Skeeter Brandon
& HWY 61
LICENSE TO THRILL
New Moon 9612
visit Skeeter on myspace
also available on new moon music
This blues based rhythm and blues unit doesn't break any new ground, however the ground they cover, they cover exceptionally well. They well know how to take advantage of their strengths, and take the situation and the music to the best possible place. Calvin "Skeeter" Brandon has a voice that is steeped in the gospel music of the church, that is now making itself felt strongly in the blues and rhythm and blues arena. It can exhort, implore, chastise, and praise, going from a deep resonant tone to the seemingly whiskey drench growl of the old, under the table, inhabitant of a bar in a hare's breath. His piano and organ playing are more than up to the task required of them. The rest of the band maintains a tight feel for the music. Going with, and following, "Skeeter" on every move he makes. They never let him take off away from them, but always stay with him. Armand Lenchek, on guitars, is especially good at stepping to the front and taking over as the focal point of the band. He brings a restrained understatement to his guitar playing that fits well with the band. Not overplaying his solos at all. As well as handling the guitar chores, he contributes 3 songs, and co-wrote another, to this disc. This disc deserves a good listen, not for breaking any ground, but for its tight and well coordinated efforts at how a good working band should be doing things, and it is doing them very well. For instance listen to what they do with the much overplayed THE SKY IS CRYING. They take this song, and what with the restrained, but emotive playing, behind the vocal acrobatics of "Skeeter" Brandon breathe new life into this well worn classic. This cut alone is worth the price of the disc. They make it their own war horse and that is an accomplishment.
Songs and writers (times not given)
1. LICENSE TO THRILL - Armand Lenchek & Calvin Brandon
2. SUCCESS - Calvin Brandon
3. LET LOVE TAKE CARE OF THE REST - Walter Rhodes
4. SO SAD, SO BAD - Armand Lenchek
5. I KNEW YOU WOULD - Armand Lenchek
6. THE SKY IS CRYING - Elmore James, C.L. Lewis, M.C. Robinson
7. YOU CAN'T HAVE YOUR CAKE - Chris Grant
8. NO FINANCE, NO ROMANCE - Calvin Brandon
9. STEAL AWAY - Jimmy Hughes
10. NO PROBLEM (ITALY) - Armand Lenchek
11. TOO OLD TO DIE YOUNG - Chris Grant
12. IT'S NOT WHAT YOU DO - Walter Rhodes
13. YOU BRING OUT THE BEST IN ME - Calvin Brandon
Players
Calvin "Skeeter" Brandon - lead vocals, piano & organ
Armand Lenchek - guitars
Chris Grant - bass
Kelly Pace - drums
Guests
Max Drake - guitar on NO PROBLEM (ITALY)
Mike Weslowski - harp on SO SAD, SO BAD
The Hip Pocket Horns
Scott Adair - baritone sax
Dillard Moss - trombone
Rusty Smith - trumpet
Wally West - tenor sax
Produced by - Armand Lenchek & Randy Friel