Jack Rose's musical journey began in Fredericksburg in the mid eighties as a teenager. After playing with his first band Pelt, Jack went on to record a plethora of solo releases under no fewer than ten different labels. Jack was consistently regarded for not only his technical and proficient guitar picking skills, but for his ability to channel his soul so profoundly through his music. Cory Rayburn of Fakejazz.com writes “Over every bit of new music I've heard this year, regardless of the source, not one other album contains as much of the performer's soul as this LP.” regarding one of Jack's Solo Albums Red Horse, White Mule. Jack's life and music have touched many lives across the globe, as Jack spent many years touring the U.S. And Europe extensively, spreading his unique styles of ragtime, rock, blues, and American folk to as many ears as he could find.

Jack passed away on December 5^th, 2009 in Philidelphia of a heart attack at 38 years old. His funeral took place there, where he and his wife lived. Jack's mother still lives in Fredericksburg, and wanted to have a celebration of his life, which took place at Eyeclopes Studio in downtown Fredericksburg. It was only fitting to celebrate in Fredericksburg, where he had a large influence on those who knew him, as well as those who were lucky enough to hear him express himself so profoundly. A slideshow played along with some of Jack's vinyl recordings, and on the Micromatic Turntable console rested a bottle of Fighting Cock Whiskey and a shot glass for those wishing to share a drink with Dr. Ragtime.

After a few hours of Jack's music, The Naked Lunch, a blues/60s psychadelia group originally comprised of Karl Steinbach on bass, Powell Sale III on drums, Lowell Sale on guitar/vocals and Jack Rose on guitar played some tunes with Jimbo Davies (formally of the band Fredvegas) filling in playing lap steel with the remaining 3 members. They all toasted Jack, and doused themselves in Hai Karate aftershave...a scent joke/tradition from years ago. Lowell recounted memories shared with Jack, and the band at one point showed off their matching green socks: another tradition from the good ol' days. Ugly Head, a former band of Jack's that had been based out of Richmond, followed up with a more hard rock edge than The Naked Lunch.

It's clear that Jack is missed, loved, and remembered. His music will continue to touch us all.

Jack Rose Celebration photogaphs by Missy Colombo.

Other photographs courtesy of Anchormoon.wordpress.com, Jack Rose on Myspace Music, and Simon Fernandez Music Photographer at http://flickr.com/photos/40550965@N05/4207772760.

By Author: Ryan Barsanti

Ryan was born in Long Island, New York and after a short stint in Frederick, Maryland, came to Fredericksburg, Virginia where he spent the rest of his childhood. He then briefly attended VCU in Richmond, VA where he fell in love with all things creative, specifically music and photography. He spent a few more years moving between Richmond, Charlottesville, and Long Island before returning to Fredericksburg where he has been since '05. Ryan has had almost as many addresses as jobs, working in factories, nurseries, a koi farm, electronics stores, photography shops, train yards, pizza joints, and currently at an alternative school for troubled children. Ryan also played percussion, keyboard, and various electronic toys with a local band in Fredericksburg for a few years. Some favorite bands include Parliament, Glassjaw, Every Time I Die, Baroness, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Deftones, A Perfect Circle, Saul Williams, Har Mar Superstar, The Police, and Queens of the Stone Age.