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Highway 9
"What in Samhill"

Released in 2002

Highway 9 is a band from New Jersey that showed lightning sometimes can hit twice. The band was comprised of the guys in Mr Reality who put out a wonderful acoustic record in 1992. They returned with a more country rock sound a decade later. Both bands had national record deals - something that still seems amazing to me.

This is one of my favorite albums to put on and listen straight through. I loved their earlier band and loved what they became. This record is the product of artists who grew up loving the music of artists like Bruce Springsteen and The Eagles. The band included Gordon Brown, Peter Scherer, Rob Tanico, Dave Halpern, and Kevin Ansell. Sadly, this would be their only release.

For me, this album holds a special point in time. I still remember interviewing Gordon and Peter at the Stone Pony for my first book. In many ways, albums like this one spurred me to being a music writer.


Here are two more tracks to check out






 

COLUMNS


Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Once I Wake Up" by Sam Tunkel

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Once I Wake Up" from "The Sting of the Blade," the recently released sophomore full-length from Central Jersey singer-songwriter Sam Tunkel.




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Lighty's Corner: April 13, 2026








 

MORE NEWS

PuZL, the St. John, USVI-based duo of Taylor Lissandrello and Aaron Strickland, return with their new single "Riverside". Known for their self-described fusion of "Outlaw-Disco-Punk with Freak-Wave-Metal-Folk," the pair have carved out a distinctive lane that blends genre chaos with a cohesive, lo-fi psychedelic core.


Seether releases "Beneath The Surface" EP




Armor For Sleep Announce Summer Tour




Five For Fighting String Quartet Tour to Play Shows in NY/NJ/PA




Landis Rock Fest 2026 to Take Place Saturday








 

UPCOMING SHOWS


State Theatre New Jersey presents The Sound Studio Series 2026

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey proudly presents The Sound Studio Series, an immersive musical experience that places concertgoers at the very heart of the performance. Held in STNJ's intimate Studio space, limited to just 80 attendees, The Sound Studio Series features a dynamic mix of both classical and rock performances. Each concert concludes with an exclusive post-show meet-and-greet with the artists, offering fans a rare opportunity to connect directly with the performers. Tickets for the series are $20-$30.


Soul Asylum to bring Acoustic Tour to the area in April




The 17th annual Elephant Talk Indie Music festival Takes Place This Weekend in AC




Remember Jones to present 50th Anniversary Celebration of Stevie Wonder's "Songs in the Key of Life"