Lee “Scratch” Perry, one of the most important figures in the history of reggae music, will be embarking on a brief US tour this month. As an artist, songwriter, innovator, performer, creator and especially a producer, Perry has been at the forefront of reggae music since the late-fifties ska movement. Lee is undeniably the inventor of dub, reggae and the “scratch” turntable effect used by DJ’s everywhere.

Perry’s most recent album, the Grammy-nominated Repentance, fuses his signature style with a truly diverse collection of contemporary musical influences. Starting with a chance meeting between Perry and hyper-energetic artist/producer Andrew W.K. at SXSW in 2006, the pair formed an unthinkable friendship which led to a musical collaboration, resulting in the remarkable Repentance, Perry’s 54th studio album. Guest musicians include electronic maven Moby, seminal producer Don Fleming, and drummer Brian Chippendale of staccato noise duo Lightning Bolt! The album fuses reggae with hip-hop and dancehall, making a timeless Perry album that can only be described as a true masterpiece.

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Lee “Scratch” Perry – Santa Claus

TOUR DATES:
12/13/09 – Highline Ballroom – New York, NY
12/14/09 – 9:30 Club – Washington, DC
12/16/09 – The Star Bar – Park City, UT
12/18/09 – Independent – San Francisco, CA
12/19/09 – The New Parish of Oakland – Oakland, CA
12/20/09 – The Catalyst – Santa Cruz, CA

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http://www.myspace.com/leescratchperry