SPOTLIGHT
Eccentric Genius
by Kazu Watanabe
With a hefty resume of records, as both producer and performer, and an undeniable influence on Jamaica’s music history, Lee “Scratch” Perry is stirring up some more noise with an appearance at B.B. King’s on Feb. 13.
Lee “Scratch” Perry is no newcomer to the music scene. Since the late ’50s Perry has been producing and recording music, experimenting with the upbeat sounds of Jamaican ska and giving it his own twist. Perry’s innovation in Jamaican music is well noted. Using a slow, bass-heavy rhythm, Perry helped to innovate the roots reggae sound and is questionably also the originator of the “dub” sound.
Perry’s eccentricity in experimentation of sounds is matched only by his own unique flair in style. With a thrift store combination of mismatched colors and accessories, Perry’s appearance challenges the likes of George Clinton and Flava Flav, allowing everyone to know when he’s arrived.This eccentricity has been infectious to many and attracted a lot of big artists to collaborate with Perry, including Bob Marley, The Clash, and most recently, The Beastie Boys.
Although already a veteran to music, Perry is not slowing down. With an expected record release in April and a North American summer tour in the works, Perry is out to grab everyone’s attention once again.
