Bio
Recognized as one of the most distinctive guitarists of his generation, Lage Lund is a compelling force in contemporary jazz. A recipient of the "Rising Star – Guitar" award in the Downbeat Critics’ Poll, Lund has earned praise from luminaries like Pat Metheny, who cites him as a favorite, and from Russell Malone, who lauded him as "all music and all soul" when awarding him first prize in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition.
With a rapidly expanding repertoire of original compositions and a masterful approach to jazz standards, Lund combines staggering harmonic sophistication with an exceptionally fluid voice as a soloist. His performances reveal a “casually magnetic” stage presence that, according to the New York Times, channels “reticence into a whisper-quiet mystique” and “balances his abundant proficiencies with an aesthetic of gleaming calm.”
Originally from Norway, Lund moved to Boston on a scholarship to Berklee College of Music, and in 2002, relocated to New York, becoming the first electric guitarist accepted to Juilliard. Since his Monk Competition win, he has become an essential sideman for top-tier artists like David Sánchez, Maria Schneider, Mark Turner, and Seamus Blake, while also leading his own critically acclaimed projects.
In 2023, Lund released two significant albums: “Ashes” on JMI Records, an audiophile analog label, alongside Tyshawn Sorey (drums) and Matt Brewer (bass); and “Most Peculiar” (Criss Cross Jazz), a daring sequel to “Terrible Animals”with an elite rhythm section featuring Sullivan Fortner, Larry Grenadier, and Tyshawn Sorey. These works highlight Lund’s dynamic creativity and adventurous use of effects, pushing his sound into new territory. Earlier, in 2019, Lund released “Life of the Party” with the OWL Trio on Newvelle, featuring Kurt Elling, marking another milestone in his explorative musical journey.
Beyond his solo work, Lund has been a core member of Melissa Aldana’s ensemble, contributing as producer and co-writer to her Blue Note albums “12 Stars” (2022) and “Echoes of the Inner Prophet” (2024). His upcoming 2024 release, “Live in Brooklyn”, showcases The Fury, a powerful collective ensemble featuring Mark Turner, Matt Brewer, and Tyshawn Sorey. Recorded live in Brooklyn and set for release on Giant Step Arts, this album promises to be another landmark in Lund’s already remarkable discography.
With extensive tours across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, Lund continues to elevate his role as a creative force, inspiring jazz’s evolving narrative. “Of the younger cats, Lage is THE one. He's a wonderful player. Scary actually!" says Kurt Rosenwinkel.