The once famous son of Connecticut, John Brown is now - 208 years after his birth - a footnote in history books. Indeed, he is legend to only a relative few societal historians. Even so, John Brown's impact on interracial relations is felt a century and half after his death.

Approximately 100 years before Dr. Martin Luther King brought the civil rights movement to the doorsteps of a vast majority of Americans, a courageous white abolitionist by the name of John Brown fought and died for the emancipation of slaves across the nation. He fought alongside abolitionists such as Frederick Douglass to secure the freedom of slaves.

It was upon the raid on Harper's Ferry between the days of Oct. 16 and 18, 1859, however, that John Brown showed his true dedication to the eradication of the selfish, senseless and outlandish insanity of slavery. His failed attempt to overthrow slavery by force ended in 17 deaths, and after his capture, the death by hanging of John Brown himself.

Brown, through the years, has had a variety of African American writers praise his leadership and selfless dedication to what was ultimately a suicidal cause. Even Malcom X said: "If you are for me and my problems then you have to be willing to do what old John Brown did."

All of this is, of course, an introduction to one of the great, modern ska/reggae bands currently touring the nation. Belly Up Aspen will be hosting John Brown's Body on Saturday, Oct. 11, alongside opening act Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad.

It should also be said that their name, John Brown's Body, is a nod to both a poem and a song written in the late 1800s commemorating the valiant soldier of equality.

John Brown's Body, as a band, is a multi-cultural collective bent on shaking the silly prejudice and ignorant racism from the core of anyone within earshot of their sonic-drowned soundstage.

Formed in 1995, John Brown's Body has continually put out some of the most future-forward and intensely designed reggae of their generation. Without limits, they have figured out a master plan of melody, beats, and beautiful, fist-in-the-air lyricism that might go unsurpassed for generations.

John Brown's Body's new recording is entitled "Amplify." The disc is classic JBB with a touch of pop that is neither overbearing nor too political. The album is, as a matter of fact, well thought out, unobtrusive and thought-provoking. 

After nearly 15 years of touring and recording, John Brown's Body is a team of reggae and ska bandits that leave nothing left to the sorry whims of industry. Touring is a pleasure, recording is like breathing and the future is left to those who might catch a listen.

Because each and every individual wrapped up in the body of, well, John Brown's Body, is exceptional, it is important that they are listed with distinction here. Elliot Martin is the great lead vocalist. Tommy Benedetti plays drums better than you. Nate Edgar holds down the groove on bass. Kofi Matthew Goodwin gets funky on his Hammond B3, but is not to be outdone by guitarist Mike Keenan. As far as trumpet goes do you even have to ask if it's Mr. Alex Toth? Scott Flynn makes the girls swoon with his trombone antics, and Annakamia Traver just says: "Give me my damn saxophone!"

As if it weren't enough that JBB is the pre-eminent American ska/reggae band, a couple of the members have branched off to form an even more traditional group called 10 Foot Ganja Plant. Perhaps subtlety is not their best suit.

Another great act, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, will be opening for John Brown's Body. Between the two acts it is assured that the healing powers of groove, vibe and love will keep our bouncing souls marching on as one.

hood@aspendailynews.com [1]