Skeeter Brandon & Hwy 61 - Hi Test Blues

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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.

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: skeeter-brandon-hwy-61-hi-test-blues.zip
  • MP3 size: 102.7 mb
  • FLAC size: 617.5 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
True Love5:39
The Truth6:20
Where Would I Be?5:35
Boogie Down3:42
Cold, Cold World7:08
Real Upsetter3:38
I Got A New Woman5:30
Chickadee3:11
Living Shall Not Be In Vain3:21
On The Wrong Track3:21
Goin' Back To North Carolina4:10
Blues For The Soul4:55
Bad Situation4:05

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

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Catalog Numbers

NMC-9300

Labels

New Moon Music Inc

Listen online

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Formats

  • CD
  • Album

Credits

RoleCredit
Alto SaxophoneRodney Marsh
Baritone SaxophoneRodney Marsh
Backing VocalsAnnie Woods, Rebekah Raker, Shelia Carlisle
BassChris Grant
DrumsWes Johnson
Executive ProducerBernard Clayton
GuestMatt Savage (tracks: 5)
CongasMatt Savage (tracks: 5)
GuitarBob Margolin (tracks: 3)
HarpMark Wenner (tracks: 3)
PianoAnn Rabson (tracks: 1)
Lead VocalsCalvin "Skeeter" Brandon
OrganCalvin "Skeeter" Brandon
ProducerArmand Lenchek
Tenor SaxophoneGreg Gelb
TromboneKeith Jackson
TrumpetSteve 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.

Comments

mahid09
2025-03-16
Family
aateixeira2003
2025-03-16
This song will always take me back to being a kid in my mother kitchen as you played my keyboard on Christmas. Sleep easy Uncle Calvin bka skeeter
namelessjordan
2025-03-15
My current theme song!!
-Wendy (Austin, TX)
vtzmatthewsinai
2025-03-14
Download all of your shite I love Skeeter.
Thanks
laurenheiman
2025-03-13
Lindo.
jamescochran
2025-03-13
Had the pleasure of seeing Skeeter and Hwy 61 at a festival many years ago! What a talent and great musicians making the show unforgettable!