David O’Rourke: The Prize

Irish by birth but a resident of New York City, this guitarist makes his recording debut supported by the likes of pianist Larry Willis, bassist Bob Cranshaw and drummer Al Harewood. While the presence of another harmonic instrument necessarily causes O’Rourke to focus on his single-note skills, he takes spirited risks and exhibits brilliant chops on uptempo numbers like “What Makes Moses Run,” “Standing Eight,” and “I Hear A Rhapsody.” Less revealing are the subdued and slow numbers (“I Fall In Love Too Easily” and “Song For My Parents”) where he tends to overly play within himself and take a more self-conscious, restrained approach. Nevertheless, The Prize is a winner from a guitarist to keep an eye on.

Originally Published March 1, 1998