Easy Star

On Kings And Queens, their first full-length studio album since 2008, reggae octet John Brown’s Body nod to a variety of influences. Bandleader Elliot Martin (lead vocals/percussion/programming) sets the tone for most songs with his versatile tenor vocals, which range in style from Matisyahu (circa 2006) to Nick Hexum of the rock-reggae fusion group 311. The horn and woodwind section comprised of Drew Sayers (tenor/baritone saxophone), Sam Dechenne (trumpet) and Scott Flynn (trombone) complements Martin’s vocals well, particularly on “Step Inside,” “Plantation” and “Old John Brown.” Mike Keenan (guitar), Jon Petronzio (keyboards), Tommy Benedetti (drums) and Nate Edgar (bass) provide the classic syncopated rhythm associated with reggae in most songs, yet they are more experimental on tunes like “Invitation,” “Empty Hands” and “Starver.”