The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band brings something special to today's music world, through a genre that first thrived short of a century ago. With a steel guitar, washboard and percussion, their root blues sound made them a buzz band at the Midwest Music Summit in 2003, and since then have earned much acclaim and success throughout the U.S.

This Thursday, November 9, Rock Music Review will sponsor their appearance at Doc's Music Hall in Muncie, Indiana.

Rock Music Review (RMR): I understand that both The Rev and Breezy are ordained ministers, thanks to the Internet (which I've also done). Have either of you had a chance to put that to use?

Reverend Peyton (RP): The Reverend Peyton was nicknamed Reverend long before the internet allowed him to be ordained, and he has performed marriages all over the United States.

RMR: Is there a large scene of root blues in the United States?

RP: No - there is not. There are a few players here and there that are making important music. What there is however, is a large roots music scene with a lot of crossover.

RMR: Is it larger in other countries?

RP: The Blues in general is bigger in Europe, and the roots stuff is definitely more popular. We take music for granted in the US.

RMR: I myself have mistakenly referred to your music as Bluegrass. Does this happen often, and what is the difference?

RP: It happens a lot, because most people don't realize what the music even is. Country blues came first. Before BB King, Stevie Ray, Buddy Guy, and before the electric guitar - there was country blues. Roots blues actually came way before Bluegrass. Bluegrass is only as old as the 40's. Before that white country music is referred to as "Old Timey" which is different from bluegrass.

The difference really is HUGE. Listen to Bill Monroe the godfather of Bluegrass, and then listen to Charley Patton the King of the Delta Blues. If you did, you'd know immediately what the difference is, but most people have never even heard of Charley Patton. It really is sad. If Charley Patton had never been, then there never would have been Robert Johnson. No Robert Johnson, No Chuck Berry, Eric Clapton, Beatles, Rolling Stones, no Jay Z even.

RMR: You have a new CD out, entitled "Big Damn Nation". Can you tell me how it differs from your last album?

RP: Our last album was really a demo that became an underground hit. We got lucky. This is a real album.

RMR: Any special surprises on the disc?

RP: The big bonus, and the critics agree, that the album does justice to our live show.

RMR: I noticed the album is from Family Owned Records, but I can't seem to find any information on the label. Is it your own label?

RP: We dealt with quite a few offers and interest on this album but in the end we decided that we wanted to try to do it on our own. There are a lot of rotten people out there and we wanted to make sure we could trust the label.

Family Owned Records is just what you think. It is under our control with a little help from our family, particularly Breezy's sister who handles a lot of our mailings and orders from www.bigdamnband.com. Once we feel like we can't handle the work ourselves (and it will happen) we will consider working with another label. Our fans are the biggest asset - by spreading the word to their friends they help us do the work of a much larger operation.

RMR: Will you have releases from other artists?

RP: Family Owned Records isn't currently seeking new artists, but we shall see. There are a hand full of amazing artists that we would love to work with, but I think that is a year or two away.

RMR: You've been touring all over the U.S. lately. What are your best and worst experiences while on tour?

RP: Too many to name. We have been everywhere this year. The best experiences have been meeting new people in every town. Our fans have been so good to us. The feeling that you can play in a town that you have never been to and a couple hundred people show up to see you perform is pretty awesome. Even some of the worst experiences make for good stories, and we are getting pretty good at living on the road.

RMR LIGHTNING ROUND (!!)

Charley Patton or Booker T. Jones?

Charley Patton of course.

Bush Brothers or Heinz?

Van Camp's Pork and Beans

Diamonds on your neck or diamonds on your grill?

Grill, but Breezy won't let me get a gold tooth.

M&Ms: plain or peanut?

Breezy likes peanuts, but I do not.

Final Fantasy XII or Chess?

Checkers

Burnt toast or cold coffee?

Burnt Toast with Apple Butter

Banjolin or Ukelele?

Banjolin.

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Their new album "Big Damn Nation" is in stores now.

For those living in Central or East Central Indiana, be sure to check them out this Thursday!