Celebrate #XPNDylanDay with Philly tribute Highway 61 Revival

As XPN celebrates the 80th birthday of singer-songwriter icon Bob Dylan today, let’s turn our attention to one of the ways that Dylan devotees in the local music community are also celebrating.

One year into the COVID-19 pandemic, singer-guitarist Brad Hinton reunited with Mason Porter’s Paul Wilkinson and Tim Ceflo, Hezekiah Jones drummer Daniel Bower, and pianist Ben Smith to record a second EP of songs under the name Highway 61 Revival, paying tribute to one of their biggest influences. Volume 2 hit Bandcamp on Friday; Volume 1 landed in May of 2020.

The immaculately-produced EP produces deep tracks as well as Dylan favorites; “If You See Her, Say Hello” and “You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome” when you go both appeared in their original versions on Dylan’s acclaimed 1975 album Blood On The Tracks; the rarity “I Was Young When I Left Home” dates to 1961, while the beloved “I Shall Be Released” appeared on 1968’s Music From Big Pink and “Restless Farewell” comes from The Times They Are A-Changin’. In this recording, the bandmates trade lead vocals, harmonize, and play their hearts out.

Listen to Highway 61 Revival Volume 2 below, revisit Volume 1here, and tune in to #XPNDylanDay all day long at 88.5 FM in Philly or streaming at XPN.org.