John Brown's Body 

The Fox Theater 

October 24th, 2002

reviewed for The Reggae Movement by Larry Leiber

On their second trip through Colorado the past year (The last being July 12, 2002), John Brown's Body gave another energetic concert which not only excited the crowd, but showed a wide range of talents from a talented band.

Before a packed house, John Brown's Body, aka "JBB", started the hour and a half set with "The Instrument", which is an instrumental off of their most recent album "Spirits all around us", they proceeded to get the crowd loosened up for the impending show. Following up with a lot of music off their most recent album, John Brown's Body had the knowledgeable crowd active, dancing and completely into the music.

One of the more refreshing things to see was the fact that John Brown's Body is an image all to themselves. In a genre where there is supposedly an image upon one must find themselves in, JBB keeps their own style and image, and they do it well. Appearing a group of individuals, the band came together with a refreshing and crisp sound full of energetic force.

Dressed in what has become his signature derby style hat, Kevin Kinsella, who shares the lead vocal duties with Elliot Martin, led the activity on the stage as the band ripped out the instrumental. 

The two lead singers complimented each other well as they played upon each other on the microphone.  Kevin's bright and crisp voice contrasted Elliot's more chanty, energetic style extremely well.  Together, they carried the stage with confidence and style.

An active and entertaining, yet not distracting, horn section provided a perfect sideshow to the vocals of Kevin and Elliot.  With a sax, a trumpet and a trombone, the brought a rich fullness to the sound.

Showing a wide range of musical talents and tastes, they took the crowd from the upbeat and playful "Eyes of the Maker" to the more spiritual "Feel", both of which you can find off their latest album.    Perhaps the best moment came when they played the "Traveling Man", which offered the chance for everyone in the band to shine, from the vocals, to the groove provided from the rhythm section, down to the fullness brought by the horn section.

Introducing a new bass player presented some even deeper bass rhythms to their already impressive sound, as the bass reverberated fresh and new rhythms throughout the Fox all night.

A special note must be made to the sound guy for the well placed sound effects upon the band.  The band wouldn't had have much of the impact without the enjoyable dub effects and sound effects throughout most of the show.

Opening up for John Brown's Body was Wailer B. Playing an energetic set of roots reggae, Wailer had the crowd warmed up and ready for JBB in impressive fashion.  Wailer B, known for his smooth voice, also showed his range as he mixed in some Soca for the crowd.

All in all, John Brown's Body was as much a treat on both occasions (both July and October) and I for one am anxious for them to come back through again.

I mention something about this every time I see a show at the Fox Theater, but I am also impressed with the job they do putting on the shows.  From the sound to the lights to the stage, There is no wonder why The Fox won the favorite venue in the first annual Reggae Movement Awards.