CD Review
Guitar Shorty
I Go Wild!
(Evidence Records ECD 26119-2)
by Dick Houff
Review date: November 2001
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1999 KBA Award Winner
Achievement for Blues on the Internet
Presented by the Blues Foundation
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Guitar Shorty has become a household name in our abode, and countless blues fans on both sides of the Atlantic, would share that same sentiment . And for the rock fans; Shorty won't let you down-where do you think Jimi Hendrix learned all those cool blues licks and cool stage antics-that's right, Guitar Shorty! This came to me as a revelation from Jerry Gordon (Evidence Records). About five years ago, Ron Levy introduced me to Johnnie Bassett. Hendrix would sit in with Bassett at Seattle clubs-again, another learning experience for Jimmy. However, in re-evaluating Jimi's showmanship, we must return to Guitar Shorty (Shorty married Jimmy's step-sister-yet another story!). Showmanship has always been part of the game, and we all have our stories about that one exceptional show. At the age of 56, Guitar Shorty is still doing flips on the stage; plus the rolls and tumbles while playing his guitar! In speaking for myself, and all my friends (without mentioning names!) in the business, I can see recurring visions of multiple trips to the ER room-please, for God's Sake, don't try this at home or on the stage!
In returning to the music in all its glory, we need to focus on Guitar Shorty: the ax man, the vocalist, and songwriter. Shorty won the W.C. Handy Award (1991) for his brilliant album, "My Way or the Freeway." The record was recorded in Europe, and a year later he was signed to Black Top Records. More albums followed with countless shows. And with this new release from Evidence: "I Go Wild!" Shorty goes the full distance. A thirteen track killer-the first song "Loosen Up"-is just that! Shorty cuts into overdrive with a high sustain (love those Morely Pedals!) and doesn't' let go. He continues the attack right up to track four: "If You Can't Lie No Better," a virtual conversation between Shorty and his guitar, along with Jim Pugh's Hammond B3 finish is just too cool for words! On track five, Shorty cuts into a very tough and gritty ax grind. And the title song (track six), "I Go Wild!" should be nominated as "Best Song of the Year"-unbelievable! Shorty's vocals are beyond strong and to the point-check out track seven: "Don't Stop (I Just Started)." Tracks nine through twelve follow along with the same intensity as you'd expect from a well-seasoned veteran. After listening to the thirteenth and final track: "The Netherlands" which clocks in at 6:18; I'd put Guitar Shorty's guitar up against anybody who'd care to duel with him! This Cat is something else-my very highest regards!
This review is copyright © 2001 by Dick Houff, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission. For permission to use this review please send an E-mail to Ray Stiles.
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