The Rev conquers the Noodle

Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band
The Slippery Noodle Inn
Tuesday, Feb. 22

Standing room was at a premium when the Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band took the front room stage at the Slippery Noodle Inn on Tuesday night. A mix of Slippery Noodle regulars and Big Damn Fans was crowded around the stage, standing in between tables, blocking doorways and generally making life hell for the wait staff. Management would shoo one group of people out of the aisles only to have new people flow into the empty space a minute later.

Those who braved the risk of squashed feet and the long wait for a beer were rewarded with a fusion of fun and sheer musicianship. The members of the Big Damn Band play to each other’s strengths extraordinarily well, and they always seem to have a fantastic time doing it. Drummer Jayme Peyton and “Washboard” Breezy Peyton complement Reverend Peyton’s guitar playing without ever competing with it. The Reverend’s skill is undeniable and often jaw-dropping. Jayme’s understated drumming style is often unsung but an important support for the band’s sound. As for Breezy, she’s a great asset not only to the band’s sound, but to the band’s stage show. All of the BDB is fun to listen to, but Breezy is a blast to watch.

The band played a lot of new material. Reverend Peyton even treated the audience to a demonstration of his new harmonica skills, which were pretty good, though his use of the harmonica as a slide for his guitar was probably more impressive. Considering the number of people flocking to the stage and buying merch between sets, it’s safe to say that the band won some new fans that night.