Shane Theriot: Dirty Power (2009)

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.

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Published: July 31, 2009

Guitarist Shane Theriot renders a medley of craftily placed spikes and high voltage maneuvers on his third solo endeavor, featuring several legendary drummers amid a who's who of superfine Louisiana musicians and others of note. Theriot's artistry has spread across multiple genres, due to a culmination of recordings and performances with Little Feat, Boz Scaggs, Aaron Neville and Willie Nelson, among an extensive list of jazz-rock, folk and funk undertakings. Armed with superior chops and an affinity for penning memorable compositions, Theriot is a shrewd operator who conveys restraint and a soft touch to contrast his rippling and slashing solo jaunts.

The program boasts a potpourri of snappy, in-the-pocket works, dappled with funk, rock and a flavorful New Orleans edge. With alternating personnel throughout these ten originals, Theriot grinds out a noticeable groove quotient, abetted by David Torkanowsky's soul-drenched Hammond B-3 phrasings, and either Adam Nitti or "Hutch" Hutchinson's deep, bass lines. Highlighted by memorably melodic primary themes, Theriot transmits nuance and a killer dynamic, yet drives it all home with grinding riffs and fluent single note runs.

"Bring It" features trombonist "Big Sam" Williams' punchy phrasings atop a super-funk based motif, nicely accented by drummer Doug Belot's ride-cymbal bell hits. Thoughts of James Brown and vintage Brecker Brothers come to mind, as Theriot ups the ante by whipping matters into submission via his recoiling like, phraseology.

"Memphis," features ace Allman Brothers keyboardist Johnny Neel, who also plays harmonica to assist with a sprightly vibe firmed up by Little Feat drummer Richie Hayward's pumping backbeat. On "Kirk's Little Backpack," influential New Orleans jazz drummer Johnny Vidacovich morphs a buoyant shuffle pulse into a brisk rocker, offset by trumpeter Mark Braud's warm choruses and Theriot's sleek, dark-toned voicings.

Theriot's electrifying presentation is a study in dielectric strength, where sparks become discharged on a recurrent basis. More importantly, the guitarist merges a supercharged musical plane with unforgettable hooks and a nicely in-your-face game-plan. It is an irrefutably persuasive agenda.

Track Listing: Old Men; Dirty Power; Four on the Floor; Bring It; Mr. Ed; Buckshot; Memphis; Buckshot (Reprise); The Pygmy Love Dance; Kirk\'s Little Backpack.

Personnel: Shane Theriot: guitar, bass, percussion; Zigaboo Modeliste: drums; Jim Keltner: drums; Richie Hayward: drums; Johnny Vidacovich: drums; Sonny Landreth: slide guitar Mark Braud: trumpet; Roderick Paulin: sax; Kirk Joseph: sousaphone; Adam Nitti: bass; Hutch Hutchinson: bass; Johnny Neel: keyboards, voice, harmonica; David Torkanowsky: keyboards.

Record Label: Shose Records
Style: Funk/Groove