ith a mix of the Nashville recording scene, the influences of Art and Aaron Neville, and a Cajun fueled guitar, Shane Theriot has struck gold with his first solo release, HIGHWAY 90. Theriot is the lead guitarist for the Neville Brothers.
Jumping from the background of the Neville Brothers and into the foreground of his own solo career, HIGHWAY 90. This is one of the most unique sounding instrumental releases out in quite some time.
With the Neville Brothers being perhaps the top band from the New Orleans area, consider the type of musicians that would make up their band. One might expect voodoo with a Cajun fueled backbeat, or perhaps the melodic chords of an accordion.
What guitarist Shane Theriot displays is some fiery and imaginary compositions unlike most anything else. Not only does Theriot share the stage with the Neville Brothers, but also members of the Neville Brothers band share the recording studio with Theriot.
"It Ain't My Fault" pits Theriot opposite bassist Victor Wooten (Bela Fleck And The Flecktones). The punchy composition also includes the Hammond B-3 sounds of Johnny Neel. What sets this one apart is the drumming of "Mean Willie Green. "Pump is similar with the addition of a slide guitar.
"Trashy" focuses a blues based composition with the scat vocals of Theriot, Nick Daniels and Earl Smith. Nashville session player Jeffrey Scott Wills adds a soprano sax to the mix. The title track, "Highway 90" is one of the more interesting tunes, and features Jo-El Sonnier on the accordion. This one comes complete with New Orleans rhythms and an old friend of Theriot's on bass: Adam Nitti.
The overall favorite song on the disc has to be one called "The Street Beater." This is a funkafied version of the theme from the series Sanford And Son. Theriot's soloing soars high above even the popular melody. This is an interesting choice to include on a disc, but it is definitely done well. "Punch" is a groove-oriented composition that features the piano work of Tom Reynolds and the organ sounds of Theriot's boss, Art Neville.
"Shiho" is the token ballad on the disc, and demonstrates mature writing for a rookie composer. "Stumpy" and "Bayou Chicken" are two upbeat tunes that show off the bluesy as well as Cajun expression of the music that has shaped the career of Theriot. With Hammond B-3 and the punchy drumming of "Mean" Willie Green, the tunes are extremely enjoyable and hold ones attention throughout.
One thing to note is that the drums appear to have holes in the sound. It is the fact that none of the drummers on the disc overplay the instruments. Instead they add just the right amount of distraction from the melodies to make this one of the top instrumental disc of 2000. An extremely enjoyable experience. All that is needed now is some gumbo.
BOTTOM LINE: A gutsy performance that combines New Orleans with screaming guitar. The results are simply amazing.
ith a mix of the Nashville recording scene, the influences of Art and Aaron Neville, and a Cajun fueled guitar, Shane Theriot has struck gold with his first solo release, HIGHWAY 90. Theriot is the lead guitarist for the Neville Brothers.