|
Click on the following links for full review.
Dark
City (Russian Metal Magazine)
Shredaholic
Tempi-duri.it
(Italian Heavy Metal Webzine)
Raw
& Wild
The
Dutch Progressive Rock Page
Prog-Nose.org
Highwire
Magazine
Sweden
Rock Magazine
Rock
United
Mega
Metal Online
Rock
and Metal Heaven
Brighteyes.de
Guitar
6
BallBuster
Hard Music
Heavy
Metal Universe
Power
Play Records
Quintessance Metal Webzine
21st Century Metal
Stutter 'Zine
Sea of Tranquility
Foley Entertainment, Inc.
HardRock Haven
Metal To Infinity
Fishcomcollective
El Retorno del Gigante
Illinois Entertainer
VirtuosityOne
Guitar Chef
MWE3.com (Music Web Express)
Sea of Tranquility
GuitarMania
GarageBand
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REVIEW FROM Dark
City (Russian Metal Magazine)
Click
HERE
for full review.
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REVIEW FROM Shredaholic
I
had the chance to review this great album, and I have to say I
truly enjoyed it, let me tell you why. Jeff's style is catchy
melodies with really good sense of arrangement and playing style,
very fluid. Not forgetting some shred which we all love - and
played well it is, but its not constant speed on this one, actually,
most of it is slow melodies, which is great also!!!
As
stressed before, this is your typical kind of easy listening,
cheerful sounding guitar music, has a positive edge to it with
great groove. Some decent alternate picking speed licks and fast
legato work present which blend in really well with the music
- creating tension and giving the songs a bit more of a ''Dramatic''
edge, all played very smooth and fluidly. Some neat acoustic and
piano is also present giving the album more variation which is
a strong point, very catchy tunes on this album.
I'd
say this is a fun sounding "rock guitar" instrumental
album, Jeff has a good ear for melody and arrangement. Its typical
upbeat, energetic music which is full of life and is great to
listen too. As well as being full of catchy melodies, this disc
has some pretty heavy rocking riffs that groove really well! The
guitar tone is nice and pretty warm sounding, also flanging/phase
shifting type effects are heard quite a lot on this disc adding
a bit more dynamic to the music, which is great. My personal favourite
tracks would have to be ''Feel Good'', ''Cyber Me'' and ''Thinking
of you'' but any of the tunes on this album are potential standout
tracks for the listener.
Overall
I thought this album was decent, enjoyed it very much so, if you
like catchy hard rock guitar instrumental then this will probably
be right up your street - check it out.
Recommended.
-
Richard Niczyperowicz
Click
HERE
for full review. |
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REVIEW FROM Tempi-Duri.it
(Italian
Heavy Metal Webzine)
(English
interpretation below)
Jeff
è un talentuoso musicista di Chicago che ha iniziato la
sua carriera come batterista , passando poi alla chitarra sotto
l’ispirazione di Van Halen alla fine degli anni ’70
poi al basso ed infine alle tastiere.
Con un bagaglio così Urso appare un musicista completo
capace di poter fare da solo tutto quello che più gli piace
e pare che così sia.
Infatti sulle pagine del booklet di questo suo cd solista non
viene menzionato nessun “compagno di viaggio”, né
tantomeno si fa riferimento ad aggeggi computerizzati od elettronici
per gli arrangiamenti dei pezzi.
C’è però da dire che se , come pensiamo che
sia, il nostro amico ha fatto tutto da solo, penso che sarebbe
stato il caso di evidenziarlo maggiormente sulle note del libretto,
proprio per mettere più in luce questa sua completezza
artistica.
I brani che Urso propone sono ispirati alla tradizione dei guitar
hero degli anni 90 come Satriani e Vai, passando poi a eroi della
sei corde più recenti e non meno valorosi come Petrucci.
Queste 10 perle le cui note brillano freschissime nelle nostre
casse sono l’ideale colonna sonora per un piacevole viaggio
in auto.
Sonorità , come per l’appunto dicevo prima, alla
Satriani ci accompagnano per la quasi prima metà del disco
facendoci venire in mente il sempre osannato “Surfing with
the alien”.
Si prosegue poi con stranezze degne di Vai altro funambolico artista
dal quale attinge Urso le cui sonorità sono ulteriormente
arricchite da un sapiente lavoro di engineering con effetti sonori
semplici ma di sicuro effetto.
Quando le sonorità diventano più dure il nostro
imbraccia la 7 corde che conferisce ai brani un tono più
“cattivo” e sonorità più “robuste”.
Ultimo brano particolarmente toccante è “ I alive”
che è dedicato ad un suo caro amico morto in seguito ad
un incidente stradale. Qui Urso si cimenta al pianoforte con particolare
trasporto , nonostante la semplicità della composizione.
Jeff
- talented musician Chicago who has begun its career as batterista,
passing then to a guitar under inspiration Van Alain in the end
of years ’ 70 then to a bottom and at last to keyboards.
With luggage so Urso there is the full musician, capable can makes
independently all that is pleasant to it more and it seems, that
it so.
Really on pages booklet it it cd the soloist will not mention
about any “ comrade of travel ”, tantomeno it becomes
the reference to trifles computerizzati or electronic for arrangiamenti
details.
It is necessary to speak nevertheless, that, whether as it is
thought we, that, our friend has made all independently, I think,
that it would be a case it mainly on marks, is valid to place
more in a view of its this art completeness.
Fragments, that Urso offers, are inspired in tradition guitar
hero years 90 as Satriani and You go, occuring to heroes then,
more recent cords and not less valorous as Petrucci.
These 10 perle, whose marks shine the freshest in our boxes, -
an ideal sonorous column for pleasant travel to cars.
Sounding as for a note I spoke all over again, to Satriani they
accompany with us for first half of disk, forcing to come to us
in mind always osannato “ Surfing with the alien ”.
It proceeds then with worthy strangenesses You there Is other
acrobatic actor from whom scoops Urso, whose sounding was enriched
in the further at wise work engineering with sonorous simple effects
but necessarily effect.
When sounding becomes more rigid ours imbraccia 7 cords which
it gives more "bad" tone and "stronger" sounding
in fragments.
Last especially touching fragment - "alive" which it
is devoted to its dear dead friend further to road incident. Here
Urso cimenta in a grand piano with the certain transport, despite
of simplicity of structure.
- Giovanni Turco
Click
HERE
for full review. |
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INTERVIEW FROM Raw
& Wild 
WHO
IS JEFF URSO?
"I am an instrumental guitar player from Chicago. I focus
on combining strong songwriting with great sounding melodies while
keeping guitar aficionados happy."
I'D
LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT YOUR BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES...
"I started out playing drums by the ripe age of 8. I was
heavily into the band Kiss and by seeing & listening to Kiss'
drummer Peter Criss, I figured that was what I needed to do in
life. After playing drums for several bands, my interest grew
towards guitar. I became fascinated with Eddie Van Halen &
his style of playing. I ran out and purchased a guitar and amp
& began learning Eddie's licks. I ended up bouncing back and
forth between guitar & drums. I wanted to participate more
on the music side instead of laying down the foundation. That's
when I decided to give up the sticks & focus full time on
guitar."
DID
YOU HAVE PLAYED IN SEVERAL BANDS?
"I've been in several bands while playing drums & several
bands playing guitar. Mostly local bands from the Chicago area."
WHAT'S
ABOUT YOUR PRESENT ACTIVITY?
"Right now, I've done an instrumental album entirely by myself.
It was written, performed, recorded, & produced by me. I don't
oppose working with a vocalist; I just haven't found the right
person yet. I also tend to work better on my own. I have complete
freedom to express myself the way I want."
WOULD
YOU LIKE TO TALK ABOUT YOUR MAIN INFLUENCES?
"I've been influenced in some way or another by a ton of
guitar players. Eddie Van Halen, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, John
Petrucci, Paul Gilbert, Eric Johnson, Trevor Rabin, Blues Saraceno,
& Stevie Ray Vaughan all have inspired me in some way."
DO
YOU PREFER GUITARISTS PLENTY OF TECHNICAL SKILLS OR FULL OF FEELINGS?
"Most of the time, I'm moved more by a guitar piece that
is slower & full of feeling than I am by just pure speed.
Hitting those slower "sweet" notes is something that
just says so much. If you can combine both speed & feeling,
that is the ultimate. John Petrucci is one that can play with
blinding speed, then slow it down & play something so beautifully
melodic, it's sick."
ARE
YOU EGOMANIAC AS GUITARIST?
"No way. I'm forever practicing. I still think I suck &
have so much more to accomplish on that thing before I can sit
back & be comfortable with my playing. There is still so much
more to explore yet.2
WHAT'S
ABOUT YOUR WAY TO WRITE?
"Most of the song ideas & riffs I come up with are from
some sort of jam. The best way I accomplish this is to sit down
with a drum machine & put on a tempo that I'm in the mood
for and just start jamming. I usually end up with several cool
ideas by the time I'm done. I record those ideas on a tape recorder
and call up any of those ideas when I'm looking for song ideas."
WHAT
DO YOU WANT TO REACH WRITING YOUR STUFF?
"Most of the music I like to listen moves me in all kinds
of ways. The music that I write, is similar, I think. To be able
to move someone in a special way through music means more to me
than anything. I strive for that when writing. If I see someone
boppin' their heads or tapping their toes to my tunes, then I
think I'm doing something right. The fast stuff is way cool, but
I want to hit somebody with that one note!"
IS
PLAYING GUITAR A WAY TO EXPRESS OWN PERSONALITY?
"Definitely! I can't express what it is I'm feeling through
words when playing the guitar. It is all channeled from my head
to my hands and on to the strings. Having your own personality
on the instrument separates yourself with the other players."
WHAT
DOES THE GUITAR REPRESENT FOR YOU?
"Guitar represents limitless possibilities in style &
technique. Not many instruments can compare. From 6 string guitars,
to 7 string electrics, to 12 string acoustics, how can you not
create styles from all different genres? Throw in some alternate
tunings, & forget about it."
WHAT'S
YOUR FAVE GUITAR?
"I mostly play Ibanez electrics. I have an RG550 that's probably
my favorite. It's been slightly modified with DiMarzio PAF Pro
pickups. I seem to favor my Universe 7 string too."
YOUR
BEST WISH AS MUSICIAN?
"I would just like to create music for the rest of my life.
It's the only thing I really like to do & connect with more
than anything else. If people across the world connect with my
music, that makes me most happy. That's the beauty of instrumental
music, it is the universal language."
WHAT
DO YOU WANT TO COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR SOUND?
"I like to convey emotions in the way that I play. If it's
an uptempo tune & the power is there, that can send the energy
back to the listener. If I can touch somebody with something slower
and melodic, that's an even more powerful energy. My sound &
style of playing is very reminiscent of my personality. Aggressive
at times, creative at others, & slow at other times."
TOURING
PLANS?
"Absolutely. Right now I'm in the process of putting together
a brand new band to support this CD release. A force to be reckoned
with. I plan to play as many different places in as many different
countries as possible. Trying to spread the music around a little."
YOUR
LIFE'S PHILOSOPHY?
"I really believe that everyone has at least one talent.
If that talent is something you completely enjoy, you should live
& breathe it. Do exactly what makes you happy in life. We're
only here on this earth once, make it happen. Seize the day!"
THE
FUTURE FOR JEFF URSO?
"I plan on making music for the rest of my life. If I can
make a living doing just that, I couldn't be any happier. Hopefully,
others will like what I do. I hope that I can share the music
that I've created with the rest of the world."
ANY
LAST REMARKS?
"I'm trying to open this music up to listeners that may not
be familiar with this genre. I would like them to appreciate the
great art that it is. I also encourage people to make their own
decisions on what they want to listen to & not to let commercial
radio tell them otherwise. We have the choice to listen to we
want, not the record companies. The record companies can force
feed us their music by paying radio stations to play it, but I
say.....make your own choice. We don't have to listen to what
they have to offer. Also, support independent artists. Most are
true artists doing exactly what it is in life they love to do.....music!"
- Interviewed by Emanuele Gentile
Click
HERE for full interview. |
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REVIEW FROM The
Dutch Progressive Rock Page 
As
a true guitar aficionado I loved this album already when I heard
it for the first time. In my rock collection you can find a couple
of 80s instrumental guitar albums, ranging from Greg Howe, Vinnie
Moore, Tony MacAlpine, Marty Friedman to Steve Vai, Joe
Satriani and Neil Zaza. Especially those
last two belong to the main musical influences of Jeff Urso on
his debut CD called Straight Ahead.
Urso
is from Chicago and after playing with many different bands he
decided that the only way he could express himself was by making
a solo album. Urso’s debut is a sheer beauty filled with
nine guitar instrumentals, which show that he is not only an amazing
guitar picker, but also a brilliant composer. Jeff has a predilection
for melody, which you can truly enjoy during songs like Perfect
or Thinking Of You. Both songs are filled with mind-boggling
solos that give me goosebumps every time I listen to them.
Other
highlights on this amazing album are Warm Day; a song
with a true Satch-like vibe and the title reflects the absolute
brilliant melody. Rhythmic Wave, again very Satriani-like
sounding, features a rather funky rhythm and some really awesome
guitar shredding. Feel Good is packed with astonishing
solos and lots of melodic and spicy parts, which make me, feel
very good actually. It is a shame that Jeff decided to end this
CD with the rather poor piano (where is the freaking guitar??)
“song” called I Alive, otherwise I would
have granted Mr Urso with a perfect 10. Jeff Urso is however a
true talent worth keeping an ear out for. A
must for guitar lovers!!
Conclusion:
9 out of 10
Reviewed
by Martien Koolen
Click
HERE
for full review.
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REVIEW FROM Prog-Nose.org
Jeff
Urso is an American guitarist born and raised in a suburb outside
of Chicago. He discovered the drums at the age of 7 and played
them for several years. In 1983, after hearing Van Halen’s
first album, Jeff’s love for the guitar started and at that
time he also bought his first guitar and amp. For a while he switched
back and forth between drums and guitars. After years of gigging
in the club circuit with bands like Zero Down, Tribe Of Zero and
Mr Salty, he realized that the only way to come to personal fulfilment
was to write, perform, record and produce his own songs. His goal
is to enlarge the audience of instrumental guitar music by writing
more ‘radio friendly’ songs and to get some new listeners
to appreciate this type of music for the great art that it is.
Guitar lovers like me, can’t help getting curious when hearing
about an album like this. But if you expect an album full of overwhelming
soloing like we’re used to from Steve Vaï, Joe Satrian
or John Petrucci, this not the CD you’re looking for. You
will undoubtedly detect influences from the above, but more in
a rhythmical way, complemented with nice ‘tricks and licks’.
“Straight
Ahead” is an album on which the music does the talking,
it combines great guitar play with nice melodies. To use Jeff’s
own words: ‘Great songs do not always have to have lyrics.
In fact, most people can’t remember the words to some of
their favorite songs, but they can hum the melody. There’s
something on this CD for everybody.’
That’s
exactly what you can
expect from this album – accessible music, with fine songs
and catchy rhythms. The guitar sounds clear with a jazzy/bluesy
undertone. The production of the entire album is well done. Ideal
to enjoy in your lazy sofa or during listening sessions with other
guitar fanatics. The compositions would also fit in action sequences
of movies or documentaries. Maybe that’s why this entire
CD has been licensed to MTV for use in Real World, Road Rules
& Real World/Road Rules Extreme Challenge.
I
couldn’t find any real highlights, but all songs are pretty
good. One thing, though… after listening to it attentively
over and over again, I began to feel slightly bored – which
lowers the rating just a bit. Best to just look at “Straight
Ahead” as a creative instrumental piece of background music
– nothing wrong with that, anyway.
Reviewed
by Edwin
Click
HERE
for full review. |
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REVIEW FROM Highwire
Daze Magazine 
This
independent release by Chicago based guitarist Jeff Urso showcases
his resourceful axework and proves just how interesting an all
instrumental CD can be. On Straight Ahead, the
guitar takes on the work of the lead vocal. On the recording,
Urso is allowed to soar, delivering melodic hooks and grooves
that will stay in your head long after the disc has completed
its course. Be sure to follow along with the writing notes on
the origin of each song, personally written by the composer himself.
Influenced by the likes of Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and Eric Johnson,
Jeff Urso will certainly make a name for himself in the world
of rock and roll guitar. Stand out tracks include the catchy Cyber
Me, the timely illuminations of Perfect, and the
Southern rock feel of the title track. Be sure to listen for the
finale when Urso switches over the keyboards for I Alive,
dedicated to a friend lost in a motorcycle accident. Whether he
goes for soundtrack work or the rock
and roll band route, expect to hear a lot more from Jeff Urso
in the future. For more info on this talented musician, check
out his website.
Reviewed
by Kenneth Morton
Click
HERE
for their website. |
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REVIEW FROM Sweden
Rock Magazine 
Awesome
cool semi shredding album, I must say! American Jeff Urso has
released a really nice instrumental piece where melodies and guitar
playing are in focus. Besides this real acoustic and groove oriented
drums. Me like! He mixes southern tinged things with traditional
early Satriani instrumentalism. He mainly builds his songs on
nice melodic guitar playing, but occasionally shows his technique
has no flaws whatsoever. Some of these things are, the cool heavy
rocker "Low Down", played on a seven string and with
the word "groove" printed in bold letters. Here Jeff
really strutts his shredding stuff. An album well worth checking
out!
Reviewed
by Janne Stark
Click
HERE for their website. |
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REVIEW FROM Rock
United 
Attention
Satch or Neil Zaza fans! Here's a guy to watch out for. Jeff Urso
came up with a very tasty album in the vein of the above-mentioned
guitarists; he recorded and produced the entire album and the
10-track disc topped any of my expectations. The album is all
about melodies, memorable musical patterns, and SONGWRITING as
opposed to fluffy speeding or indigestibly complex tunes (the
majority of them are shorter than 4 minutes). Even your girlfriend
will tolerate this one in your player at home! :)
The
title track opens the album and it sets the direction straight
away… ehh… "Straight Ahead". The mix is
well-balanced and though neither the liner notes nor the bio mentions
a drummer, the programmed drums sound so very alive that I was
almost fooled by them. [Gotta put my hands on the soundfonts Jeff
was using for the drums!] The following two tunes carry on in
the same fashion, reminding me very much of the melodic side of
Neil Zaza's playing. "Rhythmic Wave" features cleverly
used panorama effects to spice the backing guitar track up a bit
and the melody on top is really beautiful. "Low Down"
is a cool tune for fans of a rather aggressive 7-string sound
and "Down & Dirty" is another one on the heavier
side where Jeff flashes some speed up as well. "Warm Day"
reminded me a bit of the "Crystal Planet" era spacey
Satriani while "Cyber Me" features some techno effects
to spice the low 7-string sound up. An interesting experiment
but stays on the digestible side and the ping-pong delay-like
effects add some extra twist to it [provided you play the album
a quality hi-fi gear].
The
remaining two "full" songs ended up as my faves, "Perfect"
being another perfectly melodic Satch/Zaza mid-tempo stomper while
"Thinking of You" has a beautiful, almost acoustic sounding
backing track topped by some melodies to eat your heart out. The
closing "I Alive" is just an arpeggio and trill driven
piano melody, really beautiful at that even if some of the guitar
freaks won't appreciate it as much as I did. All in all the album
is VERY good for a first independent release. I found the less
than 35 minutes total running time (10 tracks) a little too short
but this is more of a praise I guess; I could have taken 2 or
3 tracks more. Yet these 10 tracks are all of quality stuff, no
fillers in here. Recommended if you are a fan of easy-to- digest
instrumental stuff, a must if you are a Satriani or Zaza fan.
Reviewed by Endre 'Bandi' Hübner
Click
HERE for full review. |
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INTERVIEW FROM Mega
Metal Online 
Mega
Metal: Tell me a little about your musical background. How did
you get started in music?
When I was a kid, I was a huge fan of the band KISS. I was completely
taken by everything they did. I would stare at their record albums
while listening to their music in complete awe. Listening to their
drummer Peter Criss made me realize that this is what I had to
do in life. I started by playing toy drumsets, then eventually
graduating to bigger kits.
Mega
Metal: You started out playing drums, what made you decide to
learn how to play the guitar?
I started out playing drums at the age of 8. I've always had an
interest in guitar too, but it wasn't until I've heard Van Halen's
5150 album, that I decided to go out & buy a guitar and amp
and play both drums & guitar. After playing drums in many
bands, my interest turned more to guitar. If the tunes weren't
fun enough for me to play drums on, my interest was lost. Laying
down the foundation wasn't good enough for me anymore. I guess
I needed a bigger challenge. Guitar, for me, was a bigger challenge.
It also allowed me to play a bigger part in the actual music making
process. I could actually write songs rather than lay down a beat.
Mega
Metal: Do you remember the very first time you played in a band?
Yes. Unbelievable experience. I would go to a friend's house &
in his basement were all kinds of musical gear. He also played
drums at the time his brother played bass. The three of us would
hang out in the basement & just jam. No guitar, just (2) drummers
& bass. Or drummer, bass, vocals. Some of my fondest memories.
That was my first "band" experience.
Mega
Metal: After that first time, did you know this was what you wanted
to do for a career?
Absolutely! The feeling I had playing..you just can't explain
it. Awesome.
Mega
Metal: How would you describe your very first experience at recording?
That was also very cool. I was playing drums for an all original
trio band. Everything we did was over the top. Each of us was
at the top of our game. A friend of the bass players worked for
a recording studio. On the weekends, we would go in there &
record some of our originals. Though that recording studio was
equipped for recording a full band, they did mostly voice over
work for commercials & corporations. When we showed up with
some cool gear, he was happy to do it. I remember thinking. I
have to play to a click track? I definitely learned a lot from
those experiences.
Mega
Metal: Did the recording turn out like you had hoped?
Yes, but my drumming wasn't real solid. I've never had any formal
lessons on drums; so again, playing with a click track was tricky.
I still have those tapes. I still think the tunes were great.
Mega
Metal: For our new readers, tell us a little about your
band. (members, when you formed, etc.)
I?m in the middle of forming a completely new band. This is going
to be the most powerful band I've ever been a part of. We will
be playing tunes mostly from Straight Ahead with a couple of covers
thrown in here and there. A couple of other surprises too! I can't
wait to get out there & perform these!
Mega
Metal: Tell us about your current release?
Straight Ahead is about music. My goal was to write great songs
with great sounding melodies and still keep the guitar aficionados
happy. I've been in and out of bands for a while that I really
wanted to express myself to the fullest. I wanted to an album
completely by myself. Writing, performing, recording, etc. I liked
the idea of having no boundaries and that I could do whatever
I wanted. The sky was the limit!
Mega
Metal: Where did you record the record?
At my home studio. It's small, but with the equipment I've had
for that recording, I'm amazed at the quality! Not bad for a smaller
budget!
Mega
Metal: Who did you use to produce the record and why?
I?ve produced the CD myself. I really like the freedom to do whatever
I wanted. I don't oppose working with anyone else; I just haven't
found the right people yet. Until then, I'm going to continue
to work by myself.
Mega
Metal: What was your first reaction to the final product?
I was really impressed at the quality and overall production.
I recorded it entirely on a PC. Granted I have to tilt my hat
at technology, but would I have been able to do that 15 years
ago? Definitely not.
Mega
Metal: How many songs did you originally record?
I recorded 12 tracks at that particular time. Two, of which, didn't
make it to the album. I just wasn't happy with the way one of
them was written. It seemed unfinished. I toyed around with it
for so long, but I just wasn't comfortable with the way it was
written. The other tune, I thought, needed to be re-recorded.
I just figured 10 tracks would be enough for now. Got to have
a little extra in the tank just in case.
Mega
Metal: What are your current tour plans?
When I piece the band together & we are all rehearsed &
ready, we will be everywhere. A force to be reckoned with!
Mega
Metal: What are you personal favorite song to play live?
I would say Low Down or Down & Dirty. People seem to dig those.
They're the more loud and in-your-face type of tunes that are
fun to play live.
Mega
Metal: If you were given the chance to jam on stage with any alive
or dead, who would that be and why?
Man, so many! I'd love to jam with Tommy Lee. That guy can rip
a groove! I've never seen a drummer hit his drums so hard live.
I'd love to jam with Steve Vai. Although, that might be a little
intimidating! Joe Satriani would be cool. Probably Peter Criss
too, because he was my childhood hero.
Mega
Metal: What equipment are you currently using?
All the electrics I play are Ibanez. I have an RG550, a JEM, &
a Universe. All are tuned differently. I have a great sounding
Takamine acoustic guitar that sounds so sweet. As far as amps,
I use a Line6 Pod Pro preamp through a Marshall JCM 900 angled
cabinet. All powered by a Carvin power amp. I'm not too much into
effects, so I keep it pretty simple. The Line6 gives me all the
versatility that I need & the onboard effects make it easy.
I use a foot controller for the patch changes & a Morley Bad
Horsie wah pedal.
Mega
Metal: Do you use anything different in the studio then when you
play live?
Yeah. I have a Marshall JMP-1 preamp that sounds killer. Nothing
else like it. I?ve used that for some of the clean & dirty
tones on Straight Ahead.
Mega
Metal: What are you feelings about the Internet?
The internet is one of the greatest inventions of our time. So
much is now available as a resource than ever before. The other
day I needed to change out my pickup selector switch &
needed a wiring diagram. Boom! Found it right there in cyber space.
I wouldn?t have found that info in that amount of time 10-15 years
ago.
Mega
Metal: Do you have a website?
Yes, I do. www.jeffurso.com
Mega
Metal: How much are you a part of your website?
Lots. I worked on the layout and such. I do most of the Latest
News updates.
Mega
Metal: Do you have an email address our readers can email you
at?
Sure. You can email me at jeff@jeffurso.com. I'd love to hear
from you.
Mega
Metal: Looking back over your career, what is the most memorable
moment or event?
Two things really stand out. One is a Battle of the Bands event
that I participated in my senior year of H.S. We were one of four
bands competing. It was my first real performance with lights,
P.A., big audience, everything. Really cool. I played mostly rhythm
guitar for our set & drums on one tune. We took 2nd place.
The other experience was my last band. We were a 50/50 original/cover
band with a vocalist. We played at a well known club & we
were right on. Very tight & an overall great performance.
Mega
Metal: What bands are you currently into?
I love Dream Theater. I love what those guys do. That band is
my favorite. Love Steve Vai & Joe Satriani. Big fan of those
guys. I'm digging some AlterBridge too. I like the singer's voice
& range & I like what Mark Tremonti does on guitar. I'm
also digging some Nickelback stuff too. Though I don't listen
to much music on the radio, Nickelback is probably one of the
better successful rock bands that is being played on the radio.
Mega
Metal: What type of advice would you give a band wanting to get
involved in the music business?
Be yourselves. Don't listen to anyone else. Having your own sound
will set you apart from the others. Though, I don't think the
music business would agree. They would probably say listen to
whatever is hot & do exactly that! Sorry, I just don't agree.
The important thing is to believe in what you have to offer &
never ever give up!
Mega
Metal: Any last comments?
Nothing can support an artist or band like the fans. Without them,
we have nothing. Record labels & radio stations can deny you
airplay, but when a fan tells you how much he digs what you're
doing, nothing can compare. It is the ultimate compliment. Thanks
for the support & thanks for the opportunity to do this
interview. See you at the show!
Click
HERE for full interview. |
-
REVIEW FROM Rock
& Metal Heaven 
(Reviewed
in German)
...hmm,
es fällt mir immer schwer Instrumental-Kollegen zu beurteilen,
weiß ich doch aus eigener Erfahrung wie viel harte Arbeit
es bedeutet, einen eigenständigen Stil zu entwickeln und
ihn mit dem entsprechenden Ton zu einem eigenständigen Sound
zu verhelfen. Leider ist die Eigenproduktion von JEFF URSO auch
wieder eine dieser Platten, welche keinerlei bleibenden Eindruck
weder bei mir, noch bei anderen Zuhörern hinterlassen wird.
Die Leads sind sauber intoniert, haben aber die Emotionalität
der Stefan Raab Band, die Hooks sind äußerst belanglos
und nicht mal eine entsprechende Virtuosität könnte
die Homerecording-Produktion kurz aus der Durchschnittlichkeit
einer Hintergrund-Musik holen. Zudem versucht er im harmonischen
Fahrwasser der seichteren Steve-Vai-Kompositionen zu punkten,
was ihm aufgrund der zu gefälligen Akkordkombinationen leider
auch nicht recht gelingen will. Schade...
Reviewed
by Ironfinger
(English
Translation coming soon)
Click
HERE for further info. |
-
REVIEW FROM Brighteyes
(Reviewed
in German)
Aus
Illinois/USA beschert mir der Gitarrist JEFF URSO eine gitarrentechnische,
vorweihnachtliche Freude. Da ich ein großer Fan früherer
Joe Satriani und Eric Johnson Werke bin, trifft JEFF URSO mit
seinem Soloalbum „Straight Ahead“ genau meinen musikalischen
Hörnerv. Schon der Opener „Straight Ahead“ verbreitet
gute Laune, so wie wir es eigentlich nur von an einer sonnigen
Küste beheimateten Musikern kennen. Auch das beschwingte
folgende „Feel Good“ dürfte, wie der Titel bereits
ausdrückt, in einem Anflug völliger Hochstimmung entstanden
sein. JEFF URSO experimentiert mit unterschiedlichen Soundcollagen,
die es ihm erlauben, seine Fingerfertigkeit auf eingängige
Art und Weise unter Beweis zu stellen, ohne in endlose Frickelorgien
abzudriften. Der Song steht im Vordergrund und nicht das Solo,
das verleiht „Straight Ahead“ einen sehr angenehmen
und fast schon „Easy Listening“-Touch. Mit eingängigen
Songstrukturen, die JEFF URSO aber mit fetten Riffs unterlegt,
schafft er es, nie den roten Faden zu verlieren. Ein „Down
& Dirty“ groovt ohne Ende und bei einem „Rhythmic
Wave“ ist der Titel eben auch Programm. Mich erinnert dieses
Album wirklich an frühe Werke eines Eric Johnson oder eines
Joe Satriani, was die Klasse dieses JEFF URSO deutlich unterstreicht.
Mich wundert es, dass hier noch kein Gitarrenlabel seine Fühler
ausgestreckt hat. Ich bin mir sicher, dass wir den Namen JEFF
URSO noch des Öfteren lesen werden, wenn es um gute Gitarrenmusik
geht. Alle Freunde der anspruchsvollen songorientierten Saitenhexer
sollten sich von „Straight Ahead“ angesprochen fühlen.
12
von 13 Augen
Reviewed
by Tom Klaner
(English
Translation coming soon)
Click
HERE for further info. |
-
REVIEW FROM Guitar6
Jeff
Urso is one of the many guitarists who plays instrumental rock,
due largely to influences of Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, John Petrucci,
and all the great guitarplayers. I was shocked to pop in this
CD and [i]not[/i] hear loads of speed-picked wankery, but instead
this Jeff Urso has a sense of melody that few guitarists can claim.
Unlike so many instrumental acts, this musician creates music
for an audience, and not exclusively for guitarists to enjoy.
The
biggest similiarity I hear is probably Satriani. These tunes are
not overly ambitious, just nice groovy rhythms strung together
with multitudes of memorable riffs. Surprisingly, Urso also plays
all the other instruments on this album, giving him complete control
over the music he has created here. Thanks to his diverse tastes,
each track has it's own different "personality" too.
I
would recommend this disc for everyone, since it has a little
bit of everything on it. It appeals to musicians, your average
radio listeners, and also to guitar wizards. Let this be a lesson
to all aspiring guitar gods out there - wild solos can be fun,
but don't forsake the importance of melody for some over-the-top
fret action. Jeff Urso is definitely someone you should keep an
eye on.
Reviewed
by Taylor
Click
HERE for further info. |
-
INTERVIEW FROM BallBuster
Hard Music 
Name:
Jeff Urso
Playing
(years): 19 years
Style:
Instrumental rock guitar ala Satriani, Vai, Petrucci, Johnson
Gear:
Ibanez RG550 (tuned to Drop D), Ibanez Jem 555WH (standard tuning),
Ibanez Jem Universe UV777 (standard B tuning), Takamine EG-334BC
acoustic, Fender Precision 5 string bass, Carlo Robelli 4 string
bass, Line6 Pod Pro, Marshall JMP-1, Marshall 900 Lead-1960 Angled
cabinets, Carvin power amps, Morley Bad Horsie wah pedal
Past
accomplishments: Wrote, recorded, & performed with previous
bands Amateurs Unlimited, Mr. Salty, Zero Down
Current
and upcoming projects: Wrote, recorded, produced, debut solo instrumental
rock CD entitled Straight Ahead. Production of next solo CD begins
Winter of 2005. Tour the world supporting both CD's in Spring/Summer
of 2006
Favorite
guitarist: Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, John Petrucci, Eddie Van Halen,
Eric Johnson, Blues Saraceno, Nuno Bettencourt, Paul Gilbert,
Steve Morse
Most
underrated players: Dave Uhrich
Best
musician you've ever seen: Steve Vai
Four
words that best describe what you want to get across in your playing:
Passion, emotion, aggressive, perfect
Your
hero: Steve Vai - A world class musician
Ultimate
goal: To create the best music possible & share it with people
all over the world
Click
HERE for further info. |
-
REVIEW FROM Heavy
Metal Universe 
JEFF
URSO's approach to instrumental music is quite close to SATRIANI's.
I mean he doesn't play hypertechnical stuffs for a showcase-cd.
On the contrary, the tracks on "Straight ahead" contain
the right dose of technicity mixed with many ingredients, to deliver
some really clever music. It's truly emotional, melodic and catchy,
with an enormous feeling. Moreover, the ten tracks are really
varied, with different guitar styles : "Sraight ahead"
sounds bluesy, "Low down" and "Down and dirty"
are heavy and low-tuned like some ZZ TOP or BLACK LABEL SOCIETY,
"Feel good" and "Rhythmic wave" are smiling
tracks, "Warm day" and "Perfect" sound as
if it has been extracted from SATRIANI's "The extremist",
"Cyber me" is very technoïdal (yes!), "Thinking
of you" is a really calm and lovely emotional track, and
"I alive" as some pure piece of genius played on piano.
What's sure is that Mr Urso is some fu**ing great instrumentalist,
able to compose, play, mix,
master and produce his own records with a real masterhand. "Straight
ahead" shows that music does not always need a singer to
touch the listener where it works. A beautiful album for all music
lovers who like when guitar sing.
Reviewed
by Seb
Click
HERE for further info. |
-
REVIEW FROM Power
Play Records 
Jeff
Urso is a guitar virtuoso from United States and recently he released
his new album with the title "Straight Ahead" as a self
financed release. In this album you will be able to hear ten songs
and almost thirty five minutes of music. His album is an instrumental
one and you will have the chance to hear all of various influences
inside it. From jazz music to fusion and some rock elements. His
compositions are well worked with interesting ideas and generally
his song structure is very powerful even if it isn't a metal instrumental
album but i am sure
that every fan of progressive rock will adore the music from Jeff
Urso. The thing that i like with his music was that he hasn't
long compositions all his songs are from three to four minutes
so for sure you won't be bored with the music from this artist.
I don't have something to add; just if you like rock music and
you want to hear something else you can always count on the album
of Jeff Urso.
Reviewed
by Antonis Maglaras
Click
HERE for further info.
|
-
REVIEW FROM Quintessance
Metal Webzine 
A
pretty famous CD I'm holding here as "Straight Ahead"
was licensed to MTV for "Road Rules", "Real World"
and both shows' alter-ego, "Extreme Challenge" as the
official bumper music. Besides this little hook-up, Jeff also
has a nice list of airplay all around the world for this album
and this 34½-minute CD is done for the sake of music only.
Jeff wasn't looking for fame or fortue, just wanted to write songs
and play; not expecting what would happen next. The album itself
has the "Satch" and Vai vibe but also has radio-friendly
influences of stuff like
maybe David Matthews, Matchbox 20, The Verve Pipe and Blues Traveller.
Of course, minus any of the vocals but you get a wide variety
of Rock (soft and hard) to Blues and even a couple Metal-tinged
tracks here and there. Something for everyone on this release
and Jeff's fluidness and knowledge of the music scene and having
that extra horizonal expansion makes him even more diverse musically.
Reviewed
by Wayne Klinger
Click
HERE for further info. |
-
REVIEW FROM
21st Century
Metal 
Jeff
Urso is a guitar player from Illinois and this is his all instrumental
album. I have never heard of him before and I had no idea what
kind of music he played, but after hearing this CD which he kindly
sent to me (thx, Jeff!), I knew I received quality music of general
appeal to anyone for anytime, anywhere!
This is not such an album that effectively displays how fast the
player can shred. No, this is an album that makes the listener
feel comfortable as if he/she spends his/her holiday surrounded
by beautiful nature with a lot of sunshine.
Jeff's music is composed of impressive, catchy guitar leads and
simple rhythms with a lot of hooks. His tone is solid yet very
warm. It's difficult to define, but to me this is neither rock/metal
nor pop. This is universal music, the best fit for your daily
soundtrack. If Joe Satriani would make a laid-back guitar album,
it might sound like this.
This may not be the best music for a car cruising on the wide-open
road, but it's definitely the best as a theme music for a TV program
such as Discovery Channel for animal and nature study.
Even though this is an independent release, the entire CD has
been licensed to MTV for use in such programs as "Real World".
Samples of all tracks from the album are available on his website:
www.jeffurso.com. Check them out!
Reviewed
by Masa
Click
HERE for further info. |
-
REVIEW FROM
Strutter
'Zine 
Multi-instrumentalist
JEFF URSO comes out of Illinois, USA and recently released his
first CD ‘Straight ahead’, which is a nice instrumental
rockalbum that combines influences from all sorts of Rock, Blues
and Jazz music, although you might want to call it instrumental
melodic rock (kinda like TOTO’s STEVE LUKATHER at times).
Jeff’s guitarplaying is quite awesome, exactly the way you
want to hear it, because he makes beautiful melodies in every
song, which is a pleasure to listen to. Of course similarities
to STEVE VAI, JOE SATRIANI and NEAL SCHON are very clear, but
that isn’t a problem at all, because this talented musician
shows he is able to make an interesting CD on his own. Jeff did
everything on his own and the result ‘Straight ahead’
is very impressive.
(Points:
8.3 out of 10)
Reviewed
by Gabor Kleinbloesem
Click
HERE
for more info. |
-
REVIEW FROM
Sea
of Tranquility 
Yet
another do-it-yourself multi-instrumentalist!? It's amazing how
many guys with the gear and the recording equipment think that
they can just make an entire (usually instrumental) album on their
own and that people will buy it. Illinois-based Jeff Urso isn't
one of those guys. Rather, he's somebody with the instrumental,
technical and promotional saavy to definitely move beyond DIY
status. (Apparently, the folks at MTV agree, as all of the songs
from Urso's debut CD, Straight Ahead, were recently licensed to
the network for use in original programming.)
Any
dude who can use his seven-string to incorporate elements of Queen,
Steve Vai, John Petrucci and Kid Rock into a single two-minute-and-45-second
song called “Low Down” merits your attention. Urso
doesn't mince notes, and the 10 songs on Straight Ahead promote
substance over style, melody over might. That much is evident
from the first notes of the title track, which sets this too-short
35-minute disc in motion. “Feel Good,” meanwhile,
is a, um, feel-good tune incorporating both acoustic and electric
guitars for a hoedown-like vibe, and “Cyber Me" employs
keyboards to get way funkier than you'd expect from a guy who
wears sweaters and backwards ball caps. Urso even switches instruments
completely on “I Alive,” playing beautiful, “Come
Sail Away”-like piano in a mournful piece written in memory
of a departed friend.
Urso
also likes his gear, detailing when and where he used a flanger
or a ping-pong delay in the enlightening song-by-song descriptions
he penned for the liner notes. Refreshing, revealing and just
plain fun to listen to, Straight Ahead deserves to keep Urso moving
forward.
Rating
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed
by Michael Popke
Click
HERE
for further info. |
-
REVIEW FROM
Foley
Entertainment, Inc. 

Click
on the image above for enlarged view. |
-
REVIEW FROM
HardRock
Haven
A
shy midwestern man from Chicago, Jeff Urso describes his new instrumental
guitar release as music that can be played on the radio, helping
to make guitar popular again. Well Jeff, it is exactly that and
so much more. The tone of the whole album and expressed purpose
of the creator is positivity, a welcome concept in the dark eerie
world of most virtuoso guitar.
The
guitar hero renaissance movement has included solo albums in 2005
from upstarts Petrossi, Viljanen, Snyder, Polak, Weiner, Fiorletta,
Farreri, and Horne, as well as efforts from industry legends Malmsteen,
Vai and Sheehan. Urso has decided to join the party with Straight
Ahead. It is clean, melodic and well, straightforward.
The
former drummer and pianist who was inspired by Vai and Johnson,
among others, joins those boys right off the bat, with 10 nicely
worked, supported and inspiring tracks. Real drums and every conceivable
type of guitar prowess are exhibited here. There is speedy shred
on the bluesy “Down And Dirty” with a solo in the
middle ala Vai, beautiful Satriani “Summer Song”-like
“Warm Day”, and a piano track called “I Alive”
which is super smooth. The best track is “Cyber Me”
where there are more effects than in Star Wars, but it all fits
together nicely and the guitar leads you through the malaise with
a strong convincing melody.
Great
job Urso, you’ve made quite a first impression. One request
though: use a little more metal riffing, shred and pure speed
on the next album. The small bits of it on this CD were too much
of a tease. For all fans of guitar or music lovers in general,
get your butts online and purchase this CD. It will stay in your
CD changer for months.
HRH
Rating: 7.8/10
Reviewed
by Matt Hoffman
Click
HERE
for further info. |
-
REVIEW FROM
Metal
To Infinity 
Let's
spread the word of a Chicago based, genius guitar player named
Jeff Urso right now! At a very young age, Jeff bought his own
drumkit and started to hit the skins in a fascinated way. He
must be bored of pounding drums for several years and decided
to start playing guitar. Believe me, that was a very good decision
because the incredible works on his debut album "Straight
Ahead" shows that he's a real guitar wizard. Before the
release of this debut album, Jeff played with numerous original
and cover bands in local clubs.
He
quit playing with all of them and created his own solo project
with style! "Straight Ahead" contains ten instrumental
songs ranges from Melodic Hard Rock to Metal music (sometimes
with a small Jazz or Blues feel). Worth to mention is the fact
that Jeff did it all by himself. I mean, all of the songs on
this CD was written, arranged, produced, recorded by his own
hands. He's able to ad so much energy, passion and emotion in
his way of playing, my heart almost breaks in two. I always
been fascinated by great guitar players and heard quite a few
excellent shredders through the years.
Most
of them are US based and allow me not to start mention my list
of favourite guitar players since the day i'm involved with
Rock music (and that's a long time ago!). Everybody who like
to hear greats like Steve Vai or Joe Satriani better start looking
for this release. Each song with a different character, so this
is a fully amusing, brilliant piece of instrumental music. To
the question 'did i found something wrong or something that
bothers me?', i have to say NO! It's was a real satisfaction
for my ears and while listening to the entire album, i forgot
all of my troubles / sorrows right away. I left them behind
for at least 35 minutes, the total running time of this beautiful
album.
A
one man act, shining bright due to numerous talented, phenomenal
musical skills...Jeff Urso is one to hold in sight for the next
following years. A lot of future possiblities are in his own
fingers, which have the value of solid gold. I'm sure that this
guy's future look ver, very bright! MY POINTS: 90 / 100
Reviewed
by Stefan
Click
HERE
for further info.
|
-
REVIEW FROM
Fishcomcollective.net

Jeff
Urso's warm and engaging instrumental guitar work is so personable,
melodic and well-executed that it would take the likes of Darth
Vader to actively dislike it. It's not show-offy or acrobatic,
instead the songwriting simply lets Urso present finely crafted
melodies that specifically reference no particular genre or error,
opting for friendly and surprisingly strong songcraft and very
competent axework to make its case. This is one of those indie
releases that comes out of left field and totally surprises you
with its quality. Great instrumental rock.
Click
HERE
for further info.
|
-
REVIEW FROM
Radio
DJ Gustavo Bolasini 
Radio
DJ Gustavo Bolasini from Argentina hosts a radio show called El
Retorno del Gigante (The Return of Giant).
Here's what he had to say about Straight Ahead. (Review
in English listed below)
Maravilloso trabajo debut este “Straight Ahead” del
virtuoso guitarrista estadounidense Jeff Urso.Jeff, luego de tocar
en algunas bandas de covers en clubes, decide plasmar su música,
y este disco, compuesto, tocado, arreglado y producido por él,
es el brillante resultado final.Se trata de diez hermosos tracks,
que cautivan desde el primero que titula la obra hasta el delicado
cierre “I Alive” tocado en piano solo (el único
del disco).Podemos decir que “Straight Ahead” está
en la línea del mejor y más brillante Joe Satriani
(el de Flying in a Blue Dream, The Extremist), y que Jeff Urso
conjuga dos grandes cualidades, la de ser un virtuoso guitarrista
(instancia en la que se quedan muchos discos de guitarristas),
y principalmente ser un brillante compositor, que se basa en hermosas
líneas melódicas, demostrado a lo largo de este
disco instrumental, y adonde además se combinan elegantemente
partes mas calmas, como por ejemplo en “Feel Good”
donde se desarrolla la canción a partir de una guitarra
acústica; partes más fuertes como en “Low
Down” o en “Down & Dirty”, sin perder la
melodía como referencia principal; hasta tienen lugar sonidos
más modernos, con algunas máquinas y pasajes electrónicos
en "Cyber Me", todo ello aderezado con buen gusto y
guitarras prodigiosas.El cierre merece un aparte, una muestra
de sutileza y buen gusto, se trata del calmo y breve “I
Alive” tocado solo en piano y dedicado a un amigo accidentado.Buen
gusto también el librito del CD, adonde se da una breve
reseña de cada tema en cuanto a que significa para el autor
y en base a que fue compuesto.Un bello disco, atrapante desde
su comienzo, que invita a volver a apreciarlo y a desear más
música del talentoso Jeff Urso en el futuro.
Review in English:
It's wonderful this debut work "Straight Ahead" from
the talented American guitar player Jeff Urso. Jeff, after paying
in some cover bands in clubs, decided to record his own music
and this album, composed, played, arranged and produced by him
is the brilliant final result.
It has 10 harmonic tracks that captivate since the first one,
which is also the title of the album, the delicate song "I
Alive" played in solo piano (the only one in the album).
We
can say that "Straight Ahead" is aligned with the best
and most brilliant Joe Satriani (from Flying in a Blue Dream,
The Extremist) and that Jeff Urso combines two great qualities;
being a virtuous guitar player (instance where most albums from
guitar players fail) but mostly of being a brilliant composer,
whose work is based on harmonic melodies, largely demonstrated
in this instrumental album, and moreover, where more calm and
elegant parts - as for example "Feel Good" in which
the song progresses from a acoustic guitar - are combined with
stronger parts, such as in "Low Down" and "Down
and Dirty", while keeping the melody as a main reference.
Still there's space for more modern songs that use machines and
heavy electronic sounds as in "Cyber Me", always arranged
with good taste and prodigious guitar. A
special reference should be made to a demonstration of subtleness
and good taste, that is the calm and short "I Alive"
played in solo piano and dedicated to an injured friend. Good
taste also in the Album’s book, where a brief reseña
of each team, what it means to the author and in which basis it
was composed. This
is a beautiful album, attractive from the beginning, which invites
you to listen again, appreciate and wish for more music from the
talented Jeff Urso in the future.
Review transcribed by Gabby. Thanks Gabby!
Click
HERE
for further info. |
-
REVIEW FROM
The
Illinois Entertainer 
The
Illinois Entertainer is a monthly Chicagoland Music Magazine that
is complete with
interviews, reviews, & gig calendars from bands all around
the Chicago area.
Straight Ahead was reviewed for the April issue of the
IE. Here's what they had to say:
"Soaring guitar tracks like "Warm Day" on Jeff
Urso's Straight Ahead instrumental CD recall
Jeff Beck, but he also succeeds with the harder rock of "Low
Down" and the festive "Feel Good".
"Cyber Me" is an adventurous mix of guitar firepower
and modern techno, and Urso trades his
ax for a piano on the beautiful "I Alive"."
Click
HERE
for further info. |
-
REVIEW FROM
Virtuosityone.com

First
of all Jeff gets very high marks for the quality inlay provided
with his debut solo release. Along with the nicely laid out artwork
Jeff has provided comments on each tracks giving background information
and the like, this really does help with instrumental releases
and helps give each track a more personal feel.
The production on Straight Ahead is very good with Urso obviously
making good use of the equipment available to him. Whilst you
should not expect a mega buck Vai type production there is sonically
nothing to worry about here at all.
Opener Straight Ahead
has a nice Satriani type feel to it reminiscent of the material
from The Extremist.
Feel Good is a highlight
of the album with an upbeat melody that sees an acoustic framework
fused with the extremely melodic lead lines, there is a good blend
of Eric Johnson and Steve Morse here.
Rhythmic Wave is
in a similar vein to Feel Good and again has a very strong melody
that is very vocal in its phrasing. The phasing and panning effects
work well 2 minutes into the track giving a good sense of space.
Low Down lives up
to its name with its dirty 7 string riff, there is a good bounce
to the track and some quirky Zappa like melodies.
Down & Dirty
has a modern feel to it that reminded of me of prime Nuno Bettencourt.
Jeff lays down a strong harmonised part towards the end of the
track that has 4 harmonies going at once.
Warm Day kicks off
with a drum beat similar to Aerosmith's Walk This Way but for
the rest of the instrumentation its more in common with Steve
Vai. The guitar tone here is very good with a nice amount of grit
and note separation.
Cyber Me has a modern
techno quality to it in the drum work and keyboard samples, not
my favourite track on offer but competent enough.
Perfect is another
highlight and in many ways sums up the Jeff Urso sound. Again
a mid tempo pace allows the acoustic guitar backing and melodic
lead lines to blend extremely well to make up a beautiful sonic
soundscape.
Thinking Of You
is Jeff's tribute to his partner, and the delicate melody and
excellent phrasing are full of soul. This is another highlight
and again the electric/acoustic blend works superbly. The melody
lines are very vocal and Jeff makes good use of panning to separate
lead lines giving the impression of different players trading
lines.
I Alive is a one
take tribute to one of Jeff's friends who tragically lost his
life in a motorcycle accident. There are no guitars here and it
also shows Jeff is proficient on the piano as well as drums and
guitar. A nice tender way to close the album.
In summary Straight Ahead is a fine debut release that showcases
a new player with his own sound that is especially apparent on
track such as Feel Good, Perfect and Thinking Of You. There are
subtle nods to fellow instrumentalists e.g. Satriani, Vai and
Eric Johnson here and there but in this day and age its very rare
that you do not hear those guys in someone's playing. Having said
that there are no riffs that blatantly
ape these guys with Urso showing more of a feeling towards these
players being present. The tracks on offer have a good flow to
them and show good arrangement skills and to be honest there is
nothing I can really highlight for improvement. Occassionally
some of the electric guitars did sound a little processed, but
this is by no means a problem isolated to Urso.
Overall Straight Ahead showcases a new multi-instrumentalist with
a bright future ahead of him.
Click
HERE
for further info. |
- REVIEW FROM ITALIAN GUITAR 'ZINE
Guitar
Chef WRITTEN IN ITALIAN (guitarchef.net).

Esordio anche per questo axeman americano. Sono stato colpito
subito dall'artwork perche' molto professionale e questo e'
un buon inizio per me! Il cd in questione e' molto tranquillo,
cioe' niente svisamenti chitarristici o shreddate inutili. Molta
la melodia: si inizia con il rock melodico di Straight Ahead
per continuare con la seguente Feel Good dall'inciso molto catchy.
Ottima la produzione anche se il suono di Jeff rimane un po'
da parte con il resto della band. Interessanti anche Rhythmic
Wave e le piu' cattivelle Down & Dirty e Low Down. Interessante
anche la modernissima Cyber Me, molto 80's
nel sound. Jeff produce questo disco in maniera egregia anche
se chitarristicamente non spunta piu' di tanto dal complesso
sonore di questo Straight Ahead, comunque dateli un'ascolto
e giudicate voi.
English interpretation in brief: Matt indicates that he dug
the CD & points out tracks of interest which include: Straight
Ahead, Feel Good, Rhythmic Wave, Down & Dirty, Low Down,
& Cyber Me.
Click
HERE
for further info.
|
- REVIEW FROM MWE3.com
(MUSIC WEB EXPRESS 3000)
"A
one man band album that really rocks, Straight Ahead introduces
the guitar talents of Jeff Urso. Raised in the Chicago area
on the music of Kiss and Van Halen, Urso displays a knack for
writing atmospheric hard driving rock instrumental tunes in
the spirit of modern masters like Satriani and Vai. Urso sets
himself apart from the pack with some soaring guitar tracks
that also bring to mind the cinematic soundscapes of the greats
like Jan Hammer. Among the many fine tunes on the ten track
33 minutes CD is a cool clocker called “Warm Day”
to which Urso adds, “this song is best consumed w while
listening in a quick sports car on a mid-summer afternoon with
the windows down, sunroof open, convertible top down.”
Perfect action movie music or simply rip-roaring stuff to kick
back and marvel at, Straight Ahead is a solid effort from a
rising guitarist."
Click
HERE for
further info.
|
- REVIEW FROM Sea
of Tranquility (seaoftranquility.org) 
Straight
Ahead is the one man guitar rock solo project of Jeff Urso. Unlike
most guitar-based CDs, Jeff is not a former axe man that decided
he needed to be heard outside of a band unit. Instead, Mr. Urso
is a former drummer and guitarist that has played in cover bands
and other ventures that chose an all instrumental CD because it
fit the songs he had written, not because he wanted his Guitar
to be the main voice.
Many instrumental CDs are 90% showcase and 10% song. This is not
the case with Straight Ahead. Instead we have very precise soundscapes
that flow evenly and carry good groves and solos without becoming
overbearing. “Cyber Me” at 4:46 is the longest of
all the songs. This brevity let’s each song’s ideas
shine without ever becoming boring or redundant.
Straight Ahead is an enjoyable CD. Mr. Urso plays well and his
Satriani/Vai influence is evident on several songs. In lies the
problem. Much of the CD is a little forced in trying to sound
like something, rather than coming across naturally. For a first
CD, you can completely understand this.
It should be noted that the drumming, bass playing, background
and lead guitars, as well as keyboards on the last track, are
mixed together very, very well and the CD has a very tight sound,
considering that Jeff did it all himself. Straight Ahead will
not disappoint anyone who likes late 80s guitar based rock and
roll. I can see the talent that Mr. Urso shows and can’t
wait for further albums. His web site hints that the future may
hold room for vocal tracks as well.
Click
HERE
for further info. |
-
REVIEW FROM Guitarmania
(guitarmania.ca) 
Heavily
influenced by the likes of master musicians Steve Vai and Satch
– Jeff Urso Bolts out of the NW suburbs of Chicago delivering
an over the top steamroller of a CD.
Straight Ahead introduces the world to a first rate shredder
with a great repertoire of licks that are rooted in classic
rock but step outside the box creating a nice eclectic mix of
jazz and shred. An all instrumental offering Straight Ahead
is a masterpiece of a first offering from a talent that should
be heard.
Jeff has a predilection for melody and makes the most of this
talent throughout the CD. All of the songs showcase this mighty
talent and are structured in such a way as to allow a strong
emotional connection from Jeff’s playing to the listener’s
soul. Many of the songs put forth on Straight Ahead are in the
vain of a Joe Satriani type composition with nods here and there
to the likes of John Petrucci. A true guitar technician who
can rip and tear with the best, Urso delivers mind boggling
solo excursions that are always interesting and contain just
the right balance between melodic sensibility and over the top
shred. Jeff is a master songwriter who interweaves intricate
musical passages with melodic backgrounds that are rife with
feel and passion. Many of today’s new guitarists are incorporating
strong technical knowledge with emotional integrity and feel
- a great combination that is elusive to most. Urso is a bright
light within this new breed.
All tracks found on this fine release are worthy of ones attention
– my favorites include:
“Feel Good” – a soaring acoustic / electric
number that starts out with a great jazz riff on acoustic that
later morphs into an electric interpretation on the same riff.
A nice linier solo blends in with the main melody making this
an interesting and easy listening experience.
“Low Down” – heavy driving melody ala Dream
Theater. A nice intertwining of some Jeff Beck like jazz voicing
thrown in for good measure. Short ripping soling with some high
intense shred sequences.
“Down & Dirty” – call and response Satriani
like romp that burns from start to finish and contains a heavy
rhythm background along with some smoking solo excursions that
give this track a heavy rock vibe.
“Cyber Me” – modern approach combining techno
sounds with a great rock vibe. A spectrum of accompanying guitar
noises and harmony runs make this the most accessible track
on the CD. Some great straight up rock soloing with the odd
shred lick just to keep you on edge.
Urso is part of the “New Breed” of guitarists out
there who bring a complete package to the table. He incorporates
the requisite palette of shred chops combined with melodic song
craft. Urso is one of those rare musicians who seem to be blessed
with god given talents that allow him to deliver a very diverse,
emotionally charged offering that combines a wide and eclectic
mix of guitar styles. Anyone who enjoys melodic song structure
combined with over the top guitar textures will really enjoy
Straight Ahead.
Click HERE
for an in-depth interview with Jeff Urso for Guitarmania's e-zine.
Click HERE
for further info.
|
The
track "Low Down" was submitted to garageband.com for
review. The song currently ranks 4.2 out of 5 stars by reviewers
& received the following awards listed below:
#2 Best Guitars in Instrumental Rock, all-time
#13 Best Drums in Instrumental Rock, all-time
#14 Best Bass in Instrumental Rock, all-time
#15 Best Production in Instrumental Rock, all-time
#13 Best Melody in Instrumental Rock, all-time
#4 Best Beat in Instrumental Rock, all-time
#25 Most Original in Instrumental Rock, all-time
#20 Rocking Track in Instrumental Rock, all-time
#2 Grooviest Rhythm in Instrumental Rock, all-time
Best Guitars in Rock, week of 20Sep2004
Click
on the link below to open the page, or simply read the reviews
listed below.
|
A Hero is Born!
Great beat, right from the get go. The song has an upbeat, almost
Satriani like instrumental vibe with great funk drumming. Outstanding
guitar playing dominates, yet never overshadows the funky vibe
of this song. With a few more guitar heroics this song would
easily fall into the hearts of any instrumental rock aficionado.
- Ironcount from Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada on 15Sep2004
Love it!
Awesome start...very catchy line and beat. Love the guitar effects!!
Very cool...hooks the listener right from the start--keeps things
interesting. Very professional production. Can't really think
of any comparable groups...you have a pretty unique sound. Kept
waiting for a vocalist...but I wasn't dissapointed that the
song was all instrumental. I belong to an all-instrumental rock
group as well. Way to go! It takes guts to break away from the
norm.
- blondie13614 from Rochester, New York
on 13Sep2004
Holy cow this song ROCKS. Thank you!
AC/DC-like rythym is actually very interesting I also like the
guitar panning over left-right tracks. Very cool. Also nice
bouncy harmonized guitar struts itself forward in motion. Well-thought
out format reminds one of Jeff Beck at times---another artist
worth of emulating. Hella great lead guitar---holy cow this
song rocks. I love instrumentals anyway. Keep the sappy lyrics
for confused teenagers.
- aquamarines from San Francisco, California
on 14Sep2004
Rock out!!!
I like what i'm hearing in the guitar mix. Shit this guy can
play guitar!! The production sounds top notch.
- zantetzuken from Surrey, British Columbia, Canada on 15Sep2004
Metal blues
Sounds like something Stevie Ray Vaughn might have done as far
as the blues structure..The fast scales in the middle are attention
grabbing...nice guitar work. Production sounds good.
- afterthem from East Brunswick, New Jersey
on 11Sep2004
GO MAN PLAY IT
FEEL PLUS, FROM THE START EXTRA CREDIT FOR THE DRUMMER IS SITTING
ON THAT FEEL PERFECT
THE mix between the instruments or the production IS SUPERB
EXTRA CREDIT FOR THE GUITAR IT IS FANTASTIC. I think you might
sound a bit like Van Halen, but you are original, don't worry
about that stuff.
- Barry_Harvey from Brisbane, Queensland,
Australia on 12Sep2004
soundgarden tone
sounds almost like a classic guitar rock band meeets soundgarden
the guitar work is excellent nice rich tones
- Lazydive from Bluffton, Indiana on 13Sep2004
|
The
title track "Straight Ahead" was submitted to garageband.com
for review. Click on the link below to open the page, or simply
read the reviews listed below.

|
Vai would be proud
This is freaking awesome but that is coming from a person who
really appreciates solid artistic ability and vision. Sounds
a lot like a tune by Steve Vai, not just the leads, but also
the cool backing sounds and synths. EXCELLENT!
- somadrone from Leominster, Massachusetts
on 1Aug2004
i like it alot
the drumming i like alot, the guitar is great,bass lines sound
kick ass, i love the guitar though, and im a drummer, so it
takes alot to get me to like the guitar, and the drumming i
like alot to, u guys sounds like...hmm..it reminds me of kinda
classic rock stuff, ITS GOOD I LIKE IT! keep it goin, youll
make it places. KICK ASS GUITAR!!!
- Oo94HoursoO from East Longmeadow, Massachusetts
on 1Jul2004
Solid
Instrumental
Nice drum intro and great world/blues flavored rock guitar melodies.
I dig the underlying rhythm combo feel too, very nicely done.
Classic, tasty, with excellent production and layering. The
guitar moves into some seriously nicely arpeggiated solos before
returning to the signature line. Nice ambient organ/keys sound
helps fill the sound throughout. Unfortunately, like the rest
of GB probably, I'm looking for a lyric. The guitar DOES sing,
don't get me wrong! The movement through the song changes definitely
helps give this a nice instrumental flavor. I don't listen to
much guitar based instrumentals, so I won't embarass myself
guessing who you sound like. I think you manage to have an individual
sound, but it might not be so obvious to the basic GB listener.
Nice playing, good work!
- YoHanSolo from Vallejo, California on
1Aug2004
it's a good start
nice casual laid back playing stlye - good guitar work - nicely
mixed - a litle harsh though - good soundtrack stuff - then
the lead takes off - very yngwie - cool
- Klear from Los Angeles, California on
31Jul2004
cool
nice instrumental song. an interesting beat. Arrangment was
good, Mix was excellent. I cant figure out who you sound like
tho. Keep up the good work.
- Brian_R_143 from Surrey, British Columbia,
Canada on 31Jul2004
check review
drum intro is nice. jump into guitar is very well done. Every
instrument is brought out very nicely. excellent production!
Nice change in dynamics during the intro, get you really into
this song. very nice song, guitar dynamics and intensity is
constantly changing. keeps the listener interested. song sounds
dream theaterish. outro is nice and smooth. Great job guys,
this song is great on alot of levels
- pistolpete_69 from Hamilton, Ontario,
Canada on 31Jul2004
Very tight instrumental
Brilliant drummer and guitar playing. Very tight band. Not a
big fan of the first guitar solo sound - sounds a bit fake.
The arrangement is great. The mix is very good. I reckon this
sounds like Joe Satriani mixed with a bit of Incubus and Moke.
- Whuck from Bristol, Avon, United Kingdom on 1Aug2004
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