Product Description
REV. PEYTON'S BIG DAMN BAND - HONEYSUCKLE
REV. PEYTON’S BIG DAMN BAND
Honeysuckle
Family Owned Records
An item is defined as true vintage if it is at least 50 years old. Antique is defined as being 100 years old. Rev. Peyton has the unique opportunity to record on his 1930 National Resonator “true vintage” guitar until 2030 when it will earn its vaunted “antique” status. As the title song, “Honeysuckle,” rings out of the CD player, Peyton’s fingers and slide on that venerated instrument throw a net around your body and captivates you all throughout the next eleven songs.
Yes, Rev. Peyton is an ordained minister and yes, he is big! He’s been quoted as saying he can stretch across eight guitar frets with his large left hand. Peyton sings while he uses three fingered picking and slide on his National. The rest of the Big Damn Band includes his wife, “Washboard” Breezy Peyton, who uses gloves and thimbles to enhance her rhythms on her washboard and adds her voice while Jacob “The Snakob” Powell offers some harmonies and percussion to complete their lineup.
Guest musicians include Billy Branch adding his harp to Blind Lemon Jefferson’s “Nell,” banjo player Colton Crawford on Rev. Peyton’s “The Good Die Young,” the standout tune of dozen offered, and Michael Cleveland’s lively fiddle on Peyton’s “Freeborn Man” in which the interplay between the fiddle and Peyton’s Resonator slide so deliciously intertwine to the listener’s pleasure.
There is a timeless sound to Honeysuckle that begins with the 19th century black and white wet plate photographs picturing Peyton sitting on an old chair among the trees holding his precious 1930 Biscuit bridge National Resonator guitar and, when the gatefold cover is opened, it reveals Peyton, Breezy, and Jacob assembled on the front porch of a tiny cabin that has been standing longer than all of their years combined. Very impressive photography by Bill Steber.
This is a traveling band as noted by their performing in 48 states and 38 countries to date. Their brand of old-time country blues appears to be appealing enough to both introduce audiences to this timeless style of the blues and to also sustain their musical careers. Peyton’s take on vocals and slide guitar on Robert Johnson’s “If I Had Possession Of Judgement Day” is remarkable. His voice is strong with tones of a shouting emphasis that is so sincere in his delivery of the lyrics. Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band’s take on the traditional “Keep Your Lamp Trimmed And Burning” guarantees that this inspirational tune will most likely be replicated by others.
If adept resonator guitar playing appeals to you, then Rev. Peyton’s 13th recording, Honeysuckle, is well worth adding to your musical library.
– Pete Sardon