Git Shorty

"Shorty, who has played with the likes of James Brown, Tyrone Davis and Sam and Dave is decribed as a showman and quite a character on stage. Shorty, who doesn't smoke or drink, says he gets high on "my music, a natural high". - The Parkersburg News

"Walking On Air" as he returns to his hometown of Zanesville, Ohio, Guitar Shorty played professionally during the 60’s & 70’s. He was the personal guitarist for Tyrone Davis, Johnny Taylor, O.V. Wright, Sam and Dave, and George & Gwen McCrea. During a four year period, he played with the King of Soul, Mr. James Brown. His nickname was derived from this time when his guitar was bigger than he was!

Guitar Shorty was extensively educated in the field of music at the West Virginia State University and New York University. He also accredits his faith In God as a major factor In the development of his outstanding talent.

More recently, Guitar Shorty toured with the Marseilles, The Del Vikings, Tricia Campbell, the All-Star from Los Angeles, California and Richard Berry, the original writer at “Louie, Louie”. Today, Guitar Shorty and his guitar always add a special touch of class while performing his original tune, “Walking on Air. - Zanesville Times Recorder

"Git Shorty", We're not talking colloquial reference to the Travolta film: "Get Shorty", We're talking about a real guy, the length of whose resume belies his nickname.

Last time we saw Guitar Shorty, he was playing in the middle of McKeesport's Fifth Avenue for a community celebration. Back in the 1960s, he was playing with James Brown. IN 2000, he's whizzing around in circles on a CD player near you.

"Git Shorty", his new collection recorded in McKeesport and released at the Mojo Boneyard label, is 14 tracks that showcase both Shorty's vocals and the guitar work that has attracted the attention of the legendary Willie Dixon.

Dixon was impressed with Shorty's guitar theatrics and urged his protégé Buddy Guy to get a little Shorty in his own stage presentation.

Guitar Shorty is actually Ohio born Elbert Ferguson, who relocated to Florida and got his musical feet wet with colorfully named Big Joe Dynamo. A couple years later, while performing "Hound Dog" with A.C. Jones and The Chanceteers, he caught the ear of James Brown, who put the axeman in his revue.

After years working with Sam and Dave, O.V. Wright and others, Shorty relocated to Beaver Falls for a day job at J&L Steel, but he couldn't deny the call of the stage and his guitar re-emerged from it's case.

"Git Shorty" is his first CD, according to Bonedaddy. The disc was produced and mixed both in the Boneyard and across town at Soundscape Studios.

Shorty is supported by a plethora of local talent like Kenny Blake on Alto Sax. Robbie Klein and Eric DeFade on baritone & tenor sax, James Britton on keyboards, Jeffrey Ingersoll on bass, James T. Johnson, Brian Edwards and Deuce Kinkaid on drums, George Jones on congas, Dan Donohoe on trumpet and Russ Garin on Trombone.

Vocal assistance came from Sheena Berkeley, Darrell Clark, Phil Jackson, Billy Hawkins and Bobby Wayne.

The album has something for everyone, notably "Smoothe", which may earn him a slot on jazz broadcasts, but that doesn't mean Shorty can't be funky too, which he is on the suggestive "Take A Taste". He's just as at home in the swing blues category with the cautionary "Don't Hoe In The Garden" and in the rougher-edged "Been Down That Road Before".

The package opens with the original (They Call Me) Guitar Shorty", which swings into the mood, it undoubtedly is a perfect live show opening number and leaves no doubt about what's to come.

Three songs come from the pens of Melvin & Mervin Steals, including the familiar, brassy, "Walking On Air", plus "Let Me Love You Tonight" (romantic with good harmonies) and the under-par "What Can I Do To Win Your Love". The songwriters lyrical approach is an acquired taste, but the support system is strong.

Sensual blues "I Want to Ta-Ta You Baby" gives new meaning to what is otherwise known as a light hearted good-bye.

"Somebody Stole My Monkey" is a funny co-composition with Ingersoll, while "I Know The Real You" dips into soul.

"She's a Bad Mama Jama" is both catchy and descriptive. "I Want To Be Your Man" is not the song Ringo sang on the first Beatles album, it sounds more like Billy Price, which suggest that Billy's been getting it right all these years.

"Git Shorty" wraps with "She's Mine", sporting islanded rhythms and a bunch of appealing guy backing vocals, "Gitting" your feet moving, the track looks ahead on a positive note. - Daily News Entertainment - McKeesport, PA

Guitar Shorty is a man prepared to stick his necks out -- the ones on his double-necked guitar, that is. A hard-rocking bluesman from the Chicago school, the Mississippi-born Shorty got his start with James Brown's band 20 years ago. After splitting with the Godfather of Soul, Shorty played with Wilson Pickett, Z.Z. Hill and, of course his own outfit. This weekend, Shorty and his band makes their debut at B.K. Lounge...

Blues Fans might recall the tune Shorty's back and Shorty is coming back to Rochester for the B.K. premiere. - Times Union News - Rochester, NY