John Brown’s Body are set to drop their new album Fireflies via Easy Star Records on September 9th, 2016. JBB, celebrating their 20th year as a group, will also hit the road in September for an extensive cross-country tour. The first single, “New Fashion,” is currently available to stream on SoundCloud.
Known for their distinct “future roots” sound, John Brown’s Body formed in Ithaca, NY back in 1996. JBB’s albums have topped the reggae charts numerous times, reaching #1 on the Billboard Reggae Chart with 2008’s full-length Amplify, and again in 2013 with Kings And Queens. You would be hard pressed to find a modern reggae band that didn’t recognize John Brown’s Body as an influence and a pioneer of the genre. Though the lineup has seen changes over the years, founding members Elliot Martin (lead vocals) and Tom Benedetti (drums) are joined by an all-star cast, including Jay Spaker (guitar/vocals), Jon Petronzio (keys), Dan Africano (bass). JBB is renowned for their 3-piece horn section, which features Sam Dechenne (trumpet), TJ Sharper (trombone), and Mike Vitale (tenor sax).
A notable difference on Fireflies will be the songwriting and vocal presence of Jay Spaker. Though the bulk of the songs were written by Martin, Spaker brought a handful of his own material to the table for the new album. Tracks “Badman” and “Mystery” were collaborative efforts between the two. Spaker’s emergence as a songwriter should only strengthen JBB’s already dynamic sound.
John Brown’s Body has been steadily touring since the release of their acclaimed 2013 album Kings And Queens. The band has performed at legendary venues like Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO, as well as some of the country’s best festivals, including Cali Roots Festival and Summer Camp Festival. You can catch JBB live this fall, as they tour the country to promote their upcoming album. The 29-stop tour begins on September 9th, 2016 at Black Swamp Arts Festival in Bowling Green, OH, also hitting cities like Chicago, San Diego, and San Francisco, before concluding at Boston’s Paradise Rock Club.
JBB has put together a variety of sweet pre-order deals, which you can check out HERE!
John Brown’s Body – Fireflies Track Listing:
1.) Who Paid Them Off
2.) Hard Man Fe Dead (feat. Karim Israel of Arise Roots)
3.) High Grade
4.) Bad Man
5.) New Fashion
6.) Like a Queen
7.) Fireflies
8.) Mystery
9.) Pure Fire
10.) Mash Them Down
Related Links:
John Brown’s Body Website
John Brown’s Body Facebook
Fireflies Pre-Order
Article By: Brian Winters
Listen: John Brown’s Body – “New Fashion”