Jack Rose & the Black Twigs: s/t

Label: Vhf

This is no easy to review to write, as we’re all still stunned at the sudden passing of Jack Rose, who died on Dec. 5 at the age of 38. For those of us who value the beauty and wonder of the guitar, Rose was a treasure, a keeper of the John Fahey flame without being a slavish acolyte. Earlier this year he was part of what we thought was the best roots album of 2009, by a country mile. This album featured Rose and the Black Twigs, and what chemistry they have! Rose long ago proved himself as one of the finest guitar pickers in recent times, bringing a variety of traditions to his ever pliable sound, from blues and ragtime to Eastern raga and the avant-garde. He played for years with Twig banjoist Mike Gangloff, but here the two are joined by the rest of the band, and the addition of strings, percussion and vocals gives the album a raw yet good-timey feel. Gangloff takes over lead vocals on a few of the tracks, and his gruff, personable delivery only adds to the album’s immeasurable charm. This is some of the most joyous, rollicking string music I’ve heard in ages, and it instantly became one of my favorite albums of the year. This is not Rose’s final record, it should be noted; that will come out in February on Thrill Jockey. But do yourself a favor and treat yourself to one of the most gifted musicians of the decade. (James)