In today’s emotionally overcharged world, where we don’t speak for fear of saying the wrong thing, hide who we are for fear of rejection, and worry about looking in the wrong direction, we need a larger-than-life preacher to help us through. Enter the giant with a never-ending smile, Reverend Peyton, and his Big Damn Band. Together, they proclaim the simple truths we all need to hear.
Subtle like a hurricane tearing through a bell factory, every note the Reverend plays proclaims his blues eminence. Don’t look for reserved coaching here. This is hands-on, in-your-face old-time revival music with a truly humanistic message. The first time I ever heard of the band, a musician friend said, “You just gotta hear this band.” That was all—no further explanation—and once I found the first song on my streaming service, they became a daily constant. The band has a new album out, and it is chock-full of sad songs to make the blues go away, just as you would expect.
Right off, the title track “Honeysuckle” sets the tone. Peyton’s guitar howls and screams as he preaches about his love—all the trouble love in the real world brings. But in this real life, he embraces the trouble and makes it his. You feel the pain but understand the real message: all the trouble is worth it because love is worth it. Robert Johnson’s “If I Had Possession Over Judgment Day” backs up the first track, showing off Peyton’s immeasurable talents.
Next up, we are reminded to love the stranger with the band’s original “Looking for Manager,” backed by the McCray Sisters, who lend a truly gospel feel to the song. The music keeps coming with the infectious original “Like a Treasure.” Watch out! This bouncy, happy tune will get stuck in your head, and you’ll find yourself humming it without even thinking about who might be listening. It’s less guitar-driven, but every note is pure Big Damn Band.
Blind Lemon Jefferson’s “One Dime Blues,” a true blues standard, is presented as clean and reverent as I have ever heard—a genuine homage to a master from a master. “Washboard” Breezy Peyton, the Reverend’s wife, struts her stuff throughout the album, but especially here, where the washboard’s prominence drives the music. I really respect that she plays a real washboard for authenticity rather than the more modern frottoir. The honor continues with “Prison Cell Blues,” also a Blind Lemon Jefferson standard. This time, the band is joined by Billy Branch on harmonica. They absolutely nail the early blues with this hit.
“Freeborn Man” gets your feet tapping and makes you want to get up and dance. Michael Cleveland lends his fiddle talents to this barn burner, which perfectly fits the lightning-fast fingerstyle guitar virtuosity of the Reverend. You will find this track on repeat and at the ready for long stretches of back-road traveling (or maybe outrunning the revenuers).
Slowing down now, “I Can’t Sleep” is a quiet, pastoral type of blues. Enjoy the restful melody, as the next tune, “Let Go,” is a foot-stomping fingerstyle extravaganza. Peyton’s fingerstyle is amazing, as his fingers seem to move effortlessly across the neck, with slide and fretted notes sailing past.
Colton Crawford of The Dead South fame brings his banjo magic to assist on “The Good Die Young.” The term comes to us from the Greeks as a testimonial to the greatest reward, now turned on its ear. Wonderful ringing dobro mixed with solid, soulful banjo combine perfectly to bring this one to life.
“Keep Your Lamp Trimmed” growls to life as a gospel tune with a lesson about preparation—a little gift before we bring down the curtain on this CD. Which brings us to “Mama Do,” another high-energy solo treat. Taking the honor as the last track, it’s quite similar in style and feel to “Honeysuckle.” The album has a short but sweet feel—just the right amount of picking, a little learning, and all the right elements for enjoyable listening. In concert, the Big Damn Band rings the rafters, but plug this release into your car, imagine that giant’s smile, and find an open back road.
