Lee "Scratch" Perry Livelies Up Lincoln Hall Tonight

By Chuck Sudo in Arts & Entertainment on May 21, 2012 4:30PM

Name a reggae artist from the musical style's early days and chances are Lee "Scratch" Perry has produced one of their albums. Bob Marley & the Wailers, Max Romeo, The Heptones and The Congos are just a few of the acts Perry produced at his studio, The Black Ark.

In a career spanning nearly six decades, Perry is best known as being, along with the legendary King Tubby, the creator of dub. Using only the basic studio equipment available in his studio, Perry created studio techniques and sounds that were ahead of their time and are still a major influence on modern reggae, hip-hop, and the pot smoking habits of dreadlocked white kids the world over.

Perry's career took a downturn in the late 70s after The Black Ark burned down, but he staged a comeback with the help of British producers Adrian Sherwood (of the group Tackhead) and Neil "Mad Professor" Fraser, swore off drink and ganja and hasn't looked back.

The past two decades have seen Perry's career transform into an in-demand guest contributor and producer; he asked Andrew W.K. to co-produce his 2008 album Repentance. His club and small venue gigs frequently sell out, but there are still tickets available to Perry's 21+ gig tonight at Lincoln Hall. Cost is $20 in advance, $25 at the door.