JOHN BROWN'S BODY
This Day (Shanachie)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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John Brown's Body is a revelation for reggae and roots music fans everywhere. From the opening "Isle of Springs" and "Satisfaction Feeling," Shanachie Recording artists John Brown's Body show that a bunch of Boston-area musicians can play original reggae true to the spirit of reggae legends like Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. There's buoyant ska in the title cut, and the rhythm section of Tommy Benedetti on drums and David "Solid" Gould on bass serve up the rock steady just like Sly and Robbie. When they ask "Can You Let Her Go," I can't, as it is one of the strongest reggae tunes I've heard in quite a long time, at least since last year's live LP by Steel Pulse (which was nominated for a Grammy this year). There's a lot to like on This Day, particularly when the band revs up "This and That" and "Jah Works." As the band's background vocals fill in between great traditional reggae riffs, all I thought was missing was the I-Threes. John Brown's Body takes several risks that pay off on This Day, including two versions of "Poor Man's Prayer." Both the vocal and dub version rock, and I'm glad that they've included the dub version; just like dancehall records do in Kingston.

Track List:

Isle of Springs * Satisfaction Feeling * Land Far Away * This Day * Can You Let Her Go * Foolish Pride * Poor Man's Prayer * Poor Man's Dub * Many Names * This and That * Inversion * Jah Works * Rip the Curtain

© 2000 - Eric Steiner