Peyton on Patton

Heretofore, the Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band have recorded largely original compositions in a traditional country blues style. But here, singer/guitarist Josh Peyton pays tribute to Charley Patton, a good choice. With his loud, sonorous baritone, Peyton doesn't sound like Patton, but he sings with conviction, and it takes conviction to put across Patton's cautionary sentiments, in which he warns errant romantic partners and nonbelievers about the loneliness and hellfire to come if they don't mend their ways. Peyton accompanies himself on acoustic slide guitar for the most part, and his wife, Breezy Peyton, joins in occasionally on washboard (she even provides vocal harmonies on "Elder Greene Blues"). He keeps himself largely under control, although "A Spoonful Blues" is taken at a fast pace and given a manic interpretation, while "You're Gonna Need Someone (When You Come to Die)" makes room for some preaching halfway through. Peyton provides no less than three takes of "Some of These Days I'll Be Gone," including one on which he plays banjo, and its title declaration, delivered with authority, is double-edged. Peyton embodies Patton's warning, but also demonstrates that, as long as this blues revivalist is breathing, his hero will still be around in spirit. ~ William Ruhlmann