Keeping with grassroots fundamentals, the reggae band John Brown’s Body puts hands to drums. Elliot Martin breathes sweet sound that stretches beyond the microphone and sweeps over the crowd, causing a spiritual rejuvenation.

The beats are lyrically-positive and charged with acoustic strums, a shifting bass line, live dub effects and an electronic riff that creeps under your skin. The New York Daily news claimed the band to be “reverant and revolutionary at the same time”. The bands name originates from awell known Union Marching Song that was sung through out the south in recognition of the abolitionist acts of John Brown. Maybe you know the chorus, “Glory, glory, hallelujah”?

Aside from the sensual hymnals, JBB draws inspiration from the likes of Johnny Cash and his scratchy vocals as well as Massive Attack with their man-made sounds and mumbled whispers. The members hail from Ithaca, NY, an unexpected place to form a reggae band, but they remain close with their roots. JBB still frequents free festivals and accompany bands such as the Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad on stage for a jam session here and there.