Dave Uhrich
Dave Uhrich (Red Light) (STAR)(STAR)(STAR) 1/2
Dave Uhrich just may be the first Chicago-spawned guitar hero since Mike Bloomfield back in the ’60s. Uhrich’s self-titled instrumental debut album is a smorgasbord of musical styles, with Uhrich demonstrating his mastery in just about every genre. From his pure metal “shredding” on the aptly-titled opener “Fury” to some convincing country twanging on “Down Home,” Uhrich’s versatility is impressive. But what makes him more than just another hot licks merchant with speed to burn is his sense of melodicism. His tender, minor-key “Blue Rose” is built around a gorgeous melody, while his playing on “Majestic Solitude” has a haunting, almost cinematic quality. Guest star Jerry Goodman on violin sparks Uhrich to greater heights on a number of tunes, while their lovely classical guitar/violin duet on “Rondo in D” is an unexpected surprise. Light years beyond the mindless noodling on too many instrumental guitar albums, “Dave Uhrich” is an absolute joy.
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