Skeeter Brandon & Hwy 61 - Hi Test Blues

Review by Dhika Bulz

Album Review: Hi Test Blues by Skeeter Brandon & Hwy 61 Man, Hi Test Blues is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. Released back in '93 by Skeeter Brandon & Hwy 61, this thing’s got all the grit and groove you’d expect from a blues-funk hybrid but with enough soul to keep your head nodding for days. It’s like they took everything good about American roots music, threw it into a blender, and hit puree. The album kicks off strong with "Bad Situation," which is basically an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt cornered by life. The horns are punchy as hell—Rodney Marsh killing it on alto sax—and when Calvin “Skeeter” Brandon belts out those lyrics, you can tell he’s lived every word. There’s something raw about how real his voice sounds here, no frills, just straight-up emotion. You don’t forget a track like this because it feels personal, ya know? Like Skeeter’s sitting right there telling you his story over a beer. Another standout has gotta be "Goin’ Back To North Carolina." This tune just oozes nostalgia. Between Skeeter’s organ playing (yeah, he does double duty) and the tight rhythm section laid down by Chris Grant on bass and Wes Johnson on drums, it’s impossible not to feel transported. Maybe it’s the way the whole band locks in together or maybe it’s just Skeeter reminiscing about home, but dang if this song doesn’t stick with you long after the record stops spinning. Oh, and shoutout to Bob Margolin popping in on guitar for some extra swagger—it’s little touches like that which make the album special. Now let me throw you a curveball. For an album full of powerhouse performances, the backing vocals deserve major props too. Annie Woods, Rebekah Raker, and Shelia Carlisle bring so much warmth and texture to songs like "True Love" and "Living Shall Not Be In Vain." Honestly, without them, the whole vibe would feel kinda flat. They’re like the secret sauce holding everything together. What really gets me though is how timeless Hi Test Blues feels. Even though it dropped almost 30 years ago, these tracks still slap today. Whether you’re cruising down Hwy 61 yourself or just chilling at home, this album has a way of pulling you in. And hey, isn’t that what great music’s supposed to do? Here’s the kicker: listening to this makes me wonder why more people aren’t talking about Skeeter Brandon & Hwy 61. Seriously, where’s the love? If you haven’t heard Hi Test Blues, go find yourself a copy pronto. Trust me, your ears will thank you later.

Download Skeeter Brandon & Hwy 61 - Hi Test Blues

Artist: Skeeter Brandon & Hwy 61
Album: Hi Test Blues

1993

Review
About Album
Download
Tracks
Video
Images
Catalog Numbers
Labels
Listen online
Formats
Credits
Notes
Barcodes
Interesting fact
Comments
Related albums

Download

Filename: skeeter-brandon-hwy-61-hi-test-blues.zip

MP3 size: 102.7 mb
FLAC size: 617.5 mb

Download

Tracks

Track	Duration	Preview
True Love	5:39
The Truth	6:20
Where Would I Be?	5:35
Boogie Down	3:42
Cold, Cold World	7:08
Real Upsetter	3:38
I Got A New Woman	5:30
Chickadee	3:11
Living Shall Not Be In Vain	3:21
On The Wrong Track	3:21
Goin' Back To North Carolina	4:10
Blues For The Soul	4:55
Bad Situation	4:05

Video

Skeeter Brandon & Highway 61 - The Truth

Skeeter Brandon & Highway 61 - I Got a New Woman

Skeeter Brandon & Highway 61 - Where Would I Be

Skeeter Brandon & Highway 61 - Boogie Down

Skeeter Brandon & Highway 61 - Living Shall Not Be In Vain

Skeeter Brandon & Highway 61 - Bad Situation

Skeeter Brandon & Highway 61 - Real Upsetter

Skeeter Brandon & Highway 61 - True Love

Skeeter Brandon & Highway 61 - Cold Cold World

Skeeter Brandon & Highway 61 - Blues For The Soul

Skeeter Brandon & Highway 61 - Goin Back to North Carolina

Images

ladda ner album Skeeter Brandon & Hwy 61 - Hi Test Blues

télécharger l'album Skeeter Brandon & Hwy 61 - Hi Test Blues

Catalog Numbers

NMC-9300

Labels

New Moon Music Inc

Listen online

online luisteren
ascolta in linea
lyssna på nätet
kuunnella verkossa
écouter en ligne
ouvir online
lytte på nettet
escuchar en línea
online anhören

Formats

CD
Album

Credits

Role	Credit
Alto Saxophone	Rodney Marsh
Baritone Saxophone	Rodney Marsh
Backing Vocals	Annie Woods, Rebekah Raker, Shelia Carlisle
Bass	Chris Grant
Drums	Wes Johnson
Executive Producer	Bernard Clayton
Guest	Matt Savage (tracks: 5)
Congas	Matt Savage (tracks: 5)
Guitar	Bob Margolin (tracks: 3)
Harp	Mark Wenner (tracks: 3)
Piano	Ann Rabson (tracks: 1)
Lead Vocals	Calvin "Skeeter" Brandon
Organ	Calvin "Skeeter" Brandon
Producer	Armand Lenchek
Tenor Saxophone	Greg Gelb
Trombone	Keith Jackson
Trumpet	Steve Strawley

Notes

℗&©1993 New Moon Music Inc. Chapel Hill, NC. All Rights Reserved. Artwork Printed in Canada
All songs published by New Moon Publ. and Bug Out Publ., BMI
Except tracks 3, 5: published by Bug OUT Publ., BMI
Printed on label: Manufactured in USA.

Barcodes

Rights Society: BMI

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s something cool: The album *Hi Test Blues* by Skeeter Brandon & Hwy 61 is like a musical melting pot. Released in 1993, it blends blues, funk, and soul into one groovy package. What makes it special? It’s not just Skeeter Brandon’s fiery organ and lead vocals—listen closely to track five, "I Got A New Woman." That’s where guest artist Matt Savage jumps in on congas, adding an extra layer of rhythm that makes the song pop. And get this: the backing vocals are powered by a trio of talented women—Annie Woods, Rebekah Raker, and Shelia Carlisle—giving the whole thing a rich, soulful vibe. For fans of raw, energetic blues with a twist, this album’s a gem.