Guitar Shorty's sixth studio album, Watch Your Back, is a scintillating masterpiece that embodies the very essence of blues. Released on 27 April 2004 by Alligator Records, this 10-track album is a testament to Shorty's unwavering dedication to his craft. With a career spanning over 45 years and thousands of tour dates, Guitar Shorty has cemented his reputation as a blues institution, renowned for his slashing guitar attack and soul-shout vocals.
Watch Your Back is a journey through the realms of blues, blues rock, and classic blues, with each track showcasing Shorty's incredible prowess as a guitarist and vocalist. From the opening notes of 'Old School' to the final strains of 'Right Tool For The Job', this album is a sonic rollercoaster that will leave you breathless. With tracks like 'Let My Guitar Do The Talking' and 'It Ain't The Fall That Kills You', Guitar Shorty's blistering fretwork and powerhouse singing take centre stage, demonstrating why he is hailed as a master of his genre.
This album has been hailed as a "welcome return for old fans and a perfect introduction for those new to Shorty's long career", and it is easy to see why. Watch Your Back is a must-listen for any blues enthusiast, and its release in 2004 was a significant milestone in Guitar Shorty's illustrious career. With a duration of 42 minutes, this album is a masterclass in blues music, and its impact is still felt today. Guitar Shorty's Watch Your Back is an album that deserves to be heard, and its audiophile-quality sound makes it a prime candidate for a vinyl re-issue.