On January 16, 2020, Julian Lage's trio—comprising bassist Jorge Roeder and drummer Dave King—delivered an exceptional performance at the Village Vanguard. This engagement was part of a six-night residency that served as a precursor to their forthcoming album, Squint, released in June 2021. The trio's interplay during these sets was so compelling that it led to a recording session in August 2020, capturing the refined synergy that had developed over their residency. (guitarworld.com)
The Squint album showcases the trio's deepened musical rapport, blending incisive songwriting with profound improvisational dialogues. The residency at the Vanguard was instrumental in shaping the album's direction, allowing the trio to experiment with new material and refine their collective sound. (guitarworld.com)
Critics have lauded the trio's live performances during this period. A notable review from The New Yorker described the January 2020 performance as "the best night of music I had ever been present for," highlighting the coherence and subtle audacity of the set. (newyorker.com)
