I have always been a fan of the syncopated rhythms of Ska, Dub, and Reggae.  Everything from the 2 Tone Dance Craze era in England to the orginal Studio One recordings.  The person that comes to mind as the purveyor and visionary father of Dub music and the creator of the "Remix" is Lee "Scratch" Perry.  Perry was born Rainford Hugh Perry on March 20, 1936 in Kendal, Jamaica. His work as a producer and musician is considered some of the most influential in the history of ska , reggae and dub.

Perry began working in the recording industry in Jamaica the 1950s as a record seller for Coxsone Dodd's Sound System, which was essentially a mobile booth containing speakers and a variety of American R&B records. The DJ would play the records in the street, and the record seller would hawk them. Coxsone Dodd eventually turned to making his own records in the legendary Studio One, where Perry was his assistant.

After personality conflicts caused Perry to break with Coxsone Dodd, Perry served a short stint at Joe Gibbs' studio, and eventually began his own label, Upsetter Records. His first hit single, recorded with his band The Upsetters, was called "People Funny Boy", and made two major musical innovations: first, it was a very early use of a "sample" (a clip of a sound used for effect, common in rap)  Perry is credited as being the inventor of dub, an off-shoot of reggae that emphasizes mixing-board remixes of instrumental songs, often with the bass and drums turned up and lots of reverb. Dub, in turn, is the predecessor of many genres of dance music, as well as hip-hop.

This coming week Scion Indie Film Series is sponsoring a documentary about Lee "Scratch" Perry  called The Upsetter and is screening in LA on the 12th at the Fine Arts Theater in Beverly Hills from 8pm - 12am. This film will portray the past and present of Perry's musical journey and conquest. Hope to see you there. LOCATION: THE FINE ARTS THEATRE 8556 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills Welcome cocktail reception w/ music provided by DJ Hier Q&A with Special Guest

-PW

*** MUST RSVP TO GAIN ENTRY: CLICK HERE Early arrival is suggested as space is limited Must be 21+ to enter