JOHN BROWN’S BODY

JBB IN DUB

“JBB in Dub” is a snapshot of the progress John Brown’s Body has made in the development of its so-called “future roots” sound. The long-running reggae band cohoused in Boston and Ithaca, N.Y., seemed at the breaking point around five years ago, when the last of the original members from the mid-’90s founding lineup departed following the death of bassist Scott Palmer. But the ability by new recruits and frontman Elliot Martin to harness a broader vision has given JBB a new life. “JBB in Dub” is a mostly instrumental affair, collecting fresh jams rather than offering true dub mixes of older songs. But don’t let terminology splicing get in the way of falling under the sway of these brain-tweaking, body-rocking tracks. “JBB in Dub” highlights the way John Brown’s Body spices its reggae with the sort of experimentation that is common in groove-rock or jazz. Like dub mixes, the bass and drums dominate the instrumental tracks, and variants spring from there. The horn section plays a crucial role throughout, asserting itself with solos and ensembles that offer lighter tones as contrast to the darker work generated by the rhythm section. “The Grass” brings Martin back to the forefront to sing this popular concert number about having the strength to endure. (Out Tuesday)

ESSENTIAL “The Grass”