Siggi Schwarz – The Fire Inside

Siggi Schwarz

The Fire Inside

by Mike McMahan at 16 February 2021, 9:36 AM

What can be said of SIGGI SCHWARZ? He is a guitar legend? Yes. He is equally capable of playing any style music? Certainly. He has played with several of the most celebrated names in the industry, including Michael Schenker, Steve Lukather, Leslie West and Billy Gibbons? Again, yes sir. He is a 100% certifiable badass monster with a Les Paul Gold Top in his hands? Abso-fucking-lutely.

Siggi is very well-respected industry wide for his ability, and has regularly been the opening live act for the likes of Santana, Scorpions and ZZ Top. He bears a striking resemblance, with his stylistic departures, to the legendary Gary Moore (for whom he recorded a fantastic 2011 Tribute album, with the participation of Neil Murray and Steve Lukather), musically speaking; and here we have “The Fire Inside”, his eleventh album, made up of fantastic seventies and eighties style Hard Rock. He has assembled a great band for this record, featuring New York native Dave Schaefer (who also co-wrote and co-produced) on vocals. The rhythm section of bassist Benni Jud and drummer Bene Neuner hold everything together nicely, leaving the fireworks in the more than capable hands of Siggi himself.

The album opens with “Spend The Night With Me”, and an intro of Native American chanting, perhaps an homage to Schaefer’s strong Cherokee heritage, into some sweet riff work. The body of the song is exceptionally strong and well crafted, showing not only the musical prowess, but exceptional lyrical work, as well. There is a nice instrumental break after the first chorus, which, for me, exemplifies Schwarz’ tasteful playing style. The second chorus opens up a blistering guitar solo which allows him to stretch his legs a bit. He plays with feel and passion, only opening into a flurry of notes toward the end of the solo. Unlike some I have heard do this of late, Siggi’s solo feels natural, with no wasted notes or over-exaggerated flamboyance. Schaefer’s vocal work on this song is very strong, as well; and he delivers his lyrics with a confidence and swagger that matches the song perfectly.

From the fire of “Activated”, to the country blues tinged “Super Hyperactive Boy”, this album feels like a clinic in what music should feel like. Highlight after highlight could be mentioned, and there is no “filler” to be found. If you haven’t heard good guitar driven Rock ‘n Roll correctly of late, this is an incredible jump off point for you to start a new search. Siggi plays guitar…and he does it damned well.

Songwriting: 10
Musicianship: 10
Memorability: 10
Production: 10