traight 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.
traight 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. 