Campbell American Guitars

Shaun Wolf Wortis has been a fixture of the Boston music scene for almost twenty five years. Originally from Philadelphia, Shaun (or "Wolf" as he is often known) is a guitarist, singer, songwriter, composer, arranger and producer, as has worked with the likes of Leah Callahan, Bleu, Barrence Whitfield, Slide, Chandler Travis, Mr. Ho's Orchestrotica and many others. His annual Mardi Gras Ball—possibly the longest running such show of its kind in Boston—is a showcase of lesser-known New Orleans Rhythm & Blues Music, and is a fund-raiser for the New Orleans Musicians Clinic.

Wortis' guitar style: rhythmic, gritty, and funky owes a lot to the likes of Captain Beefheart, NRBQ, Danny Gatton, and Albert Collins. He often paints in broad expressionistic strokes, but also has a nuanced melodic ear. One can hear the gamut of American roots music in his playing, and certainly a lot of New Orleans funk in his approach.

Wortis plays a number of Campbell American instruments but relies primarily on his gold Transitone (Seymour Duncan humbuckers) and his gold Caledonian (jazz pickups, Bigsby).

"These are outstanding instruments," Wortis says. "they sound great, play great and remain consistent night after night."

For more info:

• http://www.mardigrasballs.com