Guitar Shorty, was born David William Kearney in Houston, Texas on September 8, 1939. Influenced by guitar players, BB King, Guitar Slim, T-Bone Walker, and Earl Hooker, at 17 he was already the guitarist and vocalist in Walter Johnson's Orchestra where he picked up the nickname. Willie Dixon produced Guitar Shorty's first single, with Otis Rush on second guitar, for Cobra Records. He has worked with Ray Charles, Little Milton, BB King, Lowell Fulson, Johnny Copeland, T-Bone Walker, and he was a major influence on his brother-in-law Jimi Hendrix.

Guitar Shorty is a passionate vocalist and able guitarist from the old school. He possesses outstanding sensibilities about how to put a project together and his newest album "Watch Your Back" on Alligator reflects this as it is a fine release from a seasoned professional. The liner notes opens with a special thank you to his band, and producers Jesse Harms and Brian Brinkerhoff. Also I noticed that half of the ten songs included were written by his piano player/producer Jesse Harms. Included also are Van Morrison"s "I've Been Working", and the Davis & Strange "A Little Less Conversation".

Highlight's include every song on the album but especially, the Jesse Harms written or co-written material. "The Old School", the Truitt and Harms "Story of My Life", "Get Busy", the Harms & O'Keefe "Let My Guitar Do the Talking" and "It Ain't the Fall That Kills You". The songs are performed so well that you know they were written especially for Guitar Shorty and he knows and feels every note and word of them.

Although he may be 65 years old, other sources report that he is only 57. His on stage somersaults, while playing his guitar are testaments to his youthfulness and exuberance, and the album reflects the youthful rockin¹ blues of a much younger man. Catch his guitar and vocals, February 17th, when he will be appearing at the Turning Point, 468 Piermont Avenue, Piermont, NY. He is one of the "old school" and really knows how to put on a show.

Richard Ludmerer
Director, The New York Blues & Jazz Society
ricdale2@yahoo.com

(c)2005 Richard Ludmerer