Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry is known for his innovative studio techniques, unique production style and weird tunes. After initially working with ska, he combined influences from soul, funk, reggae and dub in the early and mid-1970s.
Perry produced music with his studio band The Upsetters from 1968 onwards and released hundreds of records under the Upsetter label. In 1973, Perry built the Black Ark Studio behind his family’s house in Kingston and founded the Black Art label. Five years later, the eccentric producer burned down the studio – as a sacrifice, he explained, because of the ‘unclean spirits’ that the place had attracted over time.
46-minute mix with 14 tracks from the Perry orbit.
Featured cover art: Lee Perry & The Upsetters – Revolution Dub
Playlist
Lee Perry & The Gaylets – How Come
Asking a less than innocent question. (1968, WIRL / Re: Trojan Records)
The Hippy Boys – Nurse J’kel
The members of the Hippy Boys were also active in Lee Perry’s studio band, The Upsetters. However, Nurse J’kel was produced by Sonia Pottinger, the first female Jamaican record producer. (1969, High Note Records / Re: Trojan Records)
Lee Perry – Sipreano
Featuring organ riffs by Winston Wright and a dialogue from the Steve McQueen western Nevada Smith. (1970, Upsetter / Re: Trojan Records)
The Upsetters – Soul Walk
Spaced-out electric keyboard textures and a funky riddim. (1970, Upsetter / Re: Trojan Records)
The Upsetters – Cold Weather
Exploring synthesisers and beginning to develop the Black Ark Studio sound. (1973, Black Art Records / Re: Antarctica Starts Here)
Jah-T – Lick The Pipe Peter Part 4
Praising collie weed. (1972, Upsetter / Re: Trojan Records)
The Mighty Upsetter – Enter The Dragon
From the album Kung Fu Meets The Dragon, with references to martial arts films that became popular in the mid-1970s. (1975, Dip / Re: Justice League)
Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry & Junior Byles – Dreader Locks
Version of Junior Byles’ hit Curly Locks featuring Lee Perry, combining rhythm and echo conversations. (1974, Dip / Re: Doctor Bird)
Lee Perry & The Upsetters – Bush Weed
Rigorously deconstructing Ricky & Bunny’s hit by the means of dub. (1975, Cactus / Re: Trojan Records)
The Upsetters – Tedious (Dub)
Dub version of a track from Junior Murvin’s hit album Police & Thieves, produced by Lee Perry. (1977, Orchid / Re: Trojan Records)
Susan Cadogan – Nice ‘n’ Easy
Impressed by Anne Cadogan’s voice, Lee Perry begins recording with the young singer and gives her the new name Susan. The following year, her hit Hurt So Good remains in the top 5 of the British singles charts for twelve weeks. (1975, Upsetter / Re: Trojan Records)
Lee Perry & The Upsetters – Kojak
Perry as an impersonator of the New York City-based Detective Lieutenant. (1975, Cactus / Re: Trojan Records)
Lee Perry & The Upsetters – Bird in Hand
From the last LP recorded at Black Ark Studio: Return Of The Super Ape. This track is a cover version of the Indian song Milte Hi Aankhe, which was featured in the 1950 film Babul. (1978, Lion Of Judah / Re: VP Records)
Keith Rowe – Groovy Situation
On a trip from the USA back to Jamaica, Keith Rowe meets Lee Perry in his studio, searching for yet another new sound. (1977, Black Swan / Re: Trojan Records)
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