Maria Zemantauski’s Female Flamenco; Guitar Shorty
By Seth Rogovoy

(WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass., Aug. 24, 2000) -- There’ll be a change of pace at the Guthrie Center in Great Barrington on Saturday night, Aug. 26, at 8. The typical fare in the “Folk Music at the Church” series has been original singer-songwriter folk, but Saturday night’s program features the instrumental stylings of Capital District guitarist Maria Zemantauski.

The traditional image of flamenco is of a dark-haired, dark-skinned, male guitarist flailing away at his instrument while a Latin beauty dances around him. But as one of the only female touring guitarists in flamenco, Zemantauski subverts that image.

Twenty years ago Zemantuaski saw flamenco guitarist Carlos Montoya perform at West Point. It was a life-altering experience, although initially it sparked uncertainty in the budding guitarist.

“I remember feeling very confused during this concert,” said Zemantauski in a recent Email interview. “I didn’t understand the music and therefore I didn’t know how to listen or what to listen for.

“My formal training at this point was primarily on the classical guitar. At times during Montoya’s concert, I wasn’t even certain when one piece had stopped and another had begun. It was frustrating, but yet intriguing at the same time.

“I think I expected flamenco guitar to be similar to the Spanish classical guitar repertoire, but perhaps in a way that sounded ‘jazzed up a bit’ – a little more of everything: more rasqueados (the flamenco strumming technique), more passion, more fire.

“In retrospect, this concert made a significant contribution to my development as a guitarist. I left the concert wanting to unravel a mystery and the challenge felt exciting to me.”

That unravelling of the mystery can be heard on Zemantauski’s recordings, including “Mrs. Laughinghouse” and the brand-new “Seeing Red” (Futon Dog). Her recordings combine original compositions that draw on both classical and flamenco styles and songs from the repertoire.

Zemantauski is drawn to flamenco for its excitement and passion. “I love rhythm and the element of improvisation,” she said. “I love learning and perfecting the guitar technique. I love the fact that this is a folk music -- rooted in people and cultural expression. I love that flamenco is dynamic, passionate and emotional.”

While Zemantauski isn’t Spanish, she speculates that her ethnic background might in part account for her being drawn to the music.

“Being an Italian-Lithuanian-American woman, this question comes up frequently. I grew up spending most of my time with my Italian relatives. I’m not certain, but I think there may be something to the concept of a Mediterranean aesthetic.”

But more than nationality, Zemantauski -- who was recently named best acoustic guitarist by Albany arts weekly Metroland -- is drawn to flamenco for purely musical reasons. “As a guitarist, I think the flamenco playing style offers a treasure chest of colors and spices,” she said. “A nylon-stringed guitar makes some of the most beautiful sounds in the world.”

Also at the Guthrie Center this weekend is Pioneer Valley singer-songwriter Erica Wheeler, on Friday night, Aug. 25, at 8. For information call 445-6403.

Guitar Shorty

Sixty years ago William David Kearny was born in Houston. Raised in Florida by his grandmother, he became fascinated with the guitar and began playing at age 6. By 14, he turned pro, and as he had yet to reach his full height, he was given the nickname “Guitar Shorty,” the name he goes by to this day.

In the interim, Guitar Shorty has performed with Ray Charles, Sam Cooke and Otis Rush. He settled in Seattle in the early ‘60s, when a young guitarist used to come to his shows and check out his licks and his moves. Shorty eventually married the young guitar-slinger’s stepsister, Marsha. Her stepbrother, Jimi Hendrix, is said to have paid tribute to Shorty’s influence as both a musician and a showman.

Shorty is now best known for his blend of New Orleans rock and r&b, Texas shuffles and soulful blues, as well as his for his gritty vocals and colorful stage antics. At age 60, the headstands, somersaults and front flips he used to do without pause may not come as easily as they once did – and at Club Helsinki in Great Barrington, where the legend performs on Aug. 26, there’s not much room for him to turn a flip anyhow.

Also at Helsinki tonight, Aug. 24, are the Black Rebels, the Pioneer Valley’s top reggae band.

[This column originally appeared in the Berkshire Eagle on Aug. 24, 2000. Copyright Seth Rogovoy 2000. All rights reserved.]

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