Lage Lund is acclaimed not only as one of the finest guitarists of his generation, but also one of the most compelling jazz artists in the world today. A regular in the “Rising star – Guitar” category in the Downbeat Critic’s Poll, he has been hailed by Pat Metheny as a favorite young guitarist, and is “all music and all soul” according to Russell Malone - one of the judges who awarded Lund top prize in the 2005 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition.
Armed with a mastery of the standard repertoire and a growing and impressive body of original compositions, Lund swings with great authority, displaying a staggering harmonic sophistication and a singularly fluid voice as a soloist. He also brings a “casually magnetic” presence to the stage, “channeling reticence into a whisper-quiet mystique” (New York Times). Born and raised in Norway, Lund relocated to Boston after high school on a scholarship to Berklee College of Music. In 2002 he moved to New York and soon became the first electric guitarist ever to enroll at the Juilliard School of Music. In the years since his Monk Competition victory, he has become a sought-after sideman with the David Sanchez Quartet, the Maria Schneider Orchestra, Mark Turner, Seamus Blake and many more.
With four releases on the Criss Cross label including Idlewild - the third record featuring bassist Ben Street and drummer Bill Stewart but the first in a trio setting. The results are stellar as Lund continues to refine his artistry, bringing tonal clarity and an unerring sense of proportion to music.
2018 sees the first recording by the solo project “Lage Lund Lonely Band”
The upcoming release “Party Of One” has Lund covering all parts in each aspect of the process: writing, arranging, performing, recording, producing as well as directing music videos.
Also in 2018 is release of a new Criss Cross release of all original material, written for and developed by his longstanding quartet consisting of Sullivan Fortner, Matt Brewer & Tyshawn Sorey.
Through frequent appearances and tours stateside and throughout Europe, Asia and around the world, Lund has ascended to the highest ranks as a performer and a creative force. He is among those setting the agenda for jazz improvisation in the 21st century.
"Of the younger cats, Lage is THE one. He's a wonderful player. Scary actually!" - Kurt Rosenwinkel