Customer Reviews

Bare Knuckle

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

It's nice to see the string bending, summersaulting blues legend hasn't mellowed. 2006's award winning We The People, with it's political bent was a hit with the public and critics. Shorty, continues in that vein, his "Bare Knuckle" is still delivering roundhouse rights. His opening salvo "Please Mr. President" wastes little time asking the Prez to "Lay some stimulus on me". With Shorty, what you see is what you usually get, hard pounding Electric Blues. However, there's some diversity to these cuts. "To Hard To Love" gets funky, and the reggae infused "Slow Burn" are welcome changes of pace. The man can still get feisty on familiar laments like "Betrayed" and "True Lies", but he can almost be tender when professing love on the track "Texas Women". It's impossible to translate the wild histrionics of Guitar Shorty's live shows, bit this is another strong, consistent effort by the 70 year old powerhouse.

If you like great blues guitar, then Shorty will give it to ya. Starts right off with "Please Mr. President", picks up again on "The Sting", "Slow Burn" shows he is in support of the troops. "True Lies" is another guitar expose on the guitar. "too Late" has that same riveting guitar. The last two songs "Bad Memory" and Temporary Man" finish off a pretty good album. This is my first Guitar Shorty album and won't be the last.

I was late to Shorty's party like most of the world. First heard him on 2004 CD "Watch Your Back" - blown away by the so tasteful and ripping guitar, great songs and great arrangements. Of course then I had to get all his discs and I've seen him live several times including just this week. This album is strong! Great songs, great textures, great grooves, great production - and plenty of Shorty's smoking licks! If you can only afford one Guitar Shorty CD get Watch Your Back. Otherwise get this CD next, then all the rest, then get in your car and go see him!
Shorty is an amazingly energetic and gracious performer. Always with a smile and always has a minute to sign a CD or pose for a photo. When I grow up I want to be just like him! Disclaimer: yes I am a fan.

I am not going to provide a detailed history on Shorty here, let's just say he has been around for many years, paid his dues, and is one of the most underrated blues guitarists on the scene. What he lacks in technique he makes up for in style, soul, and feeling. This CD is a bit uneven, but a good listen nevertheless. An incendiary live performer, he is not to be missed. He plays a lot of dates, mostly in small venues. Catch him some night. You will not be disappointed. Shorty puts on a great show, and will generally stay late signing CD's and talking to the faithful.

This is well worth the purchase. This is a blues powerhouse! Another great collection from a blues master.

i play blues guitar, like to think i know the great oldtimers, hate to admit i didn't. guitar shorty. this album is one of the best i have heard, fitting my style of playing. he is hard playing, great emotive voice, great songs. if you like the delta to chicago electric guitar migration of the blues, you must hear this. buy the cd, support these greats, they have paid the dues.

I have been following Guitar Shorty for quite some time. Nice to see he's finally getting the recognition he deserves. All of his previous albums have showcased this bluesmaster's guitar artistry, but Bare Kuckle branches out with more than just blues.

Guitar Shorty recently told us: "there are only seven blues songs" Well, he's come up with an eighth! Bare Knuckle focuses on Guitar Shorty's blues-y guitar, backed by excellent studio musicians, but the songs range from blues to bluesrock, to rock, to a little bit of other musicial styles, as well. Maybe that's why it immediately shot up to #3 on the blues chart. Some of these songs resonante with what's going on in the world, but with Shorty's typical sense of humor. Shorty's lyrics can make even a sad topic, a belly-laugh pleasure. For example, the first track on the album "Please Mr. President" (lay some stimulus on me) is destined to be an athemn that will resonante with all the hard working people who are struggling to make ends meet. The CD doesn't just focus on serious and trendy topics, however. Bare Knuckle includes classic "she done me wrong" songs such as "You Done Me Wrong" (...you just want money....I just can't make enough money for you). Bad Memory, showcases Guitar Shorty's signature, emotional and raw, guitar, and the syncopated "Neverland" sounds like a nod to Carlos Santana.

He's Guitar Shorty and he's one of a kind. He's better than ever. I hope he continues, forever!

Well the guiar is decent but he needs to learn how to write non laughable lyrics.