Rough Edge: Jeff Urso CD Reviews

JEFF URSO

"Straight Ahead" (Self-released; 2004)

Reviewed by Snidermann

So we here at Rough Edge get a lot of music to review and, as you might expect, some of it's good and some of it's not so great.

We also get a lot of releases by so-called (and sometimes self-proclaimed) "guitar gods." These are guitarists who think they can maintain the integrity of an entire CD on the basis of their guitar talent alone. As you might imagine, there are far more who can't, then can.

Those who can include the legends, of course (Joe Satriani, Steve Vai) and the just-as-talented-but-not-as-well-known (Michael Sobygge, Michael Gibbons). Those who can't ... well, let's just say that if their CD sucks, there's only one person to blame.

Now, as far as Jeff Urso and his "Straight Ahead" CD are concerned: The music here is actually quite good and very catchy. It's full of life and compelling themes. Would I recommend it to my friends? Yes, but not particularly to those who like heavy metal. "Straight Ahead" is softer rock, not by any means metal.

Urso is definitely a talented guy. I'm just not sure regular readers of this website would find his music to their liking.

For more information, check out www.jeffurso.com.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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