Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band ~ Keeping it in the Family

Words and Photos By Joe Koch

This Mississippi Delta Blues three piece is the perfect fuel for any blues and barbeque festival, which is where they found themselves performing when they arrived in Rochester, NY -The Big Rib Barb-B-Que and Blues Fest.

The Reverend Peyton, who is really an ordained minister and a Kentucky colonel, has his brother, Jayme Peyton, on the kick and snare. Reverend's wife, Breezy, plays the washboard — hard, and fast. The trio has managed to create a sound that is unique, mixing their delta blues with a shot of gospel. They are fast enough at times to blend in with the punk crowd. The audience cheered them when they opened for Flogging Molly in Rochester last spring. It was a mix that might not blend well, but Peyton pulled it off.

The band's repertoire is not rehashed songs that have been lingering for ages. Their creations, for the most part, are all originals, with titles like the gospel-fueled "Let Your Light Shine In," and "Mammas Fried Potatoes," which hail Peyton's mom's finesse at well, frying potatoes. "Your Cousin's on COPS," is about just that. They saw a cousin was on COPS.

Photo by Joe Koch

The Reverend keeps in tradition with the 1920s and 1930s Mississippi Delta Blues greats Son House, Bukka White and Robert Johnson. His right thumb plays the bass while his left hand is playing the melody on his National guitar.
"I switched to this style at age 19. I had some problems with my fingers and had to stop playing for a couple of years," said the Reverend, showing me the scars on his hands. In 2006, The Peyton family sold most of their personal belongings and packed up the van to hit the road. They have been on tour since, averaging 250 shows a year.
"Our best shows are at intimate clubs, but there's nothing like being on stage in front of thousands of screaming fans at some of the larger festivals," says the Reverend.
They would love the opportunity to go on the road with a large-drawing act again. Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band has the rare claim of being one of the only bands to open for Flogging Molly successfully.
Meaning, the fans didn't boo them off of the stage. This ultimately led to the trio scoring a deal with Side One Dummy, Flogging Molly's record label.

Photo by Joe Koch

"We're just really excited to have the new record coming out on August 5... The Whole Fam Damnly and being able to continue performing music that we love," says the Reverend. "I know our music will never be played on the radio, but that doesn't stop the crowds from showing up."
Like most bands that are touring, Reverend Peyton's crew rely on word of mouth as the lifeline for their success. So turn off your radio and go testify with the Reverend.

For more info go to: www.bigdamnband.com