Master-Tex Records has released new project , a live recording called GUITAR SHORTY LIVE in honor and memory of Guitar Shorty.
It captures the raw energy, blistering guitar solos, and fierce showmanship of a blues legend. A testament to Guitar Shorty’s massive impact on contemporary blues music.
CRITICS ARE RAVING
“It sends shivers down my spine to hear it…amazing.” Putnay Thomas, KUNM Radio
“…Shorty’s Live at the Regal…experience the energy of an innovative guitarist backed by a strong band–captured live as they crisscrossed the country playing one-nighters.” Richard Radbil, Big City Blues Magazine
“…one of the best live blues performances I’ve heard.” BLAST Radio
This live recording has been released in honor and memory of Guitar Shorty. It captures the raw energy, blistering guitar solos, and fierce showmanship of a blues legend. A testament to Guitar Shorty’s massive impact on contemporary blues music.
Sam Pemberton and Guitar Shorty live on stage
INTERVIEW
Blues Festival Guide (BFG) caught up with producer Sam Pemberton to talk about this long-time-in-the-making Guitar Shorty project “IN HONOR OF, AND IN MEMORY OF, GUITAR SHORTY.”
BFG:. What is your relationship to Guitar Shorty?
A. I was his touring rhythm guitar player and band leader for over 600 shows, during his peak years, when he was under contract to Alligator Records, in the 2007 to 2010 time span. I played on and am the “Producer” of the album “Guitar Shorty Live Birmingham Alabama”.
BFG: Why this project?
A. First, this project is “IN HONOR OF, AND IN MEMORY OF, GUITAR SHORTY”. This album was produced for Shorty’s loyal fans and, to preserve the true energy, sound, and excitement of a live Guitar Shorty show, for “Blues History”. This is the finest, most accurate recording of his live sound, in existence.
BFG: Are you solo on this project?
A. I am joined in this endeavor by Shorty’s sister and heir, Gertrude Kearney Williams.
BFG: Tell us the details about this album.
A. This album is a show that occured in mid 2007 at Phalen Park in Birmingham Alabama. The band and Shorty were on fire that day, laying down an amazing performance. After the show, I was given a single track recording, off the board, but it was very flawed and not usable. I held that recording for nearly twenty years. Now, in 2026, with advances in engineering and recording technology, this album was possible. An amazingly TRUE and ACCURATE representation of Guitar Shorty and his career best touring band live.
Fans can stream and download the album HERE
