Julian Lage Details New Album ‘Scenes From Above’ Featuring John Medeski
“I came in with a desire to present this as an egalitarian thing, rather than ‘I’m the leader — let’s build something around me.'”
By Nate Todd Nov 11, 2025 • 1:55 pm PST
Photo by Hannah Gray Hall
Acclaimed guitarist Julian Lage and his longtime rhythm section have teamed with keyboardist John Medeski for a new album, Scenes From Above. The nine-track LP arriving on January 23, 2026 via Blue Note Records is previewed with the single/performance video for “Opal.”
Scenes From Above follows Lage’s Grammy nominated 2024 album Speak To Me. The new record saw Lage, bassist Jorge Roeder and drummer Kenny Wollesen bringing aboard keyboard wizard John Medeski to create an impressive quartet.
“I came in with a desire to present this as an egalitarian thing, rather than ‘I’m the leader — let’s build something around me,'” Lage stated. “This is music that’s connected to our own growth and development individually and within our relationships with one another, with no sense that anybody’s expecting anything.”
“Julian really thinks about things, has a lot of intention,” noted Medeski. “But it’s a beautiful combination of caring about the concept and direction and of being free and in the moment.”
“My dream with composing, really, is to have something to talk about once we’re together,” Lage added. “It’s not the end-all, be-all.”
Watch the musical conversation between the quartet in the performance video for “Opal” below:
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