Jack Rose - Dr Ragtime & Pals / Self Titled

This double album from one of the more high profile 'primitive' guitar players spans both Jack Rose's collaborative ho-downs as Dr Ragtime and his more mystical, introspective solo work. The Dr Ragtime disc is real disarming southern twang stuff; augmented by lapsteel, banjo and washboard, the elaborate guitar work belies simple melodies which might just charm the pants right off you. The second disc of lone 12-string work has a slightly sparser feel, but the fretwork is of a very similar finger-picked vein. There is an occasional Indian influence to the music, particularly on the extended raga Spirits in the House. Overall these albums are entrancing, though the sound rarely deviates a great deal, and can border on monotony as a result. However, there's enough bewitching material on show for both admirers of expertly played, sepia-tinted guitar jams and novices to the field alike. [Matt Gollock]