The inside cover of Highway 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 Highway 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, Highway 90 really moves. Theriot’s compositions are loose and fluid, there’s no danger of suffocation here and plenty of room to breathe.