New Years Eve Performance Introduces New Group

Featuring Bassist Larry Grenadier and Drummer Eric Harland 

 Lage's Working Ensemble to Make Winter Jazzfest Debut

at New York's Sullivan Hall, January 6

Following significant activity in 2011, which included the release of his critically acclaimed album Gladwell and national/international tours with vibraphonist Gary Burton as well as his own ensemble (among other highlights), virtuoso guitarist Julian Lage has yet another ambitious year planned for 2012. He most recently unveiled a new group and will continue to perform with his working ensemble, the Julian Lage Group.

On New Year's Eve 2011 - 2012, Julian Lage launched 2012 by kicking off Toast of the Nation, an all-night broadcast of live jazz from venues across the U.S. - presented by NPR Music, WGBH, andWBGO. Lage introduced a new group: the Julian Lage Trio (featuring bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Eric Harland with a surprise guest, saxophonist Dan Blake). The performance took place at Lage's alma mater, the Berklee College of Music's Performance Center in Boston, in front of a sold-out crowd. Audio from the performance can now be streamed at NPRMusic.org.

On January 6, the Julian Lage Group will make its 2012 debut with a performance at New York's Sullivan Hall as a part of the 2012 Winter Jazzfest. This spring the ensemble has performances in Cambridge, MA (Club Passim) and Washington D.C. (Kennedy Center Jazz Club), among other cites.

 On January 17, Lage will be one of the first featured artists on NPR's new Piano Jazz Rising Stars series. He will appear with pianist and host Jon Weber in a one-hour interview and duo performance (following the winning combination of talk and music heard on Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz for over 30 years). Lage's segment will be broadcasted on local NPR affiliates where available.

Following successful performances in New York (at both Jazz Standard and Kitano) as well as in California (Healdsburg Jazz Festival), Lage will continue his duo collaboration with renowned pianist Fred Hersch. Lage will also appear as a featured artist in guitar legend Jim Hall's Quartet for select performances within the U.S., including a week at The Blue Note in New York , April 17-22.

He also introduced the Julian Lage Group Blog in 2011, which features videos, recordings, photos, and more, all related to the ever growing, curiosity of his band. The site has steadily progressed since its inception, with plans to carry on in 2012.