The more things stay the same the more they change. On 2016's
Arclight
,
Julian Lage
's first electric date, the guitarist led a trio with bassist
Scott Colley
and drummer
Kenny Wollesen
to justifiable acclaim. Singer, songwriter, and producer
Jesse Harris
, an old pal of the guitarist, helmed those sessions as they wove through jazz history from ragtime through bop and beyond, threaded with enough homespun feel that the album sounded instantly familiar. That trio and
Harris
reunite for
Modern Lore
.
Lage
keeps his electric guitar, too. The music here is an effortless turn from rephrasing jazz through the sound of a Telecaster to engaging rock & roll's circular rhythmic and dynamic possibilities -- which is not to say that
is a jazz-rock fusion record. Nope. It's simply instrumental, Americana-tinged rock with a a smattering of jazz improvisation and other exotic touches woven in. Surf and flamenco are threaded into the delightful "General Thunder." First single "Roger the Dodger" offers an angular intro and
Steely Dan-esque
melody line.
's breezy technique combined with
Wollesen
's drums and vibraphone alternate that sound in a sultry waltz rhythm as
Colley
's woody bassline adds an edgier danceable strut to the proceedings. "Splendor Riot" has just enough country in it to add a pastoral air, but its bright, gospel-tinged chords and fleet yet repetitive runs offer a delightful twist. The interplay between
and
in the bridge is simultaneously earthy and elegant. "Look Book" is the only nod to bop, albeit through the combined gazes of mutant sophisticates such as
Jimmy Bryant
Speedy West
, and
Les Paul
. Likewise, the wonderfully chaotic "Earth Science," with its razor-sharp arpeggios, decentered rhythms, and knotty exchanges, walks the line between modern jazz and prog. Closer "Pantheon" is a ballad that underscores the relaxed, uncluttered feel that is at the groove-laden core of
. This is
and his trio playing for themselves and obviously enjoying it; they create an easy intimacy and offer a warm welcome for listeners. The music here is not only solid, but attractive and clever to boot. ~ Thom Jurek