Album Review: Rhiannon Giddens - Tomorrow Is My Turn

A Facebook post by Breezy Peyton (The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band) reminded me that Rhiannon Giddens just released her debut solo album, Tomorrow Is My Turn. Produced by T Bone Burnett, the album features former Carolina Chocolate Drops partner Hubby J. Jenkins (banjo, guitar or mandolin), Malcolm Parson (cello), Rowan Corbett (bones & banjo), Jamie Dick (drums), and Jason Sypher (bass).  That's quite a supporting cast and Ms. Giddens augments their sound with  Just take a listen to "She's Got You".  This reminds me of the "wow" factor when sipping an extraordinary wine.  Strong, bluesy, sexy vocals - would make Patsy Cline proud.  Another song that speaks to me is the Celtic influences in "O Love is Teasin'". Must be Rowan Corbett's influences. The talent of the backing band is in full display on the opening track "Last Kind Words". Pretty tight. And stay to the end with "Angel City" to hear how they can also slow it down with a fine, soft ballad.   Pair with western Carolina's Calaboose Cellars. Cheers.

Halloween with The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band at Jammin' Java

Halloween brought the heroes of the WWF Championship Wrestling to Jammin' Java with our heroes The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band. It had been ten months since the band last played at this venue and I've been aching for signs of new music on the horizon. And, yes there is. The band will release a new album February 17th and we heard a sneak preview of a few tracks including the signature song Pot Roast and Kisses. And the opening track, Let's Jump a Train, will be typical high octane big damn band. In December, the band will be releasing a 7" 45 with one side Pony Blues by Charley Patton and the other, Willie Dixon's Can't Judge A Book By The Cover. The future looks good. We also heard old favorites like My Soul to Keep, Mama's Fried Potatoes, Glory, Easy Come and Easy Go, and Clap Your Hands., plus the Reverend play a three string paper cigar box guitar. Pretty awesome. One interesting change is that the Reverend replaced his glaring stare with a more jovial dancing demeanor. Life is good. Cheers.

Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band Announces the Big Damn Roots Revolution Tour

We look forward to this tour from the Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band.

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 13, 2014) – Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band is happy to announce The Big Damn Roots Revolution Tour, which will take the band throughout the U.S. this winter and spring.

With a reputation for their incendiary live shows, it seemed only natural for the Big Damn Band to hit the road again in support of Between the Ditches, their latest album. But this time, The Rev, Breezy & Ben will unleash their ferocious roots/blues explosion to the masses alongside some of their favorite artists for what is sure to be an unforgettably evening of roots music. Conceptualized by none other than the Reverend Peyton himself, The Big Damn Roots Revolution Tour is a musical event that will showcase today’s top roots artists in a whole new light.

Between the Ditches has been received with enthusiasm since its debut at #1 on the iTunes Blues chart week of release. They’ve received critical raves in the US and internationally, video play from CMT and MTVu, charting at both college and Americana radio and inclusion in the hit Showtime series Shameless starring William H. Macy.

Roaring out of the southern Indiana foothills, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band plays a brand of Americana and Blues that stands alone - Delta blues and hillbilly fervor combine with musical acuity sharp as razor wire. Their new album Between The Ditches is a chronicle of this lifestyle. Since it arrived in August, excellent reviews have appeared in publications like Vintage Guitar, Classic Rock Magazine, Alternative Press and Living Blues. Their fifth album celebrates the growl of a good truck engine, the fiercest passion for their country home and the importance of family.

Weds Feb 19 – Nashville, TN – Exit/In
Thurs Feb 20 – Lexington, KY – Cosmic Charlie’s
Sat Feb 22 – Memphis, TN – Newby’s
Sun Feb 23 – Little Rock, AR – Juanita’s
Tues Feb 25 – Tulsa, OK – Tulsa Shrine
Weds Feb 26 – San Antonio, TX – Sam’s Burger Joint Music Hall
Thurs Feb 27 – Dallas, TX – Gas Monkey Garage
Fri Feb 28 – Austin, TX – The Belmont
Sat March 1 – Houston, TX – Warehouse LIVE
Fri March 7 – Denver, CO – Bluebird Theater
Weds March 12 – Minneapolis, MN – Cabooze
Fri March 14 – Chicago, IL – Reggie’s Rock Club
Sat March 15 – Ferndale, MI – Magic Bag Theatre
Sun March 16 – Cleveland Heights, OH – Grog Shop
Sat April 5 – Kansas City, MO – Middle Of The Map Fest
Sat April 12 – Clarksdale, MS – New Roxy Theatre
Fri May 2 – St. Augustine, FL – Gamble Rogers Folk Festival
Sun May 25 – Logan, OH – Duck Creek Log Jam
Sat June 14 – Delton, MI – Buttermilk Jamboree
Sat August 2 – Mammoth Lakes, CA – Mammoth Festival of Beers & Bluesapalooza
Sat August 9 – Kokomo, IN – Kokomo Pavillion

Stay connected for the latest:
http://www.bigdamnband.com
http://www.twitter.com/bigdamnband
http://www.facebook.com/bigdamnband

For more information, please contact:
Jamie Coletta – (323) 790-0990 – jamie@sideonedummy.com

Dom Flemons is the "American Songster" and our National Musical Historian

We were fortunate to have Grace & Tony (check out their new CD November) invite us to Jammin' Java to hear them open for the very talented Dom Flemons of the Carolina Chocolate Drops.  Flemons bills himself as " the 'American Songster,' pulling from traditions of old-time folk music to create new sounds". I have no argument with that description; all it takes is attending one performance or listening to American Songster. In fact he is our National Musical Historian. Who else has mastered the banjo, guitar, harmonica, fife, bones, bass drum, snare drum and quills? Who else covers lost musicians from the first half of the 19th century like Flemons and brings them to life as his own. Who else can get my son's undivided attention for an entire hour - now that's talent. (Truth be told, The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band can as well). Pair with Music Maker Relief Foundation and brews from Mystery Brewing Company.

Big O and Dukes present A Night For Americans II: Sunny Ledfurd + Whitey Morgan and the 78's

 It's been a while since I've been able to sneak out and see a show, but I found one worth the effort. Last week, Big O and Dukes presented "A Night For Americans II: Sunny Ledfurd + Whitey Morgan and the 78's @ Jammin Java. And like A Night For Americans I with The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band + Whitey Morgan - this was an awesome night of music. With recent talk that steel guitar, and for that matter, anti-pop country music, are on the endangered species list, Whitey Morgan and the 78's are an example of a band doing it right. Although this band has a truckload of originals, this was a night of covers - because that was just what Morgan wanted to do. There was Waylon's Waltz Me to Heaven with the relate-able: It's been a long time. Since I've had a good time. And I think it's high time I did. They played Haggard's Working Man's Blues, Johhny Paycheck, 80's Bruce Springsteen, and even Thin Lizzy's Cowboy Song.And the finale, Dale Watson's South of Waco. What a playlist.

Ledfurd and his band arrived a little late from some transportation issues, but eventually the horns and percussion and guitars where set for their blend of funk, New Orleans Jazz, rock, and songs about " drinking, girls, and drinking." And unlike Morgan, Ledford stuck to mostly originals  like
I Don't Remember Last Night,  Pontoon Boat, Adderral, Myrtle Beach, and many more. Ledford and his band have it - the stage presence, the persona, the brass and percussion, and entertaining songs. This is one live act that Big O and Dukes rightly chose. Cheers.

Album Review: The Ten Foot Polecats - Undertow

We've been following the "punk-blues" of the Ten Foot Polecats for a number of years now and are extremely excited that they finally released a new CD of all original material. This is Undertow; a collection of songs that reminded me why I first started listening to the jump blues of Rod Piazza or Little Charlie & the Nightcats long ago. Pure energy; from the harp, guitar, and drums. Apparently that's all you need. Based out of their native New England, the trio styles there sound further south to the Northern Mississippi hill country.  In the CD you can perceive subtle hints of Son House, Charley Patton, R. L. Burnside, and Mississippi John Hurt. Or in the more contemporary world, the first and third tracks (Do That Thing and Out in the Rain) sound like a combo between The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band and Little Ed & the Blues Imperials.  You know that's an energetic, crazy, fun sound. Fortunately they slowed the pace down in Worried Sick as the opening tracks were almost exhausting - yea I'm getting old. Up next is the title track in which this instrumental also brings a dose of the past sounding like Danny Gatton and his "blazing telecaster". Chilson sure gets a wide array of sound out of his custom made wood box guitar. The remainder of the CD oscillates between this blistering pace to a more melodic slow burner - giving listeners like me a chance to catch their breath.  As you can image, this is a fun CD - pair with a Narragansett Beer and a dance floor.

Who's Going to DelFest?

DelFest is here. Well almost; the actual festival is Memorial Weekend (May 23-26); but the lineup is here. And what an awesome lineup it is. Two sets from Trey, Del McCoury, Old Crow, Yonder Mountain, Trampled, the Stringdusters and CCD. Plus the Masters of Bluegrass (Del McCoury, Bobby Osborne, J.D. Crowe, Bobby Hicks, and Jerry McCoury). There's no doubt that I'm finally going to head to Cumberland Maryland for this festival. Three day tickets are $140.

The Del McCoury Band
Trey Anastasio Band (2 sets) • Old Crow Medicine Show
Yonder Mountain String Band • The Masters of Bluegrass
Trampled By Turtles • Carolina Chocolate Drops
The Travelin’ McCourys • The Infamous Stringdusters
Greensky Bluegrass • The Campbell Brothers
Sarah Jarosz • Pikelny, Sutton, McCoury, Bulla & Bales
Davisson Brothers Band • Larry Keel and Natural Bridge
Elephant Revival • Missy Raines and The New Hip
The Rambling Rooks • Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band
Hackensaw Boys • Joe Craven
Mamajowali • Spirit Family Reunion • Blue Mafia
and more TBA!

The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band Rocks Jammin Java

Last weekend we saw The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band put on a classic show at Jammin' Java - illustrating why they are easily the best live show around. And they showcased this act to the largest audience I've seen at the venue in a long time. Here's a sample of what may have missed with more video and photos available at the MyJoogTV YouTube channel and Gallery.

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:

Get Ready for Some Super Bowl Entertainment

Hey all you Patriots and Giants fans? Going to Indianapolis for the Super Bowl? Then check out the musical entertainment scheduled for that week in the Super Bowl Village. High-profile acts will perform Jan. 27 through Feb. 4 on the Verizon Stage at Pennsylvania and Georgia streets; whereas Emerging acts will perform Jan. 27 through Feb. 5 on the Pepsi Stage at Meridian and Georgia streets. Admission to Super Bowl Village is free. This list of bands can be downloaded from this PDF file. But check out the schedule for Saturday January 4th's  - what a lineup for the Super Bowl -1 activities: O.A.R., North Mississippi Allstars, Umphrey’s McGee, The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Born Again Floozies, Twin Cats, Here Come the Mummies, and  Carson Diersing.

Super Kick Off: Friday, Jan. 27

• The Last Good Year at 3:30 p.m. at the Pepsi Stage
• Kramus at 4:30 p.m. at the Verizon Stage
• Max Allen Band at 5:45 p.m. at the Pepsi Stage
• DJ Pauly D at 7 p.m. at the Verizon Stage
• Blue Moon Revue at 8:30 p.m at the Pepsi Stage
• Bret Michaels at 9:30 p.m. at the Verizon Stage

Indy's Super Cure: Saturday, Jan. 28

• Orquesta Bravo at 12:30 p.m. at the Pepsi Stage
• Civil Twilight at 1:30 p.m. at the Verizon Stage
• Cynthia Layne at 2:45 p.m. at the Pepsi Stage
• Jon McLaughlin at 4 p.m. at the Verizon Stage
• Lynda Sayyah at 5:15 p.m at the Pepsi Stage
• Nancy Moore at 6:30 p.m. at the Verizon Stage
• Jennie DeVoe at 8 p.m. at the Pepsi Stage
• Patti Labelle at 9:15 p.m. at the Verizon Stage

Super Families: Sunday, Jan. 29

• Radio Disney Road Crew at 12:15, 2:30, 4 and 5:30 p.m. at the Pepsi Stage
• Jr. Civic Theatre at 12:30 p.m. at the Pepsi Stage
• Josh Golden Featuring Anna at 1 p.m. at the Pepsi Stage
• Corey Cox at 1:30 p.m. at the Verizon Stage
• Shealeigh at 2:45 p.m. at the Pepsi Stage
• Kicking Daisies at 3:15 p.m. at the Pepsi Stage
• Will Hoge at 4 p.m. at the Verizon Stage
• Indianapolis Children's Choir at 5 p.m. at the Pepsi Stage
• Railroad Earth at 6:30 p.m. at the Verizon Stage
• Dierks Bentley at 9:15 p.m. at the Verizon Stage

Super Community: Monday, Jan. 30

• Healing Sixes at 3:30 p.m. at the Pepsi Stage
• Stereo Deluxe at 5 p.m. at the Pepsi Stage
• Big Sam’s Funky Nation at 6:30 p.m. at the Verizon Stage
• Living Proof at 7:45 p.m. at the Pepsi Stage
• Village People at 9 p.m. at the Verizon Stage

Super Sports: Tuesday, Jan. 31

• Greta Speaks at 3:30 p.m. at the Pepsi Stage
• DJ Helicon & Special Guests at 5 p.m. at the Pepsi Stage
• Venrez at 6:30 p.m. at the Verizon Stage
• Hunter Smith Band at 7:45 p.m. at the Pepsi Stage
• Fuel at 9 p.m. at the Verizon Stage

Super ‘Biz Bowl’: Wednesday, Feb. 1

• Roxie at 3:30 p.m. at the Pepsi Stage
• Indy’s Legends of Doo Wop at 5 p.m. at the Pepsi Stage
• Brent James Contraband at 6:30 p.m. at the Verizon Stage
• The Meatball Band at 7:45 p.m. at the Pepsi Stage
• Big Head Todd & Monsters at 9 p.m. at the Verizon Stage

Super Heroes: Thursday, Feb. 2

• Hero, Jr. at 11:30 a.m. at the Pepsi Stage
• John Spencer at 12:45 p.m. at the Pepsi Stage
• Corey Cox at 2 p.m. at the Verizon Stage
• Otis Gibbs at 3:15 p.m. at the Pepsi Stage
• Sixpence None the Richer 4:30 at the Verizon Stage
• Red Wanting Blue at 5:45 at the Pepsi Stage
• Edwin McCain at 7 p.m. at the Verizon Stage
• Darius Rucker at 9:30 p.m. at the Verizon Stage

Welcome Super Fans: Friday, Feb. 3

• DJ Limelight at 11:30 a.m. at the Pepsi Stage
• Blackberry Jam at 12:45 p.m. at the Pepsi Stage
• Morris Day and the Time at 2 p.m. at the Verizon Stage
• Bashiri Asad at 3:15 p.m. at the Pepsi Stage
• En Vogue at 4:30 p.m. at the Verizon Stage
• Gentleman Alphonse at 5:45 p.m. at the Pepsi Stage
• Fitz & the Tantrums at 7 p.m. at the Verizon Stage
• LMFAO at 9:30 p.m. at the Verizon Stage

America’s Super Fans: Saturday, Feb. 4

• DJ Kyle Long at 11:30 a.m. at the Pepsi Stage
• Carson Diersing at 12:45 p.m. at the Pepsi Stage
• The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band at 2 p.m. at the Verizon Stage
• Twin Cats at 3:15 p.m. at the Pepsi Stage
• Here Come the Mummies at 4:30 p.m. at the Verizon Stage
• Born Again Floozies at 5:45 p.m. at the Pepsi Stage
• Umphrey’s McGee at 7 p.m. at the Verizon Stage
• North Mississippi Allstars at 8:15 p.m. at the Pepsi Stage
• O.A.R. at 9:30 p.m. at the Verizon Stage

America’s Super Game: Sunday, Feb. 5

• Indiana Reggae Band at 12 p.m. at the Pepsi Stage
• Whitney Coleman at 1:30 p.m. at the Pepsi Stage
• DJ Rusty at 3 p.m. at the Pepsi Stage

Floydfest X Rocks the BlueRidge

 Last weekend we spent three days on the BlueRidge Parkway not far from Floyd Virginia enjoying the many sounds emanating from Floydfest X. This was the 10th anniversary of the festival which has grown successively each year - in the number of stages, musicians, and attendees. Besides several national acts, the festivals emphasizes the local music scene through the Virginia Folklife Porch and the Emerging Artists Series. In past years we tried to soak in as much music as physically possible - hustling across the festival grounds in between sets. This year, we took a more measured approach and spent most of the day at one end of the festival - and that ended up being the Hill Holler stage side. In this fashion we were able to see many acts in the Beer Garden; Rose's Pawn Shop, the Pimps of Joytime, and Larry Keel on the Holler, and then Railroad Earth, Sam Bush, Nat Reese, Larry Keel & Jorma Kaukonen, and plenty more on the Virginia Folklife Stage. Then there was plenty of the Reverend Peyton on both the Beer Garden and Dance tent stages. Yet, when it came to Taj Mahal, Donna the Buffalo, William Walter, and Big Daddy Love, we ventured to the other side. In fact, Donna the Buffalo kept us up until 3:00 am Saturday, which made it difficult to rise early to watch William Walter and Jesse Chong on the main stage Sunday morning. Then, we had to venture to Foggy Ridge Cider to tape an episode of MyJoogTV with The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band. Sleep is defiantly a short commodity. We are slowing releasing photos on the MyJoog Facebook site as well as videos at MyJoogTV YouTube channel.

Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band Rocks the 930 Club

It was all ages at the Nightclub 9:30 Saturday May 14th as the Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band rocked the venue opening for the Reverend Horton Heat. The little man was so excited to see his second concert with the RPBDB, perhaps the most unique and entertaining trios touring today. Unique in that the Cuz plays a drum kit that includes a 5-gallon bucket; Ms. Breezy keeps the rhythm on the washboard, and the Reverend holds down the bass and lead guitars on the same acoustic guitar. Very quickly into the evening the Rev tutored those unfamiliar with the band on his unique playing style by playing Yankee Doodle with the top two bass chords and Dixie on the bottom chords - simultaneously. Now that's talent. Besides this showing off, the band played mostly from The Wages and The Whole Fam Damnily. The former is their latest and is a great CD; we heard Clap Your Hands; Sure Feels Like Rain, Two Bottles Of Wine, Lick Creek Road, & Everything's Raising. From the latter we heard Mama's Fried Potatoes and Your Cousin's On Cops. The next chance we will get to see the band is at FloydFest, July 28-31st where they will be performing two days. A video of Mama's Fried Potatoes is available at MyJoogTV. We will get better video at that festival, for certain.

FloydFest's 10th Anniversary Festival: Two Months Out and Closing

Our favorite music festival, Floydfest, is fast approaching - almost two months out: July 28-31 2011. This year's lineup is extraordinary with Taj Mahal as the main headliner. We saw the legend a few months back and he's still going string. Then there's Robert Randolph, Old Crow Medicine Show, Grace Potter, Del McCoury, Railroad Earth, David Grisman, Sam Bush, Hot Tuna, North Mississippi Allstars, Donna the Buffalo, Reverend Peyton, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Trampled by Turtles, Larry Keel, Tony Rice, Peter Rowan, New Monsoon, Phil Wiggins, American Aquarium, William Walter, and of course, Big Daddy Love. Plus many, many more artists. including those in the Under the Radar contest. Tickets are just $125 for three days or $135 for four after July 1st.  Still not committing... check out our previous overage here.

One Week Countdown to Reverend Peyton & Reverend Horton Heat

The long expected Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band & Reverend Horton Heat concerts in the Baltimore\Washington DC area is just one week away. On Saturday May 14th the two bands play in DC at the Nightclub 9:30 and the following night they shift slightly north to play the Rams Head Live in Baltimore. Its been way too long since we've seen the Reverend Peyton, two years, and since that time, The Wages has been released. Can't wait to hear live versions of Born Bred Corn Fed, What Go Around Come Around, and Everything's Raising (this song is more relevant than ever).And I've been getting ready for the Reverend Horton Heat by listening to some old school records: Lucky 7 and It's Martini Time. This is one set of shows that not only shouldn't you miss; but there is no excuse for not attending both. See you there.

Two Reverends For the Price of One - Reverend Peytons Big Damn Band & Reverend Horton Heat TOUR!!!

The long expected Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band & Reverend Horton Heat tour starts tomorrow: 25 shows in 30+ days. We will get some video of the Reverend Peyton from this tour, but check out the Reverend Horton Heat below. This will be an unforgettable jam session.

4/20 - St Louis, MO - Old Rock House
4/21 - St Louis, MO - Old Rock House
4/22 - Louisville, KY - Jim Porters
4/23 - Columbus, OH - Newport Music Hall
4/24 - Detroit, MI - Magic Stick
4/26 - Dayton, OH - McGuffys House of Rock
4/27 - Pittsburgh, PA - Altar Bar
4/28 - Buffalo, NY - Tralf Music Hall
4/29 - Toronto, ON - Lee's Palace
4/30 - Montreal, QU - Le National
5/1 - Burlington, VT - Higher Ground
5/3 - Portland, ME - Port City Music Hall
5/4 - Boston, MA - Paradise Rock Club
5/5 - Uncasville, CT - Wolf Den (Mohegan Sun)
5/6 - Brooklyn, NY - Bell House
5/7 - Clifton Park, NY - Northern Lights
5/8 - New York, NY - Highline Ballroom
5/10 - Ithaca, NY - The Haunt
5/11 - Allentwon, PA - Crocodile Rock
5/12 - Lancaster, PA - Chameleon Club
5/13 - Philadelphia, PA - Theatre of Living Arts
5/14 - Washington, DC - 9:30 Club
5/15 - Baltimore, MD - Rams Head Live
5/17 - Cleveland, OH - Beachland Ballroom
5/18 - Grand Rapids, MI - The Intersection

Current Tracks That Won't Go Away

Over the past few weeks we have received and purchased several recordings from a wide array of artists. We had planned on drafting formal reviews of each - but with the MyJoogTV schedule and added burden of Christmas parties - we have devised a new strategy. Here is a subset of the CDs, as well as links to purchase, that we didn't throw in the back of the bus after the first listen. In fact, we have enjoyed most of these on numerous occasions. And as a bonus we've applied a one sentence buzz phrase commonly used in the industry.

• Prepare For Black & White - The White Elephant: favorite CD of the bunch
• Sigh No More - Mumford & Sons - wished I could have seen the tour with Cadillac Sky
• A Part of Me - Tom Principato: D.C. based bluesman knocks it out with latest
• The Wages - The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band - portrays the struggle and virtues of the Midwest
• Welcome Down & Welcome Up - Tina Dico: this lady can sing, pure and simple
• Memories of John - The John Hartford Stringband: from the grave to the Grammies - great old time music
• The Night the Cumberland Came Alive - EP - Mike Farris & The Cumberland Saints: can't get enough of this gospel blues CD
• The Way We Do It Down South - Gary Nichols: alt-country meets R&B in Muscle Shoals
• Something Worth Standing For - Andrew McKnight & Turning Pages - Andrew McKnight: shows that indie musicians just need exposure - "Letter to Colonial Mosby" is an instant classic
• All the Quiet, All the Chaos - Shane Hines: local artists gets better with age

Happy Big Damn Band Day

Today is International Big Damn Band Day where fans of the Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band celebrate the release of The Wages. Grab a copy of this CD and let us know what you think.

FloydFest Day 3: Sunday

On Sunday, I started the last day of FloydFest intending to see Oneside’s final act of the weekend. However, technical difficulties delayed their set so I instead headed to the beer garden to watch The Speckers one last time. This trio really impressed me: the fiddles blazing and Mr. Specker stomping in rhythm. The last song I heard from them, as I spotted Oneside taking the stage, was an interesting song from the 1770’s. Yes, the 1770’s. Apparently Mr. Specker heard the lyrics from a French Canadian, who had a distant relative serve under Lafayette in Washington’s army. The song pays homage to General Washington and he created a score for “a top 40 song from the ages”. When the song ended, I returned to the Streamline Hill Holler stage as technicians verified all microphones and amps were working. Oneside started slowly this time, playing Josephine and Lisa – allowing the audience to build and get settled. They played Paradise earlier than usual, which was a big hit. The group behind me kept mentioning how good the song was during the entire set - to anyone who passed by. The band really started rockin’ with Got to Go, Last Radio, and Out of My Tree, and a cover of The Band’s Ophelia. By this time, the band and spectators had thrown their fatigue and hangover overboard and were singing, clapping, and dancing. By the time they closed with The Letter, they had nailed the set. It was great watching the band grab an audience and holding them throughout the show.

After saying what I thought were final goodbyes, I headed up the hill to the VA Folklife Workshop Porch to listen to couple songs by Cadillac Sky. Apparently the band just returned from a trip to France – playing a couple of festivals in that country. They also have a new CD, Gravity's Our Enemy, which I heard a few songs from. The band is scheduled for several festivals on the east coast that I hope to attend. They deserve a longer listen.
Crooked Still was performing on the Main stage, so I grabbed my first ice cream of the day and stood near the stage. They started with an Ollabelle Reed cover, "Undone In Sorrow", and then proceeded to play “Oxford Town” – which got the crowd dancing early. At this point in the show, Chris Hersch, Oneside’s Banjo player joined me and mentioned that he and Aoife O'Donovan had attended the same music school together, As a result he follows the band closely. And Ms. O'Donovan told me afterwards that there were over a dozen artists from that program performing at FloydFest. Chris also instructed me on Dr. Liszt’s distinct style on the banjo – something like most banjo players pluck with three fingers, but he uses four. Crooked Still continued with several songs from the new CD, Still Crooked: Captain, Captain; Pharaoh; and Oh, Agamemnon. It was nice having Chris around because he told me the background to songs such as Pharaoh, an old Georgia Seal Island song. My favorite song of the set was “Come On In My Kitchen”. They received a contribution from the Mill House ice cream engine when the engine popped – at times - in unison with the bass cello. They entire show can be summed how Chris described one song, “That was tight.”

At this point I decided to walk 10 minutes away to Villa Appalaccia Winery. The winery was selling their wines at the beer garden and was located in the neighboring property so, it was an opportunity not to miss. For those who didn’t taste their offerings in the beer garden, here they are.
I returned to the festival to catch Tony Trischka and Double Banjo Bluegrass. Crooked Still’s Dr. Gregory Liszt and Brittany Haas joined Trischka and his band on stage for 75 minutes of picking and fiddling. His previous CD, Double Banjo Bluegrass Spectacular, contains songs where he was accompanied on banjo by several other notables such as Béla Fleck, Bill Emerson, and Scott Vestal. Dr. Liszt took their place on stage and the ensemble played songs from this CD as well as his latest: Territory. Watching Trischka is a treat and 2007 was a good year for the performer. He was given an IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) award for Banjo Player of the Year 2007. Double Banjo Bluegrass Spectacular received IBMA awards for Recorded Event of the Year, Instrumental Album of the Year and a Grammy Nomination. Not bad. After playing professionally for over 35 years, he is also somewhat a bluegrass historian – probably the best around.

Soon it was time for Gospel Hour; basically this is how the The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band had advertised their Sunday show. The set opened with only Reverend Peyton taking stage, explaining that the band was going to slow things down a bit and played a longer version of the soft part of “I Shall Not Be Moved”. At some point into the song, Breezy and Jayme entered and casually picked up their instruments. Then, on queue, the three exploded in chorus for the fast section of the song – and the tent erupted. "Slow things down", right. They did play most of the gospel tunes from The Gospel Album, but this is still dance music – a musical style I wouldn’t hear from our parish chorus. They played “Blow That Horn”, “Glory Glory Hallelujah”, “Let Your Light Shine”, and my favorite “Tell All The World John”, with Jayme pounding the pickle bucket. The Reverend also displayed his guitar prowess by instructing us how he creates a bass sound – since there’s no bass player in the trio. He plays the top two strings with his thumb and pointer finger, while simultaneously playing rhythm with the remaining fingers. He started out slow, and then slowly increased the tempo until both hands were flying in unison. Awesome. He also had a great segway into “Mama’s Fried Potatoes”, describing all the great food one group of attendees had given them over the weekend. They finished with “Two Bottles of Wine” as an encore, and then were invited back by the promoters for one last curtain call and song. What an act; look out for the main stage next year.
I took one last look into the Beer Garden and found singer songwriter William Walter playing with Tucker Rogers. I was able to catch one song – which shows that artists have the same problems as everyone else: "Love is Clinging Closer". I’m going to keep an eye on this artist, particularly since his band, William Walter & Co, won the 2008 FloydFest winner of the Emerging Artist Series. Congratulations. I waited around for The Avett Brothers, but after 20 minutes, I decided to call it a weekend. With a 5½-hour drive waiting – as well as dogs in the kennel – I couldn’t wait any longer. Too bad – it was a great weekend. On the walk to the shuttle, I ran into the Villers of Blacksnake Meadery, thanked them for yesterday's visit and headed home. The drive was remarkable painless. Accompanied by the new music from Crooked Still, Blind Corn Liquor Pickers, Oneside, and The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band, I was on Interstate 66 in no time. I finished the trip listening to the The Gospel Album, twice – all the while mimicking Jayme on the pickle bucket. However, beware, listening to this album may lead you to lose control of your life (as my Dad would say), While singing and drumming, I didn’t notice the orange fuel light illuminated until I had pulled into my driveway. With perhaps some divine intervention, I had returned home safely. Glory Glory Hallelujah.

FloydFest Day 2: Saturday

Since I retired prematurely the previous evening, I arrived early Saturday after a quick stop at Blacksnake Meadery. The owners, Steve and Joanne Villers, were also attending FloydFest, but they graciously arranged an early morning appointment for me to taste their mead. After an hour visit - it was off to FloydFest and as soon as I entered the festival I heard a booming voice coming from the VA Folklife Workshop Porch. It was Eli Cook – displaying his powerful voice that could have been mistaken for Howling Wolf and not the actual artist. I watched an exceptional performance, just Eli, his guitar and his powerful vocals mesmerizing the crowd. It was difficult pulling away, but I wanted to hear Blue Mule on my way to the Revival Tent to watch the Blind Corn Liquor Pickers. While walking past the Streamline Hill Holler stage, Blue Mule opened with a cover of “Where Would You Be Now”. It was an interesting choice – but I liked their version. At the Blue Ridge & Beyond Dance Tent, the Blind Corn Liquor Pickers were just being introduced. I had started following the ensemble after seeing them scheduled multiple times at the Purple Fiddle. The band consists of Beth Walker on vocals, Joel Serdenis (mandolin) Tom Fassas (guitar) Travis Young (banjo) and Sam Kruer (Bass). What I liked the most about the band is that each member contributes vocals not just Ms. Walker. In fact there is a lot of orchestrated vocals and harmonies. And despite drawing a terrible time slot, the band performed at a high level during the entire set. “You should have seen us yesterday” they kept saying, trying to justify an "illusionary" poor performance. They played really good. They started with a Doc Watson song, “Sweet Heaven When I Die” and their signature song, "Field Cred" which explains why these city-raised folks play country-bluegrass music. They then focused on songs from their new CD, Appalachian Trail. They played the title track, then, “Slash and Burn”, “Moonshine Bill”, “Party Down Below” and “Lost Soul” among others. My favorite was the tribute to a gentleman who passed away at one of their shows in Lexington. “Park Bench” is a very moving song. They closed with a great cover, Townes Van Zandt’s “White Freightliner”. Immediately I purchased a copy of Appalachian Trail and an “In Jug We Trust” and headed back to the shuttle. I had an afternoon meeting scheduled with Oneside at Château Morrisette. The interview is available here and the review of the winery at Wine-Compass.com.

After our visit to Château Morrisette, the band and I returned to FloydFest in time to see the last part of Crooked Still at the front porch (more about this band later). Then it was off for food, ice cream – can’t help myself – and the David Grisman Quintet at the main stage. Travis Young of the Blind Corn Liquor Pickers said that's who he wanted to see the most this weekend, so why not? For over 30 years David Grisman has entertained fans with acoustic string music and today the Quintet did not disappoint. They may have had the largest afternoon crowd of any performer. After 45 minutes I headed back to the Beer Garden in order to listen to Oneside’s next set. The venue was packed as festival goers either escaped the heat or searched for alcohol. I grabbed a Wheat Ale from Williamsburg AleWerks and headed to the stage. (There were two particular brands that I really enjoyed this weekend: the Georgia Brown from Sweetwater Brewery and the Porter and Wheat Ale from Williamsburg AleWerks.) Oneside grabbed the audience’s attention with “The Letter” and “Gotta Go”, as people dancing and clapped along immediately. However, they lost their way during the next two slow songs, “Lisa” and “Josephine”. Apparently the crowd wanted to dance – not be serenaded – although there was nothing wrong in how the band performed these songs. It took a few more arrangements to get the audience back to their earlier groove and by “Last Radio” the band had their full attention – which lasted through Prine’s “Paradise” and the remainder of the set. It was a good set, but the band realized they could do better. As Jake Brooks later remarked, “in order to make it, we can not lose the audience for any song.”

I hurried from the Beer Garden to the “Revivial” Tent to watch Crooked Still’s second show of the day. The band had changed their lineup since I last saw them, with fiddler Brittany Haas and cellist Tristan Clarridge joining the group after the departure of cellist Rushad Eggleston. The other founding members are Corey DiMario on the bass cello, Dr. Gregory Liszt on banjo, and Aoife O'Donovan, with her sultry – bluesy vocals, playing anything necessary. For the past two years this has been my favorite folk-bluegrass act and I was excited to see the new lineup. And so were several others. The tent was packed – nowhere to sneak closer. And as Crooked Still emerged the crowd erupted in a massive cheer and pressed the stage. I learned later from Ms. O'Donovan, that prior to the set, the band was sitting exhausted in the green room, unsure of this show. But when they took stage, the audience’s enthusiasm was infectious and their fatigue dissipated rapidly. What ensued was a lovefest - between artist and audience – both feeding off each other. Even when playing songs from their latest CD, Still Crooked, the crowd dancing and clapped as if they were oldies. When they finally transitioned to songs from Still Crooked and Hop High, well, what do you think? They new lineup was fluid, Brittany Haas and her fiddle adds a new dimension - more folksy. The remaining members were solid, particularly Dr. Liszt on banjo with his great picking and zany comments and Ms. O'Donovan. She was both jovial and sexy especially when she sings, “Come On In My Kitchen”. There were several young kids in the front row and the band won many permanent fans by inviting them on stage for the encore. The lovefest had to end and with the band and audience exhausted the final was signaled with a bow from the band and the new cohorts. The Revival Tent hosted its second signature set, the first from The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band and now Crooked Still. Wow.
Afterwards I trekked around the area, consuming more ice cream and watching a few songs from Amos Lee. Ned deBray, Oneside’s front man, had mentioned that Lee was an artist he wanted to see, so I listened to a few songs – and he was pretty good. I checked his schedule later that week and couldn’t believe the number of shows scheduled in August – he’s practically in a different city each day. (We'd appreciate any Amos Lee fans to add these shows to his page at myjoog.com.) But soon, I was drying out and entered the Beer Garden once again. Immediately, Jake Brooks noticed me and invited me to join the rest of Oneside as they listened to Bucktown Kickback. The two bands had played at Martin's Downtown Bar & Grill in Roanoke last night and Oneside had been very impressed with the band. So was I. They describe themselves accurately as “Americana + Jamgrass + Classic Country = Bucktown Kickback”. They band was formed in 2002 by songwriter Adam Brooks Dudding and interchanges personnel at times during tours. Thus I’m not sure who joined Dudding on this trip. During the set, Ned commented on various aspects of the performance – that as a layman – I had no clue. Regardless of one’s musical knowledge, over the course of an hour, Bucktown Kickback entertained everyone. I can’t wait to get my hands on their current CD, Lost in Your Own Hometown.
After the set, Oneside went to set camp and I proceeded to the Streamline Hill Holler stage to listen to Bluegrass Undergrass and rest. This was another good set – and very relaxing as I lay on the hill. Families played catch with frisbees or footballs and I gained a great appreciation for parents who brought their kids to the event. Next time, I may even make the effort. I dozed slightly during the show, then woke and walked to check out the Revival Tent and found another new favorite in The Speckers. This father-daughter trio performed the type of unique music that I was hoping to find at the festival. How? Each plays the fiddle, with John Specker in the middle and his daughters Lila and Ida Mae on each side. While fiddling Mr. Specker also stomps his feet creating a percussion compliment to the strings. He also contributes most of the vocals, and the sight is rather impressive – considering he has to coordinate fiddling, stomping, and singing simultaneously. It must be a relief when Ida Mae takes over. They describe their sound as Traditional American music and can be considered to be historians for forgotten music. During their set there was a large contingent of young listeners – mostly girls – mesmerized with the performance. I talked to several parents afterwards who were very grateful to find artists that their girls could relate to, particularly if their children played the violin.

A little later I found myself back at the Streamline Hill Holler stage in anticipation for
New Monsoon. Luckily I had watched the band some yesterday and only had time for a few songs before setting camp in the Revival Tent. This band has a huge following, and playing at 8:00 PM, the crowd had their groove on.
By 8:10 I was parked in front of the stage in the Revival Tent, already packed as word had spread about The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band. Promptly at 8:15, the band altered the normal entrance and entered the tent and marched through the crowd in a fife and drum routine – only this was harp and drum. The crowd hit the roof. During the set they played the same songs as the preceding two sets from their CDs: Big Damn Nation, The Gospel Album and The Whole Fam Damnily. See Friday’s show here. By this time, most of us were well versed in the songs as well as the band’s antics which made it just as enjoyable as the initial act. The only difference – a hundred more listeners - plus several other artists watching from behind the tent. After an hour of dancing, laughing, singing, and screaming - they were still my favorite act. I suspect, I was not the only one.
There was still a night full of excellent music scheduled; Rusted Root was playing on the main stage and Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk was setting up on the Streamline Hill Holler stage. Once again I was wiped and wimpily called it an early night. Too much fun.