Kevin Higgins “FIND YOUR SHINE” ©2009 Little Train Records Review by Lucky Boyd The continuation of any relationship relies on the occasional exceeding of expectations. Kevin Higgins continues his relationship with Texas music fans with this album. The first solo album in a number of years, this project has welled up inside Kevin, eager to be unleashed for some time now. As a member of the sought-after Dust Devils, Higgins is an award winner, taking, among others, the award for Song of the Year at the 2006 Texas Music Awards. Thus, it’s no wonder that you’ll hear well-written songs on this release. Yeah, but there are a lot of well-written songs out there. Ah, but not like this. As you listen through the disc, it’s as if the visions appear skyward above a barren hill outside El Paso, just begging to be burned in the minds of those who audibly ingest this masterpiece. Higgins is a master of words, using your own vocabulary against you, daring you to remember your past, taunting you to hurt again, love again, reach farther, try harder. Imagery is the order of the day as Higgins paints the background for every song like a well-built movie set. There is no Texas vocalist with a warmer, more inviting and comforting voice. With each song, Higgins becomes your best friend, sitting beside you, taking in the sights. There’s no doubt Higgins has lived his songs and he’s quick to offer you a way to cope with whatever life hands you. Geographical songs are always fun, and the title cut has you listening for your favorite locale as you’re invited to “Find Your Shine.” Musically, the entire disc is as comfortable as faded jeans, cool as a November breeze in Lubbock, and spicy as a border town burrito. As this reviewer listened to each track, the opening progressions seemed to have a calming effect while building anticipation for the next lyrical gem from Higgins’ velvet-covered granite voice. “Infinity” is one of the most Texan love songs ever written, though it has an ambiguous tone that leaves you pining for the hereafter. Stephen Doster produces Higgins in a way that captures every emotion perfectly. Chip Dolan appears on the album, yes ‘the’ Chip Dolan. J.J. Johnson appears on the album, on loan from John Mayer’s band. The disc is an analog recording, proving that doing it ‘old school’ can still produce legendary product. Remember this disc at award nomination time. If there’s a weak point, it’s that mainstream radio might not like devoting more than three and a half minutes to what music fans are longing to hear. Shame on mainstream radio. Texas / Red Dirt radio will love this disc, and music fans will request their favorites again and again. The complete package, “FIND YOUR SHINE” is long overdue from Higgins. Learn the lyrics and sing along, but first, get yourself two copies of this disc. One for you, and one just in case that lousy neighbor of yours steals your copy. “That about does it.”