The Rev Peyton's Big Damn Band - The Blues Rock show comes to the Fleece

****1/2

Damn!!! great washboards on Fire!!!

The Rev Peyton’s Big Damn Band ****1/2 are a Country / Blues trio from Indiana, now the name might be a bit misleading initially as I could find no evidence that he is actually ordained and I am not sure if three members constitutes a “Big Damn Band”. But while they may not be big in numbers they certainly are in sound, which considering they are made up of a guitarist, drummer and washboard player is some feat.

One thing that is certainly damn big is the show they put on, Rev Peyton and Breezie (the washboard player) barely stay still all set and are always gesturing and both have a wonderful array of facial expressions. I was bit naïve about the washboard initially and didn’t realise quite what a range of sounds you can produce from it when you know how and it really gives them an extra bit uniqueness and quirkiness to stand out from the crowd.

Saying that though this is not a novelty act in that sense, whilst yes it’s fun they are all obviously accomplished musicians and the songs are well crafted country and blues. In fact at one point he tells us “how he got so good” as he was ‘Front porch Trained’, that being one of the memorable songs of the night along with ‘Two bottles of Wine’ and ‘We deserve a happy Ending’ among many others.

It gets close to being a performance more than just a concert, throughout his signature move is kicking the cymbal stand over, there are many moments where the guitar is played behind the head. But the whole band get their moment in the spotlight from the washboard being set on fire near the end (don’t worry it was put out and is fine) to the drummer playing blindfolded during one solo. If you want a fun night, with some great music to boot I suggest you get along and see the Big Damn Band next time they grace our shores.

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