Raag Manifestos

New jewel case pressing of a limited edition CD released in 2003 in conjunction with Jack’s first major European and West Coast US Tours. Compiled from a variety of sources, Raag Manifestos presents much of Jack’s rawest and most experimental music, cutting across various acoustic styles, but with a much more aggressive attack than the recent Kensington Blues LP. “Black Pearls from the River” and “Hart Crane’s Old Boyfriends” are dense, serious assaults on the 12 string, with the intensity of the latter enhanced by Ian Nagoski’s roaring electronic backdrop. With subtle tabla accompaniment by Eric Carbonara, “Crossing The Great Waters” is another epic modal journey in the style of Pelt’s “Road To Catawba” and Jack’s own “Red Horse.” The traditional “Blessed Be the Name of the Lord” finishes off the CD on a calming note.