23. The track serves as the centerpiece of the project and introduces the sound of a new quartet that will anchor the album.<\/p>\n
Scenes From Above marks Lage\u2019s second collaboration with producer Joe Henry and his first recording with a group featuring John Medeski (organ), Jorge Roeder (bass), and Kenny Wollesen (drums). The album follows 2024\u2019s Speak to Me, which earned a GRAMMY nomination, and continues Lage\u2019s move toward more open, collective improvisation.<\/p>\n
Previous singles from the album include \u201cOpal\u201d and \u201cTalking Drum,\u201d both highlighting the conversational interplay between the four musicians. Rather than centering on soloist-and-accompaniment roles, the new music emphasizes ensemble balance and real-time interaction.<\/p>\n
Lage will bring the quartet on the road in 2026, with appearances scheduled at Miami Beach\u2019s GroundUP Music Festival, Knoxville\u2019s Big Ears Festival, Savannah Music Festival, and London\u2019s Royal Festival Hall, along with dates across Europe.<\/p>\n
Scenes From Above will be available on vinyl, CD, and digital formats via Blue Note Records.<\/p>\n
PHOTO: HANNAH GRAY HALL<\/p>\n