Easy Star Records has released Amplify, the new CD by the progressive reggae band John Brown's Body on September 30. The album features twelve original tracks, showcasing the group's broad palette of influences - from classic UK reggae of the 70's to West African instrumentation, from indie rock to spaghetti westerns. This album, the group's first since 2005's Pressure Points (Easy Star), features a new band lineup and many special guests.
Since the release of JBB's last album, the band, which hails from Boston and upstate New York, has gone through significant changes. Lead singer Elliot Martin underwent throat surgery, several band members departed and most significantly, the band suffered the loss of bassist Scott Palmer. Palmer lost his battle with cancer in 2006, only six months after his diagnosis. That subject is addressed in the song "Ghost Notes."
Emerging from these changes, the band's current line-up is a focused, more experimental outfit than ever before, challenging the usual notions of contemporary reggae. Use of instruments like the African kora and cello on the track "So Aware," and the hip hop influences all over songs like "Shake The Dice" and "Make Your Move" continue an evolution of sound that could be heard on JBB's two previous recordings, and is now front and center on this release.
Recent live showstoppers like "Give Yourself Over," "Zion Triad," and "Push Some Air" are included here too. And "Speak Of The Devil" features a vocal collaboration with Vaughn Benjamin of Midnite, whom JBB front man Elliot Martin considers "ridiculously prolific and the most progressive reggae artist out there."
Amplify is produced by Elliot Martin and Jason "Jocko" Randall, the band's longtime sound engineer. It was recorded in upstate New York at More Sound Studios.
Big up to JBB Fam. Rich told me you guys were at the Burning Spear show in Boston. I was at the studio recording. Would have loved to vibe with you guys. I hope you dont mind me posting some of my gigs.
Bless, Mighty Mystic
Upcoming Shows ( view all )
Jul 16 2009 8:00P BARRINGTON LEVY, MIGHTY MYSTIC & THE STRINGS OF THUNDER, DETOUR POSSE @ PARADISE ROCK CLUB Boston, Massachusetts Jul 19 2009 5:00P ONE LOVE REGGAE FEST @ Greensboro Coliseum Complex Greensboro, North Carolina Jul 24 2009 10:00P MIGHTY MYSTIC & MIMS @ CLUB LIDO (REVERE MA) REVERE, Massachusetts Jul 25 2009 8:00P SALEM CULTURE MUSIC FESTIVAL SALEM, Massachusetts Jul 31 2009 8:00P MIGHTY MYSTIC & THE STRINGS OF THUNDER @ THE VERMONT ROOTS REGGAE FEST ALBURG, Vermont Aug 1 2009 10:00P MIGHTY MYSTIC & THE STRINGS OF THUNDER @ HARLOWS PUB IN NH PETERBOROUGH, New Hampshire Aug 22 2009 8:00P MIGHTY MYSTIC @ THE GREENFESTIVAL // BOSTON CITY HALL PLAZA BOSTON, Massachusetts Nov 27 2009 9:30P MIGHTY MYSTIC & THE STRINGS OF THUNDER @ THE GROG Newburyport, Massachusetts
Spreading the word about JBB's soon-to-launch Artistfunding campaign with The Hector Fund...cool interview with Tommy Benedetti is posted, as well as early word on some of the amazing opportunities for you to share in with JBB! Please visit http://www.thehectorfund.com/ for all the details. Help us spread the word! PEACE.
Such a heady vibe @ the beachcomber friday night. Thanks for delivering the message, you guys are a true revolution. Can't wait to get down @ Grassroots, gonna be craaazy. RESPECT tubs
