The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band: Hot Darn!
There are certain types of artists whose skill set and devotion to musical tradition may render them more museum pieces than actual living, breathing and exciting performers.
Not so here.
The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, as they’re called, are from Indiana, are a colorful three-piece band, and are loud, uproarious, and perfectly contemporary.
Their sound is raucous, and though tradition oozes out of the musical pores, the powerful roar and joy they display in live performance recalls a futuristic blues/rocking’ hybrid not too far removed from, say, what it must have been like to have witnessed bands like the Groundhogs in the confines of a small British club in the late ‘60s, only immensely louder. And maybe with a conspicuous dash of wit and self-awareness.
Back with So Delicious, a new album on the now-revived Yazoo Records—an historic late ‘60s imprint focused on blues, roots and early American jazz—the Big Damn Band are a joy to hear, and even more fun to behold onstage. Featuring Reverend J. Peyton (guitar & vocals), “Washboard” Breezy Peyton (washboard), and Ben “Bird Dog” Bussell (drums), the trio fill the room with sound and, to their credit, a very conspicuous sense of joy.
We shared a few songs and a great interview with Rev. Peyton & company at Brazos Hall in Austin at South By Southwest last month, and we suggest you take a look at exactly what went down. Seeing this Big Damn Band live makes all the difference.
