Lee 'Scratch' Fever in Chicago

source: Tanya Andghuladze

Such comfortable music was to be heard at Monday night’s concert with Mr. Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry.

The effect of which still lingers long into dreams and permeates the next day and those to come.

A performance that radiated with lively and intense moving and shaking from this most lovely of gentlemen and country boys. 

He came to upset as his nickname suggests; to uplift or destroy in hopes of further creation.  Which is exactly what he did, living up to his name “The Upsetter”.  You take what you will from him, as Tribune reporter took the following:

“He used the stage as a soapbox, delivering fast-paced comments indecipherable to anyone that didn't speak in tongues.”  (Gendron, Bob. “Reggae Pioneer Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry brings circus act to Lincoln Hall”, chicagotribune.com)

Perhaps being trilingual aided in my comprehension of Scratch’s words as I heard much good advice from him, amongst “Exercise”, “Chop us” and “Push” or was it “Cush” or perhaps it is my desire to join the circus, if Scratch is leading a circus, I say Ahoy! His words were mainly recounting stories as far as I could gather, no religious zealousness was noticed by the likes of me, stories about staying at Chicago’s Hyatt and a reference or two to Zion.  The words themselves are maybe not meant for all minds to comprehend, but the groove is there for all ears.  A wonderful variety of samples which is what helped create Scratch’s music, this art of sampling. Everything from a rooster crowing to a horse neighing to telephones being dialed into outer space.  Improvisation is an integral part of his live performance, the energy from others leading this sensitive man to play and laugh and love what he does which is evident in everything from his glowing clothes to his shining voice to his hopeful laughter. 

My only criticism being that of the venue’s hospitality or lack thereof which is in fact a criticism of most ‘for profit’ venues.  Upon lifting his wine glass towards midnight, Mr. Perry discovered it to be empty.  So he set it down and patiently waited, this time another glass was not brought as it was earlier in the show.  If a guest lifts his glass, he is most likely interested in taking a sip.  We do not lift empty glasses to check their weight but as a gesture to the host for a potential refill if of course there is more to be offered.  Much to my dismay, another glass was never brought and the show ended soon after.  An establishment that hosts should strive to be the host(ess) with the most(ess) in order to have repeated sold-out shows such as Scratch brought to Lincoln Hall. 

Nevertheless, I left and remain completely satisfied, changed and energized by Mr. Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry.  Bravo Maestro!