Twenty-five year old singer/songwriter/guitarist James Ullrich is a rising star of the Chicago pop scene, making music in the vein of John Mayer and the Goo Goo Dolls. James began his career listening to his mother’s Beatles albums, eventually developing a talent for writing instantly memorable melodies of his own. Before long James was honing his abilities in the cafes of the University of Illinois , where he developed a loyal following. It was here that James first wrote the acoustic ballad “Forever and a Day” for a female singer, and it is performed as a special moment in his shows today.
Intent on a musical career, James returned to Chicago , testing out new songs on sidewalks and coffeehouses. After enlisting a band, he was soon playing shows at such Chicago original music landmarks as the Elbo Room, the Beat Kitchen and serving as house band for the U. S. Beer Company, where he learned to be a performer, not just another guy with a guitar. In August 2001 the band performed with other Chicago favorites for Q1O1’s “Save the Children” foundation. His hard work eventually paid off and “Beautiful” became an underground hit on college radio. After taking some time off he returned with a new EP. He most recently performed a solo acoustic set for the Defeat Diabetes Foundation Benefit Concert, where he entertained old and new fans by previewing two killer tracks not found on the album.
The power-pop of his EP has become an extremely high-selling item at the memorable shows, due to a soulful rasp and catchy tunes. Audience favorites include “Beautiful” and “I Can See A Liar”, the guitar pop of “Belong”, the epic ballad “Come Back Down” and the piano-pop of “A Simple Twist of Fate”.
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