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LEE "SCRATCH" PERRY AT FUJI ROCK '08
Friday night at Fuji will certainly be a treat for fans of dub. Not only with the phenomenal live dub and African grooves of African Head charge be rumbling through the Orange Court but the latest announcement of artists to the lineup includes none other than the grand daddy of dub himself Lee “Scratch” Perry. With his always heavily adorned mic in hand Perry will be laying his unique mix of freestyle and stream of consciousness lyrical dancing over the densely echoed rhythms of probably his greatest disciple, Mad Professor. Perry turned 75 this year and there is no overstating the impact that he has had on reggae music, producing not only some of Bob Marley’s best tunes but also developing a style of production at his legendary Black Ark Studios in Jamaica in the 70’s that no one to this day has been able to reproduce. Looking at this photo of him performing at Fuji Rock in 2008 with a cloud of smoke rising from his head, you get some idea of the kind of psychedelic experience you are in for when this man who claims he can channel messages from aliens takes the stage.
The two have released several albums together and Mad Professor’s mastery of his stacks of digital music making machines is a perfect compliment Perry’s always eccentric performance style. As far as I can tell, Perry just edges out Buddy Guy as the oldest performer at the Festival this year and I am sure he will be able to teach the young audience a thing or two about living life with limitless individuality and creativity.
Check out photos of Lee “Scratch” Perry’s 2008 set here.
