Jazz guitar is not for the faint of heart. Playing, that is. Because pretty much no one agrees what jazz guitar playing should sound like. Yes, Pat Metheny has managed to walk the line for decades, and Bill Frisell drops in and out as he pleases. But their exceptions prove the rule.

Julian Lage Modern Lore (Mack Avenue)

Julian Lage is skipping the argument as well. His trio lopes through this assured set with stylish confidence. Is it jazz? Sure. Is it rock? Often enough. Is it americana? Well, yes. Isn't jazz the ultimate American music? But by using a power trio band (guitar, bass and drums) and using jazz setups (unadorned tones, brushes as well as sticks, etc.) while evoking wide open sounds, Lage has created a fine corner for his ideas.

So, yes, this sounds very much of the American west. In that, Lage has a few Frisell echoes. But this isn't simply a journey into grandeur. Lage is more into wonder. He undercuts his big moments with thoughtful glances askance. There are moments that sound like watching ants crawl around the rim of the Grand Canyon.

Which is to say that Lage makes thoughtful music that is breathtakingly thrilling. He refuses to stand still, and his trio is more than game for the journey. Yeah, I think this is jazz. But I have an expansive view of the form. Lage uses jazz for his own means. And I don't think anyone is going to complain about that.

Jon Worley