Album Review: The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band - Between the Ditches

It seems like each year we celebrate the release of a new CD from The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band. Last year it was there salute to Charley Patton with Peyton on Patton - and reviewed on MyJoogTV. This year its Between the Ditches - a collection of songs which extend their persona beyond traditional country blues towards a more rockin' blues sound.  There's still the Reverend's baritone croaky vocals and amazing handling of various guitars, from the 30's national guitar found hanging on a restaurant wall to a new cigar box guitar. Breezy provides more backing vocals which are always a plus considering her angelic voice. And distant cousin Aaron “Cuz” Persinger keeps the rhythm on the drum kit. But rockin' is the new standard with the first few tracks on this CD - gritty, sometimes angry, and in your face. They return to old country blues in Shut the Screen and continue in the vein until the best song of the CD, Brown County Bound - a soft ballad showcasing The Reverend's picking and vocal harmonies with Breezy. Makes you completely forget the harder edge opening tracks.

Texas Country Takes over 2012 Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion

 The 2012 Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion has come and gone and once again reinforced why this is the best music festival in the country. The lineup is always impressive, with Robert Earl Keen and Billy Joe Shaver the main headliners; but how many times do you have the opportunity to listen to a banjo playing priest (Father Edward Richard) while sipping a local brew. Or watch college football while listening to the most soulful guy in Nashville, Sam Lewis. Or listen to Slaid Cleaves in a historical theater.  Only in Bristol.  There was also Ha Ha Tonka, The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band, the beauties of Della Mae, local legends Ed Snodderly and Roger Rasnake; and new favorites The Apache Relay.

But with the large contingent of Texas performers, Lone Star Beer should have been in the house and not just for Dale Watson - he brought his own. With REK, Shaver, Watson, Cleaves, and Uncle Lucius - Texas music and "real" country music was on full display. REK was energetic; Shaver was his wily self; Watson - deviant and entertaining; and Cleaves- just impressive. Even Girls Guns and Glory got into the act by playing their rockin' version of traditional country - New England style.

More photos are available at our Facebook page and here's what you missed:

A Night at Jammin Java with Ingram Hill & the Sam Grow Band

Last night I finally got out to see some new music courtesy of Ingram Hill. The threesome was performing at Jammin Java along with the Sam Grow Band and Jared McCloud. My first impression - wish I was a dozen years younger based on the beauties in attendance. My second impression was digging Sam Grow until they through a curveball with Michael Jackson. Now I can't get Billie Jean out of my mind. My final impression is I think I enjoy the tracks from Ingram Hill's self titled CD, Ingram Hill, more than their previous work. A little bit more country and a little less pop-rock. They have a good sound - only complaint is they seem to lose the audience between songs.  But all three are traveling together for the next couple weeks. Check them out. Cheers.