The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band & The Hooten Hallers at The Magic Bag
The Magic Bag played host to two dynamite bands on November 9 — The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band and The Hooten Hallers.
Now, we don’t cover a ton of Americana, Blues, or Country, but these guys (and gals) knocked our socks off with their genuine flair, charismatic performance, and unique instrumentation.
THE HOOTEN HALLERS
Baritone and bass saxophonist Kellie Everett immediately got our attention. When you spot an instrument that you don’t generally see, you of course get a little curious — but curiosity turned to joy when we heard her play. Accompany that with John Randall’s gritty vocals and guitar/slide guitar playing, and the high-energy smashing of the drums from Andy Rehm really cemented the overall vibe of their set. They were joking around constantly with each other as well, by saying funny anecdotes, nicknames, or making references to the audience, which honestly made you feel like you were getting to hang out with them rather than watch them.
THE REVEREND PEYTON’S BIG DAMN BAND
After The Hooten Hallers, I had no idea what to expect. It wasn’t a flaming washboard though (which HAPPENED)! Reverand Peyton with his collection of guitars (which some he assembled himself) bellowed through the room with ferocity, enough so that I compared him to a Blues version of Neil Fallon of Clutch (yes, the beard lends itself to that idea as well).
“Washboard” Breezy “The Miss Elizabeth of Country Blues” Peyton plays the washboard in a way I’ve never seen before. Not to oversimplify anything, but I didn’t know playing a washboard could even be cool, let alone have such swagger, but Breezy brings it, all while rocking a 1950’s pin-up retro style.
Then there is Max Senteney, who played not only the drums, but at one point, also the sticks – which was honestly pretty mesmerizing.
One of the audience members tipped me off that a flaming washboard was going to be in the mix, and at the end of the set, Breezy lights it on fire — just for a moment. Nothing like creating a little bit of your own pyro.
Check for more shows from Rev & the band at bigdamnband.com.