The highest proficiency does not make up for loss of sense of discovery
by David James Modern jazz players, especially in the United States, are nothing if not exceptionally skilled. Intense education has had the effect of raising the facility of players to great heights; command of the instrument has risen as audiences have shrunk. Consider, for example, guitar virtuoso Julian Lage. His lines are speedy, angular when required, often lyrical, dramatic, underpinned by clever dynamics and always informed by extensive erudition. As can be seen from his teaching videos, he is a student par excellence of the music and he translates that successfully into his performances. He tends to have a chamber…
