Get ready for a musical journey back to the roots of blues with Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band. Their highly anticipated new album, Honeysuckle, is set for independent release on 21 February 2025, via Family Owned Records/Amplified Distribution. Known as “the greatest front-porch blues band in the world,” the band promises a deeply personal and acoustic collection of songs that blend traditional blues with modern artistry.
A Return to the Roots
Led by the extraordinary Reverend Peyton, widely regarded as today’s premier finger-picking guitarist, the Big Damn Band draws inspiration from early country blues styles. Reverend Peyton’s passion for the genre runs deep, shaped by his pilgrimages to Clarksdale, Mississippi, where he learned from legendary blues icons like T-Model Ford, Robert Belfour, and David “Honeyboy” Edwards.
Accompanying him are two equally talented bandmates: his wife, the washboard virtuoso Washboard Breezy Peyton, and drummer Jacob “The Snakob” Powell, whose steady rhythms ground the band’s sound.
Honeysuckle: A Star-Studded Affair
Honeysuckle was produced and recorded by Reverend Peyton himself, with mixing by the six-time Grammy-winning Vance Powell (known for his work with Chris Stapleton and Jack White). The album features collaborations with an impressive roster of artists:
- The McCrary Sisters, a gospel powerhouse, lend their voices to the track “Manger.”
- Blues Music Hall of Famer Billy Branch adds harmonica magic to the Blind Lemon Jefferson classic “Nell (Prison Cell Blues).”
- Grammy-winning fiddler Michael Cleveland plays on “Freeborn Man.”
- Colton Crawford of The Dead South contributes banjo on “The Good Die Young.”
A Vintage Blues Experience
Reverend Peyton describes the record as “a return to my roots, a very personal mix of old and new songs that shaped me or that I’m currently shaping.” This acoustic-heavy album was crafted using vintage equipment, from microphones to guitars, capturing a raw and authentic sound. Fans will also enjoy the blend of original Big Damn Band energy and collaborations with legendary musicians Reverend Peyton has long dreamed of working with.
Adding to the album’s charm, the artwork features classic wet-plate photography by Bill Steber, renowned for his documentation of Mississippi’s blues culture over the last three decades.
Mark Your Calendar
With its unique blend of tradition and innovation, Honeysuckle promises to be a standout release for blues enthusiasts and music lovers alike. Don’t miss the chance to experience Reverend Peyton’s masterful storytelling and unparalleled musicianship when the album drops on 21 February 2025.
