Avalon by Julian Lage and Chris Eldridge, released in 2014, is a duo guitar record that sits at a compelling intersection of bluegrass flatpicking, Western swing, and jazz. Lage, who emerged from the jazz world with classical training and an omnivorous ear, and Eldridge, the Punch Brothers guitarist steeped in Tony Rice and Clarence White, make an unlikely but wholly convincing pair. The album's repertoire — drawn from the Great American Songbook, traditional fiddle tunes, and original compositions — reflects both players' comfort operating across genre lines. The interplay is conversational rather than competitive, with each guitarist listening as much as playing. Avalon earned widespread critical attention outside the bluegrass world and stands as evidence that the acoustic guitar tradition can absorb jazz language without losing its essential character.
Tracklist
- 1 Stone Cross 3:34
- 2 Mean Mother Blues 3:44
- 3 Keep Me from Blowing Away 3:52
- 4 Whiskey Before Breakfast alt version 2:51
- 5 Open up the Window, Noah 3:02
- 6 Wilson’s Waltz 9:04
- 7 Someone to Watch Over Me 4:18
- 8 Ginseng Sullivan alt version 3:33
- 9 Steady Proof 3:00
- 10 Any Old Time alt version 3:42
- 11 Butter and Eggs Source Recording 3:24
