Although the name "John Browns Body" is a famous Union marching song of the American Civil War, the name holds a deeper note for reggae fans; it’s the name of one of the longest/strongest touring acts in the northeast.
John Brown Body throws down reggae unlike any other act on the live circuit. Their live show encompasses an 8-piece band with drums, bass, a three piece horn section, keyboards and guitars. In 2008 the band released Amplify which debuted #1 on Billboards Reggae Chart, #10 on CMJ’s World Music Chart, and at the end of 2008 Amplify made the “iTunes best of 2008″ list for reggae record. Glide’s Melissa Brodeur recently caught up with founding member and drummer Tommy Benedetti.
What is it about reggae that drives your soul?
I am a drum and bass junkie, to me its all about heaviness of it. Reggae is like a big stew of all different music, all the music I love. There are also so many different kinds of reggae, there is something for any day!
What other bands or type of music do you really love?
I am a die hard metal fan! I like the heavy stuff. I do love all music, I love the Roots, Wilco, Hendrix. There is no style of music that turns me off, except the real glossy commercial stuff.
What do you think is so unique about John Brown’s Body?
We have developed our own sound. There is that shared experience, that shared vision of doing what we love to do, creating and working and crafting our sound. I believe the live horn section really sets us apart from some of the bands in the reggae scene, it adds an extra vibe.
How do you think the recession has effected the music business?
When it first started, there were some dips here and there in the crowds. I think people did not want to pay $15 a ticket to see music. When we went to Hawaii was when I really noticed it. Things are already so expensive over there. I really have not noticed it too much though! 
If you had to stop touring tomorrow, what is the one thing you would miss most?
Obviously the music! I have been doing this for so long, I do love the life style. I love going out, its such a beautiful thing, you see the best of people. We bring something to them and they in return bring things to us, vibes, food, etc…all the good things in life happen on tour. I would miss it and hope to not have to stop anytime in the near future!
What is the one thing in your life you are most proud of?
I am proud to be in an original band that has persevered, we made it through some really narley times, and still kept the music at a really high level. It’s really satisfying to go out and play in a consistent band, with people that you really love. You get that family vibe every night. It really is another family, and that is a very important part of my life. I am super psyched we are able to do what we do and do it well!
Other than music, what are some of your other passions?
I do love tattoos. I do love traveling, I love cycling, I love cruising urban Boston on my bike. Hanging with my friends and cats. Home time is nice, it’s the chill time. It’s good to keep busy and keep moving, but there is a time for everything!
If you could say one thing to one person…. what would you say and to who?
I would tell Scott Flynn our trombone player to shave his Abe Lincoln beard!
What was the last good book you read?
Right now I am reading Nausea by Jean Paul Sartre.. Just NO FICTION!
It’s 2AM and the show isover. Time to party? Time to sleep?
That is an easy one…TIME TO PARTY!!!
Check John Brown’s Body out as they tour the U.S. this spring with Toubab Krewe
Tour Dates
April 3 Chicago, IL Double Door
April 4 Madison, WI Majestic Theatre
April 5 Minneapolis, MN Cedar Cultural Center
April 8 Boulder, CO Fox Theatre
April 9 Englewood, CO Gothic Theatre
April 12 Salt Lake City, UT The Depot
April 16 Seattle, WA Tractor Tavern
April 17 Portland, OR Doug Fir Lounge
April 19 San Francisco, CA Independent
April 20 Los Angeles, CA Roxy Theatre
April 21 Solana Beach, CA Belly Up Tavern
Glide contributor Melissa Brodeur writes and works within her three passions: alternative health, music and bees by providing off-beat, creative healing methods to musicians and artist and creative minds alike. Check her out at beewellmassage.com.
