The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band // Peyton on Patton

Charlie Patton was perhaps one of the most influencial musicians that has lived thus far in our planet’s history. Growing up on a plantation on the Mississippi in the early 1900’s, he grew into  America’s greatest Blues star, travelling all over the USA. Without him, it could be argued that we wouldn’t have Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry or even The Rolling Stones or The Beatles. The Reverend Peyton, who heads up his own Big Damn Band, has long been a fan of Patton’s work, and this record sees him covering 13 of the original songs in a style as close to the original as could be managed; the few instruments used include a washboard and a 100 year old barrel. Many of the songs are simply recreated with an acoustic guitar and vocal by The Reverend, and because he has obviously so much love and respect for the originals, these simple and timeless songs come together to make a cohesive and warm album, perfect for evenings in during the coming autumn. It is very raw, so people who aren’t already Blues fans may struggle to enjoy it. However, for those down with the bass, the slide and the wail, it’s a real Blues explosion.

8/10 Lizz