The much sought-after American jazz guitarist Julian Lage has played with and , among others . Love Hurts is his third album with his own trio. The piano trio is a proven form in jazz and it is special how Lage as a guitarist uses the piano trio concept. Accompanied by only bass and drums give him plenty of room for his melodic playing and driven solos. His choice of repertoire is daring to say
… the least on Love Hurts. The title track is indeed a version of this bittersweet country ballad. By faithfully following the sentimental melody, Lage is able to add little to it. The same thing happens with s famous tear-jerking Crying that wouldn't look out of place as background music in a supermarket. On the other hand, arrangements of compositions by and among others, in which Lage abstracter dares to go wild. The quality of Lage's playing is beyond question, but as a whole Love Hurts shoots a little too much in all directions. (MR)more
