Calvin “Skeeter” Brandon LOVES TO and CAN do it all! Blinded since he was a child, Skeeter is a national treasure, a dying breed of musician who was brought up in the musical traditions of the rural south. A North Carolina native, He has been singing his powerful mix of gut twisting Blues, Soul, R&B, Jazz, Funk, Rock, and of course, Gospel for over 5 decades. It is not unusual for him to play a swing dance on Thursday, headline a festival on Friday, play a wedding on Saturday and still make it to church on Sunday to lead the choir. The second oldest of 18 children, Skeeter learned how to sing and play the organ and piano at age 6 and never looked back. With the most common comparisons to Ray Charles, BB King and Stevie Wonder, It is no wonder that everyone who hears Skeeter sing comes away astounded by the range and versatility of his voice. His music career has spanned over four decades during which he has released 7 albums and toured nationally and internationally with icons Clarence Carter, The Chi Lites and Highway 61. Past collaborations include working with Maceo Parker, Bob Margolin, Anne Rabson and many others. In 2002, Skeeter formed the Prime Rib Blues band- a group of young students attending NC Central University’s jazz program in his hometown of Durham. This change led the band to stretch out of the usual standard blues format while continuing to highlighting Skeeter’s “force of nature” voice. Also in 2002, He released “Its Good To Go”, a collaboration with Greensboro Blues/Soul producer Roy Roberts. The long awaited release of his next album is scheduled for the summer/fall of 2005. Skeeter is most comfortable entertaining the masses and is actively touring domestically and abroad. In the States, Skeeter has played some of the most coveted venues in the blues world- BB kings, Buddy Guy’s Legends, House of Blues, The Lincoln Center, The Smithsonian and many major festivals. He has circled the globe- playing in Thailand, The Netherlands, England, Italy, Spain, France, and Canada just to name a few. While not on tour Skeeter spends his Sundays leading the music program at Mill Hill Baptist Church near his homestead in rural Roxboro, NC. He currently lives with his wife, Vanessa in Durham, NC. A few quotes from the experts: “His voice can roar like a preacher damning his congregation. Skeeter has a voice that anybody who wanted to sing the blues would want, and he uses that voice to bring genuine emotion to the songs that burst from him.” Brian Moravec, Buddy Guy’s Legends Bluesletter. “A gutsy blend of blues and soul sure to awaken your need to move and groove on the dance floor.” Maureen Del Grosso, Blues Revue “Brandon’s rich vocals and very adept keyboards are proving to be a powerful addition to today’s blues scene” Kim Ahern, Blues News. “Brandon’s singing is awesome with a tremendous range from a full rich baritone to the highest falsetto”- Robert Tilling. Blues and Rhythm, UK. “Skeeter is one of America’s true Blues/Soul treasures”- Ron Weinstock, D.C. Blues Society. “Skeeter’s voice is fleshy and sexy with an unusually large range. This is contemporary soul-blues at its best.” Robert Sacre’, Blues Gazette, France. “I’ve seen folks just about slip a disc dancing when Skeeter plays- and 5 minutes later, grown men and women weep openly at his gospel drenched ballads.
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