Shane Theriot REVIEWS

INTERVIEWS

"Highway 90" (Shose Records)
Bassists: Victor Wooten, Adam Nitti, Kim Stone, Paul Chapman
Instruments: Wooten, Fodera 4&5 Strings; Nitti, Curbow 5&6 strings, Stone, Roscoe fretless 6; Chapman, Conklin 7
On his pepper-hot solo debut, guitarist Theriot showcases his prowess as well as his impressive cadre of bass buddies. Nitti pummels the downbeats on "Punch," Stone sweetens "Shiho," and Chapman cleans up "Trashy," while Wooten plucks the "Bayou Chicken" and reinvents the theme from Sanford & Son. (CJ)

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Concert_05 "Highway 90" Review Featured In Eclectic Earwig Reviews By: Christopher Ruel

I was far into my drive from Connecticut to Florida on Highway 95 when I decided to check out Highway 90 by Shane Theriot. I had already exhausted the contents of my 12 disc changer and needed something new to keep me awake and attentive. I was praying for a miracle and Theriot answered that prayer with his stylish, classy spin-off of blues and jazz. There is something to be said for good timing.
With an all-star lineup of seasoned studio pros backing him up including Victor Wooten and Art Neville, Theriot lays down eleven tracks of sophisticated blues that blurry the line between jazz and blues. Theriot's presence is always tactful and balanced. The focus is on creating good music and not imposing guitar technicianry on the listener, though Theriot's playing is very refined. Shane's style is developed more around thoughtful phrasing and counterpoint than on speedy technique. The result is good for the listener. Theriot covers a lot of ground in his phrasing with a broad vocabulary that does not repeat itself, happily avoiding this pitfall that many guitarists fall into.
Shane Theriot embraces progressive jazz-blues. Theriot is reminiscent to me of Jimmy Smith in his blues stylisms (but this might just be Johnny Neel on the Moog) and Michael Lee Firkins with his Southwestern flavors. Oddly enough, I did not see either of these two mentioned in the liner notes. I am still trying to figure the connection to Michael Lee Firkins because I am sure there must be one, especially with the coverage of "The Street Beater" that they both shared coverage. Theriot is also a little similar to Greg Howe in his seamless presentation of melodies that he integrates with subtle grace.
The highlights for me on Highway 90 were the grooving "It Ain't My Fault" reminiscent to me of Greg Howe's "Just Kiddin'" in concept, the catchy "Highway 90", the well- covered standard "The Street Beater", the tasteful and delightfully surprising "Punch", and the uplifting "1321 N. Las Palmas" with its well-fealt melody. A lot of good stuff here folks!
What I liked about Highway 90 is that it was sophisticated enough to keep a musician's attention, but it also possessed an accessibility that would make it appealing to a wider audience. There is not any blazing fretboard work on Highway 90, but there is a lot of enjoyable music on this CD that makes it worthwhile. Theriot is a polished player with a good sense for musicality and integrating his guitar work with other talented players. Highway 90 is consistent and solid from start to finish and grows on you the more you listen to it which is a great achievement in itself. Shane Theriot is definitely an emerging talent and I look forward to hearing more from him.

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"Highway 90" Review Featured In Fuse Magazine By: David Dorkin

Neville Brothers guitarist Shane Theriot's debut cd is a funky success. Theriot's sophisticated and tasty playing, influenced by Scott Henderson and Jimmy Herring, is well represented here on the grooving originals and one cover of the theme from "Sanford and Son". His crack band includes Art Neville, Vic Wooten, Adam Nitti and J.D. Blair, among others. From roots music to funky zydeco and fusion, Theriot has a solid command of the language. Recommended

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"Highway 90" Review Featured In Prognosis By: M.J. Brady

Chicken pickin' gumbo funkin' fusion, that's the vibe I am getting from this CD by Neville Bros. Band's guitarist Shane Theriot. Shane has a very catchy approach to song writing, establishing strong grooves with bass, drums, keys, accordions, and his signature rhythm style. He builds creative, and fitting themes that glide over the backdrop with a melodic ease. There is a wide range of styles that culminate the full effect of his music, and these influences range from Cajun/Zydeco, jazz, fusion, rock, funk, and more. The music has a very upbeat, uptempo fun feel to it, very danceable stuff. The spotlight here is on Shane's guitar playing throughout the CD, he plays with great command of various tones, setting the mood with each passing song, his guitar is never overbearing or overplayed for that matter, he has a very keen sense of harmonic compatibility to enhance the very essence of each composition. Having been a session guitarist in the last few years, has only lent to his repertoire as a player that has an encyclopedia of chops, riffs, licks and styles, and he lays it all down here. He is backed by some great names, particularly on the bass, as Victor Wooten (Flecktones), Adam Nitti (Solo artist, also reviewed at this site!), and Kim Stone (Rippingtons), all make huge contributions to the bottom end, and with guys like this in the mix you can only expect some thumpin' bottom end. There are many other musicians of note on this CD, too many to review individually, but Shanes' music brings them all together nicely in these addictive tunes. The best description I can give you of Shane Theriots' music is Little Feat, meets Weather Report, with Eric Johnson on guitars. Well it's a stretch, but what can I say, his is very original stuff, and a lot of fun to listen to loud.

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"Highway 90" Review Featured In Modern Drummer, February, 2000 By: Robin Tolleson

With an ear for a catchy guitar hook and a good working knowledge of fusion, funk, and blues, Neville Brothers guitarist Theriot delivers a hit with his solo debut. Theriot has assembled a splendid ensemble, but the formidable percussion cast is what makes the record really move. David Northrup (Les Dudek, Travis Tritt) serves up some hot gumbo funk on "Highway 90" and sure-handed fusiony blues licks on "Punch" and "Shiho." JD Blair (Victor Wooten, Take 6, Shania Twain) plays some hot and splashy funk on "Trashy" and builds "Cabildo Breeze" with intensity. And longtime Nevilles drummer turns the groove to "It Ain't My Fault" inside out and upside down, gives "Bayou Chicken" its second-line flavor, and updates Quincy Jones' theme from Sanford & Son with hip, funky syncopation. Rated "8" out of a possible "10".

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"Highway 90" Review Featured In Music's Bottom Line By: Randy Allar

With 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.

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From "Nashville Scene"

New releases - Shane Theriot and Terry Radigan are Nashville players whose national profiles may soon be expanding, thanks to new CD releases. Guitarist Theriot is well-known for his work as part of the Neville Brothers' touring band, but he seldom takes the spotlight onstage. He finally gets to step out on Highway 90 (Shose), which emphasizes driving funk and blues and features a huge list of guest stars, including Victor Wooten, Joel Sonnier, and Art Neville.

Theriot prefers crisp, aggressive numbers with inviting rhythms rather than complex statements. Wooten's flashy bass accents the tasty remake of Quincy Jones' "The Street Beater", while Theriot blends Latin licks and blues on "1321 N. Las Palmas" and flickering jazz on "Cabildo Breeze" and "Shiho." Sonnier's accordion adds some Cajun flavor to "Trashy," and "Punch" offers straight New Orleans soul.

Theriot wrote and arranged eight of the 11 songs, and his work shows that he's both a crackling improviser and polished composer. he's also the author of New Orleans Funk Guitar Styles, which is available from Warner Brothers Publications. Call 1-800-327-7643 for more details about the book, or pick up a copy of Highway 90 for an immediate showcase of his skills.

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offbeat Magazine March 2000 SHANE THERIOT - Hwy 90 (Shose Records)

The inside cover of Hwy 90 features a picture of a young Shane Theriot circa 1982, in New Orleans, probably 13 or 14, picking intently at an electric guitar, a drum kit in the background. On this album Theriot certainly sounds like he’s been at it at least that long, his command of his instrument evident in the relaxed, lush solos floating freely over swift beats and electric organ. A look at his resume reveals more: he’s played with enough musical heroes at 28 to qualify for some sort of award; and there’s enough guest players on the bill to insure that this isn’t merely a first disc by a new artist, it’s a new artist playing among established royalty. Victor Wooten, bassist of Bela Fleck fame, keeps a tight groove all over the album; and Art Neville plays on Theriot’s creation, "Punch," his organ stylings giving Theriot plenty of room to start out slow with single notes, and eventually slide into musical climax. The highlight of Hwy 90 is the last track, "Cabildo Breeze," the juxtaposition of a Caribbean rhythm and Theriot’s lead guitar resulting in the sounds of an electric sea chantey.
Theriot honed his chops playing guitar in the Neville Brothers Band and it shows in his confidence throughout the disc. Upbeat and well-executed, Hwy 90 really moves. Theriot’s compositions are loose and fluid, there’s no danger of suffocation here and plenty of room to breathe.

–Matt Demo

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From www.sonicnet.com ..... Shane Theriot In Driver's Seat On Highway 90

Neville Brothers guitarist steps out with debut solo album
Correspondent Diane Gershuny reports:

Shane Theriot's guitar prowess has often been eclipsed by the projects he's participated in. "Think John Scofield, or better, Jeff Beck, if he grew up in New Orleans. That was the sound I was going for." — Shane Theriot
Not to say that his gig laying guitar grooves beneath the Neville Brothers' blend of world beats and N'awlins funk wasn't a fantastic opportunity to share the stage with musical royalty — and to travel the world. But with his solo debut, Highway 90 (Shose), Theriot (pronounced Terry-o) steps into the spotlight.
"I wanted to make a recording reflecting influences that I grew up around," the Louisiana native said. "Think John Scofield, or better, Jeff Beck, if he grew up in New Orleans. That was the sound I was going for."
Theriot pulled together a stellar crew to flesh out his tunes: Art Neville and drummer "Mean" Willie Green on loan from the Nevilles, accordionist Joel Sonnier, bassists Kim Stone and Victor Wooten, Johnny Neel (Allman Brothers) on organ and former Neville guitarist Eric Struthers as co-engineer and producer.
Highway 90 is a blend of rock grooves at the foundation, heavily laden with jazz and fusion overtones and peppered with second-line grooves — from the swinging "It Ain't My Fault" (RealAudio excerpt) that kicks off the disc, to the straight-ahead "1321 N. Las Palmas." Tunes such as the aptly-named "Trashy" (RealAudio excerpt), "Bayou Chicken" and "Stampy" are perfect vehicles for Theriot's fiery tone and seductive phrasings.
Other standouts include the soft 'n' sultry "Shiho," written for Theriot's wife, and Sonnier's accordion riffin' on the title track. They even breath new life into Quincy Jones' "The Street Beater," better known as the TV theme to "Sanford & Son."
Prior to gigging with the Nevilles, Theriot spent time living and playing around the Los Angeles area. He relocated to Atlanta to teach at the Atlanta Music school, and eventually settled in Nashville. These days he splits his time between Nashville and New Orleans, juggling touring with the Nevilles and his own band and doing session work.
In a short in-store set at the Louisiana Music Factory during Jazz Fest, the trio — pulled together especially for the in-store and composed of Green on drums and Neville bandmate David Johnson on bass — showcased tunes from the new disc for a receptive audience. Theriot was on hand to promote not only the recording but also an instructional guitar book/CD he authored titled "New Orleans Funk Guitar Styles" (Warner Bros. Publications).

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"Highway 90" Miscellaneous Media Quotes

Shane is quickly becoming one of the hottest up-and-coming guitarists on the scene. His style combines unique rhythmic and melodic lines with searing guitar tones. You can catch him performing with both the legendary Neville Brothers and his own instrumental project, as well as hear him as an in-demand session player.

Harmonic underpinnings run deep in Theriot’s hands- even a simple blues becomes a canvas for colorful extensions and unique voicings - Guitar Player Magazine (December 2000)

(Hwy 90) is a CD that I’m real proud to have been a part of - a great record - Victor Wooten

He hops from quasi-bop to shuddering drop-D crunch to bogus Baroque to slippery country licks, to pina colada acoustic with the seamlessness of spandex! - Guitar Player Magazine

A master of accessible melodies that always take an unexpected turn. A player in the big picture category; Shane commands interest from his intro all the way to the fadeout - John Stix - Guitar For The Practicing Musician magazine

Anyone who's heard Theriot's playing would agree - versatile indeed - Guitar Shop Magazine

The first thing you hear is that delirious cry, a captivating guitar tone. Then you hear the groove-intensive phrasing, then the moments of clearly articulated burnin' - Jeff Scheetz, Guitarist Network

"An incredible, ass-kicking guitarist - I haven't been this excited about electric guitar since I heard Mike Landau and Burning Water".
Andy Ellis, Sr. Editor, Guitar Player Magazine

"A great player - the secret is out!" Paul Barrere, Little Feat

"Shane is one of the best" Art Neville, The Neville Brothers, The Meters

Great playing, great tunes from a killer guitarist- I love the CD! - Kenny Aronoff (Smashing Pumpkins, Melissa Etheridge)

You were a little loud last night... - Aaron Neville

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offBEAT Magazine Review of "The Grease Factor"

Shane Theriot
The Grease Factor (Shose Records)

It's difficult to put your finger on exactly what local guitar maniac Shane Theriot is trying to do on The Grease Factor, but wherever you put said finger, it'd probably come back covered in grime. That, by the way, is a compliment; last year's debut, Highway 90, was a fusion-funk workout that delivered on Shane's concept of a Weather Report from the Crescent City, but this follow up raises the stakes dramatically by raising the volume. This is one of the most tumultuous guitar albums to ever escape the South - the third track alone, "Zodiac," sounds like Primus injected with B-3 soul and jacked up on amphetamines.

Between Theriot's resume as a sideman and the impressive list of admirers backing him up here, you could name-drop all day, but this is Shane's show, and he knows it. Even as you dislocate your jaw in awe over what the Dirty Dozen Brass Band's Kirk Joseph is doing with the sousaphone on "Shrimp Boots"-it could only be called speed tuba - you're simultaneously enthralled by the perfectly fluid riffs and lines Theriot embroiders into it. Likewise, not many can stand toe-to-toe with Bela Fleck's bassist, Victor Wooten, on "The Apartment," but Shane's in perfect harmony with him. And there's no loss of regional heritage in all these pyrotechnics, as evidenced by the hard funk of "Mr. Longhair" (dedicated to guess who), the straight blues of "Slow," and the hilariously, perfectly named "Zydefaux."

With such a roster of co-conspirators (too many to list here, though Gov't Mule keyboardist Johnny Neel and Astral Project drummer Johnny Vidacovich are all over the place), The Grease Factor is a blistering display of instrumental interplay. It's also essential listening for anyone interested in the future of New Orleans jazz. Or rock. Or funk.

-Robert Fontenot

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