Trojan marches with ‘Scratch’
TO mark the first year since his death, Trojan Records will release a box set in honour of reggae legend and dub pioneer Lee “Scratch” Perry.
Titled King Scratch (Musical Masterpieces From The Upsetter Ark-ive), the 109-track set will be released on September 2. It spans Perry’s 65-year career.
Available in multiple formats — double CD, double vinyl, and deluxe box set — ‘King Scratch’ includes rare and unreleased DJ mixes, a previously unreleased mix of Junior Murvin’s Police And Thieves and Hurt So Good by Susan Cadogan. There is also The Upsetters’ classic Return of Django and a 7 inch mix of Jungle Lion.
Also included is a 50-page illustrated book, written by Perry’s official biographer David Katz, along with photos by Adrian Boot and a 24″ x 24″ colour poster.
Lee “Scratch” Perry was as enigmatic as he was influential. His Black Ark Studio in Washington Gardens, St Andrew, was ground zero in the 1970s for his out-of-the-box productions. His Upsetter label won him legions of fans in Jamaica and abroad.
Perry’s productions include Beat Down Babylon by Junior Byles; The Wailers’ Duppy Conqueror, Mr Brown, and Small Axe; and Fisherman from The Congos.
Among his loyal fans were British punk rock group The Clash who covered Police And Thieves.
The Clash wanted to experience Perry’s magic first-hand. He produced their 1977 single, Complete Control, which reached number 28 on the United Kingdom singles chart.
Born in the district of Kendal, Hanover, Perry also recorded as an artiste. In the latter stages of his career, he was in-demand throughout Europe and parts of the United States.
In 2003, he won a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album for Jamaican E T.
In 2011, The Upsetter, a documentary about Perry, narrated by American actor Benito Del Toro, was released in theatres worldwide after premièring at the 2008 SXSW Film Festival.
Perry was conferred with the Order of Distinction by the Jamaican Government for his contribution to reggae in 2012.
The 85-year-old producer died at Noel Holmes Hospital in Lucea, Hanover on August 29.
