Jack Rose R.I.P. 1971-2009

Iconic indie guitarist had been praised as this generation's John Fahey and much more.

By Fred Mills

Philly-based guitarist Jack Rose, who came to fame in the ‘90s on the Amerindie underground via his work with ambient/drone/noise outfit Pelt, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 5. The apparent cause of his death was a heart attack, according to the Philadelphia Daily News. He was 38.

Word quickly spread over the weekend of Rose's passing, with music websites such as Arthur and Pitchfork.com singing his praises (Arthur posted a number of videos as well). Pitchfork additionally reported that Cory Rayborn of the Three Lobed label, for whom Rose recorded a number of solo records, issued a statement, saying, "Jack was a warm, caring person and was always a pleasure to be around. His larger than life spirit will truly, truly be missed even moreso than his inspired musical ability. Our deepest sorrow goes out to his wife."

In the 2000s Rose further elevated his profile and reputation as a steel string auteur via albums for Three Lobed, Eclipse, VHF, Tequila Sunrise and others, typically issuing records on vinyl and limited-edition CDRs. He frequently garnered glowing comparisons to guitarists such as John Fahey, Peter Walker and Robbie Basho, excelling in everything from folk, ragas, ragtime and country blues while demonstrating a strong maverick, experimental streak. He also worked with a who's-who of indiedom, including members of Charlambides, Cul de Sac and Borbetomagus. Rose was sometimes lumped in with the freak-folk movement - due, no doubt, to his appearance on Devendra Banhart's 2004 f-f compilation Golden Apples of the Sun - but as anyone who owns one of his records or saw him play can attest, Rose was a true American classicist for whom labels or strict genre was meaningless.

At the time of his death the Thrill Jockey label had already announced his signing to the label and plans to release Luck in the Valley on Feb. 23.

Rose will be greatly missed and we extend our condolences to his friends and family.