Reggae music always draws a large crowd in Hermosa Beach, and Friday night was no exception. Fans arrived early on, eager to hear some irie tunes, and to take advantage of Saint Rocke's happy hour ($5 tacos and beers anyone?).

As the libations flowed and more fans filed in, Alific warmed the crowd with some dubbed out Damien Marley-esque beats. Accompanying MC was none other than KBong, keyboardist for Stick Figure. KBong freestlyed on the mic, reminding us all why reggae and hip hop are such a great combo.

The house was packed when Stick Figure took the stage. Friday night was Stick Figure's last stop after a two-week tour with John Brown's Body. Stick Figure is a 4-piece reggae band, with mastermind Scott "Stick" Woodruff at the helm.

Stick Figure sings about introspection, growing as person, and learning from mistakes. Songs like "Trouble Up There" highlight a deep, personal journey, with music as the saving grace for much of the hardships in life. These messages resonate with fans, and Stick played to that connection, rousing the crowd to sing along to many of his popular songs like "Breathe" and "Livin' It".

Highlights of the night included a drunken fan meandering through the crowd with a GoPro on his head, and the epitomal puffs of smoke rising from the crowd (a fitting element, considering the genre).

John Brown's Body came on stage to roaring applause. Affectionately known by fans as "JBB", the 8-piece, Ithaca-based band has developed quite a following on the west coast. Hermosa Beach was JBB's second-to-last stop on their month-long national tour in support of their recent album release, Kings & Queens, under Easy Star Records.

Lead singer Elliot Martin delivered an elevating performance. Many fans describe his performances as enlightening--his vocals intimate an opening of the mind to the realm of wonder and possibilities in the world. Much of what Elliot sings about is allegorical, a value-based reflection of life, with uplifting messages of positivity and hope. Songs like "Follow Into Shadow" describe a personal vow to lead an honest and virtuous life. "Make It Easy" is a danceable reggae number, and a plea to alleviate life's struggles.

JBB Bassist Nate Edgar marinates the deepest of roots-y bass lines with the catchy rhythms of drummer Tommy Benedetti. Nate's bass lines are off-the-chain incredible. Seriously. For any reggae enthusiast, they will tickle your ear hairs and blow your mind. Reggae is all about the bass lines, it sets the groove, and Nate is at the top of his game.

Part of what makes JBB unique from most other reggae bands is its' self-described "future-roots", signature sound. No other band has truly re-imagined such a unique niche in reggae music. That idiosyncratic style resonated with fans Friday night, and the audience swayed to the rhythm accordingly.

Delivering a resounding performance was three-piece horn section Scott Flynn, Drew Sayers, and Sam Deschenne on trombone, saxophone, and trumpet, respectively. Drew really built up the energy of the crowd. He does this subtle thing during the show where he pats his hand over his chest to the first beat of measures between his sax lines. It's a very muted action, but it effected heartfelt praise for life and love through the music and audience.

Other notable moments of JBB's performance Friday evening included keyboardist Jon "JP" Petronzio and guitarist Jay Sparker's on-point vocal harmonies. Jay's foray into a guitar solo as the band jammed out on the last song, "The Gold," while intermediate in composition, showcased his budding, dual talents as a rhythm and lead guitarist.

One critical point--Elliot's voice did seem a bit croak-ish compared to his usual, clean performances. I want to emphasize that it did not detract from the magic of JBB's sound, but to the keen ear, and frequent JBB concert attendee (like myself), there was an understandable hint of strain in his vocals after a month on the road.

Overall, Friday marked another epic evening presented by Resin Music, South Bay's premiere record label and promoter of all things reggae. A pioneering brand in reggae culture, Resin Music has a knack for amassing Beach City locals for incredible shows like Friday's gem.

JBB Set List:
TKO
Wellington
Step Inside
33 RPM
Plantation
Make It Easy
Old John Brown
Empty Hands
Deep Summer
Follow Into Shadow
The Gold

BAND LINKS:

John Brown's Body:
Website: http://www.johnbrownsbody.com/site/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnbrownsbody

Stick Figure:
Website: http://www.stickfiguremusic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stickfiguremusic

Alific:
Website: http://www.alific.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlificMusic

 

Reach Staff Reporter Alex Gold.

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Photos courtesy of David Norris, lead photographer at The Pier.