Jeff Lang - Prepare Me Well (2006)

Subtitled "An introduction to Jeff Lang," Prepare Me Well compiles tracks from five of the Australian roots guitarist's discs released over a ten year time span starting in 1994, many of which have not been available in the States. It is meant as a way of bringing Lang's name into visibility, and as such is a useful collection. But, since the press notes explain that Lang produced ten live and studio albums during this period, one wonders what happened to material from the other five. Additionally, selections from Native Creek Dog, which was named Best Australian Blues Album in 1996, are strangely M.I.A. Regardless, what is here is impressive. Lang takes aspects of Richard Thompson, Ry Cooder, Leo Kottke, and especially the underappreciated Tony Furtado, and blends them together in a bluesy, swampy concoction that has been described as "disturbed folk." It's an intriguing sound, and along with Lang's fragile, gentle voice (somewhat similar to Paul Simon's), the music is consistently stimulating, even in its quietest moments. Perhaps not surprisingly, the collection is a little schizophrenic, shifting between soft, gentle ethereal music such as the closing "Rain on Troy," the complex finger picking and dark stylings of "Ravenswood," and extended, moody pieces such as the title track to Cedar Grove, the album's most riveting track. The collection is dedicated to the late Chris Whitley, and there are overtones of his edgy style here. Lang never rushes his songs, and even though his instrumental proficiency is obvious, he doesn't overextend solos. A few more upbeat tunes on the order of the surging "Too Easy to Kill" would make this more driving and provide a change from the rather downbeat approach, but there is no doubt that Lang has tapped into a unique style, often influenced by East Indian tunings as on "London." He's already been featured on A Prairie Home Companion, which provides a perfect outlet for his offbeat, occasionally bleak folk. He's a talent who deserves wider recognition.