Skerik
Encyclopedia
Skerik is an American
saxophonist from Seattle, Washington
. Performing on the tenor
and baritone saxophone
, often with electronics and loops, Skerik is a pioneer in a playing style that has been dubbed saxophonics
. He is a founding member of Critters Buggin
, Garage a Trois
and Skerik's Syncopated Taint Septet
. He is also an original member of both Les Claypool's Fancy Band
and Frog Brigade and has toured with and played with numerous others in a variety of genres.
introduced him to South African music and Zaire soukous
bands in London where he first began playing music full time.
Skerik returned to Seattle in the late 1980s where he played with Sadhappy. In the early 1990s he joined three ex-members of New Bohemians
to form Critters Buggin
(who have remained active through 2008). Projects since that time have included Ponga
(Wayne Horvitz
and Bobby Previte
), Tuatara
(Peter Buck
, Scott McCaughey
and Craig Flory) and solo works of Stanton Moore
as well as Garage A Trois
(also including Charlie Hunter
). Beginning 2000 Skerik was a member of every incarnation of Les Claypool
's Frog Brigade and Fancy Band
. In 2001 Skerik played the Pacific Northwest portion of Roger Waters
' tour, reproducing the sax lead in "Money
".
In 2002 Skerik formed Syncopated Taint Septet
with fellow Seattle musicians. After touring nationally, their 2006 studio release Husky
received very positive reviews.
Skerik won the award of "Northwest Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year" at the 2003 Earshot Jazz
Golden Ear Awards.
Skerik has expressed support of music education for young people and support for activism such as the voting project HeadCount
. In interviews he has discussed creative integrity and spontaneity. He has also provided music workshops.
, Garage a Trois
(which has included Stanton Moore
, Charlie Hunter
, Mike Dillon
and Marco Benevento
), Crack Sabbath and The Dead Kenny G's. Skerik is an original member of Les Claypool's Fancy Band
and Frog Brigade, Bobby Previte
's Ponga
and Coalition of the Willing
and Joe Doria
's McTuff. In the 1990s he was also a member of Tuatara
(with Peter Buck
) and Seattle-based Sadhappy.
Skerik has toured with Fred Wesley
, Mike Clark and The Headhunters
, Wayne Horvitz
(Zony Mash), Mad Season
and Roger Waters
. He has performed with Pearl Jam
, R.E.M.
, Bonnie Raitt
, The Meters
, Galactic
, Dumpstaphunk, Johnny Vidacovich
, Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey
, Ween
, and many, many others.
In Seattle Skerik leads Seattle-based "punk-jazz" ensemble Skerik's Syncopated Taint Septet
. He is a founding member of Seattle's Crack Sabbath. He is also a member of Seattle-based McTuff.
In New Orleans he is a member of Maelstrom Trio (including long-time duomates keyboardist Brian Coogan
and drummer Simon Lott). The Maelstrom Trio combines disparate elements such as free jazz, funk, metal and textural music. Skerik and percussionist Mike Dillon
have toured as a trio with New Orleans bassist James Singleton
as "Illuminasti".
Skerik and Dillon also perform as a trio called "The Dead Kenny G's" with alternate third members. National tours have included keyboardist Brian Haas and bassist Brad Houser
. With Houser they have also toured as "Critters Buggin Trio" and in 2009 they released a debut CD entitled Bewildered Herd. As the band's name implies there is an expressed disdain for smooth jazz
and commercialism
. Skerik has described The Dead Kenny G's as a "free-jazz version of The Melvins
."
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
saxophonist from Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Washington
Seattle is the county seat of King County, Washington. With 608,660 residents as of the 2010 Census, Seattle is the largest city in the Northwestern United States. The Seattle metropolitan area of about 3.4 million inhabitants is the 15th largest metropolitan area in the country...
. Performing on the tenor
Tenor saxophone
The tenor saxophone is a medium-sized member of the saxophone family, a group of instruments invented by Adolphe Sax in the 1840s. The tenor, with the alto, are the two most common types of saxophones. The tenor is pitched in the key of B, and written as a transposing instrument in the treble...
and baritone saxophone
Baritone saxophone
The baritone saxophone, often called "bari sax" , is one of the largest and lowest pitched members of the saxophone family. It was invented by Adolphe Sax. The baritone is distinguished from smaller sizes of saxophone by the extra loop near its mouthpiece...
, often with electronics and loops, Skerik is a pioneer in a playing style that has been dubbed saxophonics
Saxophonics
Saxophonics is the creation of sounds through the use of a saxophone and one or more electronic effects units, often altering the acoustic sound of the horn beyond recognition. Additionally, saxophonics often entails the use of altissimo, overtones, growling, and other extended techniques...
. He is a founding member of Critters Buggin
Critters Buggin
Critters Buggin is a Seattle, Washington-based instrumental group which performs in a jazz, rock and African-influenced, eclectic style. The band is composed of Matt Chamberlain , Skerik , Brad Houser Critters Buggin is a Seattle, Washington-based instrumental group which performs in a jazz, rock...
, Garage a Trois
Garage A Trois
Garage A Trois is a quartet including drummer Stanton Moore, saxophonist Skerik, vibraphone and percussionist Mike Dillon and keyboardist Marco Benevento. They play a variety of music including rock, funk and jazz.- History :...
and Skerik's Syncopated Taint Septet
Skerik's Syncopated Taint Septet
Skerik's Syncopated Taint Septet is a jazz ensemble formed in Seattle, Washington in 2002.-Music:Although uniquely merging jazz and funk, the music of Skerik's Syncopated Taint Septet can also include "New Orleans flavors", solid grooves, swing and hip-hop combined into something both appealing...
. He is also an original member of both Les Claypool's Fancy Band
Les Claypool's Fancy Band
Les Claypool's Fancy Band was a lineup of musicians on tour with Les Claypool from 2005 to 2008. The band consisted of Claypool on bass, Skerik on tenor and baritone saxophone, Mike Dillon on vibraphone, marimba, tabla, cuíca and percussion, Gabby La La on sitar, ukulele and theremin and Paulo...
and Frog Brigade and has toured with and played with numerous others in a variety of genres.
History
Skerik began playing saxophone in the fifth grade in the Mercer Island public school system. His father's love of jazz was an early inspiration. He played saxophone, keyboards and drums in a rock band at Mercer Island High School. He has cited The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd as bands from that time period who brought saxophone into rock music well. In the 1980s he travelled to London, Paris and the South Pacific working day jobs and playing in a variety of bands. His friendship with Leif TotusekLeif Totusek
Leif Totusek is an American born guitarist, band-leader and composer. A major player on the scene in London, Seattle, Boston, who has played, collaborated and been special guest with African Artist Mose Fan Fan, Ali Birra, Geoffrey Oryema, Diblo Dibala, Orchestra Virunga, Tabu Ley Rochereau and...
introduced him to South African music and Zaire soukous
Soukous
Soukous is a dance music genre that originated in the two neighbouring countries of Belgian Congo and French Congo during the 1930s and early 1940s, and which has gained popularity throughout Africa...
bands in London where he first began playing music full time.
Skerik returned to Seattle in the late 1980s where he played with Sadhappy. In the early 1990s he joined three ex-members of New Bohemians
Edie Brickell & New Bohemians
Edie Brickell & New Bohemians is an alternative rock jam band that originated in Texas in the mid-1980s. The band is best known for their 1988 hit "What I Am" from the album Shooting Rubberbands at the Stars. Their music contains elements of rock, folk, blues, and jazz...
to form Critters Buggin
Critters Buggin
Critters Buggin is a Seattle, Washington-based instrumental group which performs in a jazz, rock and African-influenced, eclectic style. The band is composed of Matt Chamberlain , Skerik , Brad Houser Critters Buggin is a Seattle, Washington-based instrumental group which performs in a jazz, rock...
(who have remained active through 2008). Projects since that time have included Ponga
Ponga (band)
Ponga was a Seattle-based improvisational quartet composed of Dave Palmer , Bobby Previte , Skerik and Wayne Horvitz . Ponga's performances and recordings were entirely improvised with no over dubs. The quartet started in 1997 and upon their first self-titled release in 1999 toured North America,...
(Wayne Horvitz
Wayne Horvitz
Wayne Horvitz is an American composer, keyboardist and record producer.-Biography:Horvitz, a "defiant cross-breeder of genres", has led the groups The President, Pigpen, Zony Mash, and the Four Plus One Ensemble...
and Bobby Previte
Bobby Previte
Robert "Bobby" Previte is a drummer, composer and bandleader. Previte earned a B.A. in Economics at the University at Buffalo, where he also studied percussion. He moved to New York City in 1979, and became active in the city's thriving jazz and experimental music scenes...
), Tuatara
Tuatara
The tuatara is a reptile endemic to New Zealand which, though it resembles most lizards, is actually part of a distinct lineage, order Sphenodontia. The two species of tuatara are the only surviving members of its order, which flourished around 200 million years ago. Their most recent common...
(Peter Buck
Peter Buck
Peter Lawrence Buck , is an American rock guitarist who is best known for playing in and co-founding alternative rock band R.E.M....
, Scott McCaughey
Scott McCaughey
As a singer and songwriter, Scott McCaughey is the leader of the Seattle and Portland-based bands The Young Fresh Fellows and The Minus 5.He is also bassist for Robyn Hitchcock's most recent touring band, The Venus 3, along with Bill Rieflin and Peter Buck....
and Craig Flory) and solo works of Stanton Moore
Stanton Moore
Stanton Moore is a drummer raised in Metairie, Louisiana. Most widely known as a founding member of Galactic, Moore has also pursued a solo recording career and recorded with bands as diverse as jazz-funk keyboardist Robert Walter and heavy metal act Corrosion of Conformity...
as well as Garage A Trois
Garage A Trois
Garage A Trois is a quartet including drummer Stanton Moore, saxophonist Skerik, vibraphone and percussionist Mike Dillon and keyboardist Marco Benevento. They play a variety of music including rock, funk and jazz.- History :...
(also including Charlie Hunter
Charlie Hunter
for the New Zealand racehorse trainer and driver see: Charlie HunterCharlie Hunter is an American guitarist, composer and bandleader....
). Beginning 2000 Skerik was a member of every incarnation of Les Claypool
Les Claypool
Leslie Edward "Les" Claypool is an American musician and writer, best known as the lead vocalist and bassist in the band Primus. Claypool's playing style on the electric bass mixes tapping, flamenco-like strumming, whammy bar bends and slapping.Claypool has also self produced and engineered his...
's Frog Brigade and Fancy Band
Les Claypool's Fancy Band
Les Claypool's Fancy Band was a lineup of musicians on tour with Les Claypool from 2005 to 2008. The band consisted of Claypool on bass, Skerik on tenor and baritone saxophone, Mike Dillon on vibraphone, marimba, tabla, cuíca and percussion, Gabby La La on sitar, ukulele and theremin and Paulo...
. In 2001 Skerik played the Pacific Northwest portion of Roger Waters
Roger Waters
George Roger Waters is an English musician, singer-songwriter and composer. He was a founding member of the progressive rock band Pink Floyd, serving as bassist and co-lead vocalist. Following the departure of bandmate Syd Barrett in 1968, Waters became the band's lyricist, principal songwriter...
' tour, reproducing the sax lead in "Money
Money (Pink Floyd song)
"Money" is the sixth track from English progressive rock band Pink Floyd's 1973 album The Dark Side of the Moon. Written by bassist Roger Waters, it opened side two of the original vinyl LP, and is the only song on the album to enter the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100...
".
In 2002 Skerik formed Syncopated Taint Septet
Skerik's Syncopated Taint Septet
Skerik's Syncopated Taint Septet is a jazz ensemble formed in Seattle, Washington in 2002.-Music:Although uniquely merging jazz and funk, the music of Skerik's Syncopated Taint Septet can also include "New Orleans flavors", solid grooves, swing and hip-hop combined into something both appealing...
with fellow Seattle musicians. After touring nationally, their 2006 studio release Husky
Husky (album)
Husky is a studio album by Skerik's Syncopated Taint Septet released 2006. It was recorded at the Sound Factory in Los Angeles, California March 2004. Much of the recording is first takes. Skerik talks about recording the album:...
received very positive reviews.
Skerik won the award of "Northwest Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year" at the 2003 Earshot Jazz
Earshot Jazz
Earshot Jazz is a regional jazz non-profit organization in Seattle Washington. The organization publishes a free monthly journal in the Seattle area and hosts numerous jazz related events annually. The most prominent annual event is the Earshot Jazz Festival in October and November which started in...
Golden Ear Awards.
Skerik has expressed support of music education for young people and support for activism such as the voting project HeadCount
HeadCount
HeadCount is a nonpartisan organization that works with musicians to promote participation in democracy in the US. It is best known for registering voters at concerts – having signed up 175,000 voters since its launch in 2004. It also encourages voter turnout and general civic participation...
. In interviews he has discussed creative integrity and spontaneity. He has also provided music workshops.
Various projects
Skerik is a founding member of Critters BugginCritters Buggin
Critters Buggin is a Seattle, Washington-based instrumental group which performs in a jazz, rock and African-influenced, eclectic style. The band is composed of Matt Chamberlain , Skerik , Brad Houser Critters Buggin is a Seattle, Washington-based instrumental group which performs in a jazz, rock...
, Garage a Trois
Garage A Trois
Garage A Trois is a quartet including drummer Stanton Moore, saxophonist Skerik, vibraphone and percussionist Mike Dillon and keyboardist Marco Benevento. They play a variety of music including rock, funk and jazz.- History :...
(which has included Stanton Moore
Stanton Moore
Stanton Moore is a drummer raised in Metairie, Louisiana. Most widely known as a founding member of Galactic, Moore has also pursued a solo recording career and recorded with bands as diverse as jazz-funk keyboardist Robert Walter and heavy metal act Corrosion of Conformity...
, Charlie Hunter
Charlie Hunter
for the New Zealand racehorse trainer and driver see: Charlie HunterCharlie Hunter is an American guitarist, composer and bandleader....
, Mike Dillon
Mike Dillon (musician)
Mike Dillon is a percussionist, vibraphonist, bandleader, vocalist and songwriter born in San Antonio, Texas. He is a member of Critters Buggin, Les Claypool's Fancy Band and Garage A Trois...
and Marco Benevento
Marco Benevento
Marco Benevento is a pianist, organist and composer from Brooklyn, New York. Benevento is known for his effected piano work with his trio as well as his Hammond Organ and Wurlitzer Electric Piano work with the Benevento Russo Duo...
), Crack Sabbath and The Dead Kenny G's. Skerik is an original member of Les Claypool's Fancy Band
Les Claypool's Fancy Band
Les Claypool's Fancy Band was a lineup of musicians on tour with Les Claypool from 2005 to 2008. The band consisted of Claypool on bass, Skerik on tenor and baritone saxophone, Mike Dillon on vibraphone, marimba, tabla, cuíca and percussion, Gabby La La on sitar, ukulele and theremin and Paulo...
and Frog Brigade, Bobby Previte
Bobby Previte
Robert "Bobby" Previte is a drummer, composer and bandleader. Previte earned a B.A. in Economics at the University at Buffalo, where he also studied percussion. He moved to New York City in 1979, and became active in the city's thriving jazz and experimental music scenes...
's Ponga
Ponga (band)
Ponga was a Seattle-based improvisational quartet composed of Dave Palmer , Bobby Previte , Skerik and Wayne Horvitz . Ponga's performances and recordings were entirely improvised with no over dubs. The quartet started in 1997 and upon their first self-titled release in 1999 toured North America,...
and Coalition of the Willing
The Coalition of the Willing (band)
The Coalition of the Willing is an instrumental jazz and rock "all-star" ensemble led by Bobby Previte. Live performances are improvisational emphasizing groove, experimental and cross-genres. The self-titled album was released 2006 and the tour began in early 2006...
and Joe Doria
Joe Doria
Joe Doria is an American Hammond Organ keyboardist from Seattle, Washington. Playing many styles, Doria has backed solo artists from the Seattle area and is a member of several Seattle based groups, some of which have toured nationally...
's McTuff. In the 1990s he was also a member of Tuatara
Tuatara (band)
Tuatara is a Seattle-based instrumental music group featuring members of R.E.M., The Minus 5, Critters Buggin, and the Screaming Trees.-History:...
(with Peter Buck
Peter Buck
Peter Lawrence Buck , is an American rock guitarist who is best known for playing in and co-founding alternative rock band R.E.M....
) and Seattle-based Sadhappy.
Skerik has toured with Fred Wesley
Fred Wesley
Fred Wesley is an American jazz and funk trombonist, best known for his work with James Brown in the 1960s and 1970s.-Biography:...
, Mike Clark and The Headhunters
The Headhunters
The Headhunters are an American jazz-funk fusion band, best known for their albums they recorded as a backing band of jazz keyboard player Herbie Hancock during the 1970s. Hancock's debut album with the group, Head Hunters, is one of the best-selling jazz/fusion records of all time.-History:Herbie...
, Wayne Horvitz
Wayne Horvitz
Wayne Horvitz is an American composer, keyboardist and record producer.-Biography:Horvitz, a "defiant cross-breeder of genres", has led the groups The President, Pigpen, Zony Mash, and the Four Plus One Ensemble...
(Zony Mash), Mad Season
Mad Season
Mad Season was an American rock supergroup formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1994 by members of three popular Seattle-based bands: Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam and Screaming Trees. Mad Season only released one album, Above, and is best known for the single "River of Deceit"...
and Roger Waters
Roger Waters
George Roger Waters is an English musician, singer-songwriter and composer. He was a founding member of the progressive rock band Pink Floyd, serving as bassist and co-lead vocalist. Following the departure of bandmate Syd Barrett in 1968, Waters became the band's lyricist, principal songwriter...
. He has performed with Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam is an American rock band that formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1990. Since its inception, the band's line-up has included Eddie Vedder , Jeff Ament , Stone Gossard , and Mike McCready...
, R.E.M.
R.E.M.
R.E.M. was an American rock band formed in Athens, Georgia, in 1980 by singer Michael Stipe, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills and drummer Bill Berry. One of the first popular alternative rock bands, R.E.M. gained early attention due to Buck's ringing, arpeggiated guitar style and Stipe's...
, Bonnie Raitt
Bonnie Raitt
Bonnie Lynn Raitt is an American blues singer-songwriter and a renowned slide guitar player. During the 1970s, Raitt released a series of acclaimed roots-influenced albums which incorporated elements of blues, rock, folk and country, but she is perhaps best known for her more commercially...
, The Meters
The Meters
The Meters are an American funk band based in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Meters performed and recorded their own music from the late 1960s until 1977...
, Galactic
Galactic
Galactic is a funk and jazz jam band from New Orleans, Louisiana, United States.-Origins and background:Originally formed in 1994 as an octet and including singer Chris Lane and guitarist Rob Gowen, the group was soon pared down to a sextet of: guitarist Jeff Raines, bassist Robert Mercurio,...
, Dumpstaphunk, Johnny Vidacovich
Johnny Vidacovich
Johnny Vidacovich is a contemporary jazz drummer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Playing since the early 1970s with the quartet Astral Project , he has become widely renowned as a prominent and sought after New Orleans musician as well as contributing to New Orleans cultural heritage...
, Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey
Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey
Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey is a USA jazz group started in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1994. The band's lineup has changed multiple times over the years. The group first formed under the moniker "Pimp Cocktail" with founding member Brian Haas as well as Sean Layton, Dove McHargue, Matt Leland, & Kyle Wright...
, Ween
Ween
Ween is an American alternative rock group. They formed in 1984 in New Hope, Pennsylvania when central members Aaron Freeman and Mickey Melchiondo met in an eighth grade typing class. Ween has a large cult underground fanbase despite being generally unknown in American pop music...
, and many, many others.
In Seattle Skerik leads Seattle-based "punk-jazz" ensemble Skerik's Syncopated Taint Septet
Skerik's Syncopated Taint Septet
Skerik's Syncopated Taint Septet is a jazz ensemble formed in Seattle, Washington in 2002.-Music:Although uniquely merging jazz and funk, the music of Skerik's Syncopated Taint Septet can also include "New Orleans flavors", solid grooves, swing and hip-hop combined into something both appealing...
. He is a founding member of Seattle's Crack Sabbath. He is also a member of Seattle-based McTuff.
In New Orleans he is a member of Maelstrom Trio (including long-time duomates keyboardist Brian Coogan
Brian Coogan
Brian Coogan is a keyboardist and vocalist from New Orleans, Louisiana.A versatile musician, Coogan plays in many different contexts and projects, ranging from funk to jazz to rock, including many sub-genres within. He is often found as a sideman on gigs with other New Orleanians such as Johnny...
and drummer Simon Lott). The Maelstrom Trio combines disparate elements such as free jazz, funk, metal and textural music. Skerik and percussionist Mike Dillon
Mike Dillon (musician)
Mike Dillon is a percussionist, vibraphonist, bandleader, vocalist and songwriter born in San Antonio, Texas. He is a member of Critters Buggin, Les Claypool's Fancy Band and Garage A Trois...
have toured as a trio with New Orleans bassist James Singleton
James Singleton (musician)
James Singleton is an acoustic bassist, composer, and producer with an intimate and extensive affiliation with the New Orleans music scene. He is a member of the long-lived New Orleans-based jazz group Astral Project with Johnny Vidacovich, Tony Dagradi and Steve Masakowski. He has been described...
as "Illuminasti".
Skerik and Dillon also perform as a trio called "The Dead Kenny G's" with alternate third members. National tours have included keyboardist Brian Haas and bassist Brad Houser
Brad Houser
John Bradley Houser is an American bass guitar, baritone saxophone and bass clarinet player, originally from Dallas, Texas. He was a co-founding member of the New Bohemians, later to become known as Edie Brickell & New Bohemians...
. With Houser they have also toured as "Critters Buggin Trio" and in 2009 they released a debut CD entitled Bewildered Herd. As the band's name implies there is an expressed disdain for smooth jazz
Smooth jazz
Smooth jazz is a genre of music that grew out of jazz fusion and is influenced by R&B, funk, rock, and pop music styles ....
and commercialism
Commercialism
Commercialism, in its original meaning, is the practices, methods, aims, and spirit of commerce or business. Today, however, it primarily refers to the tendency within open-market capitalism to turn everything into objects, images, and services sold for the purpose of generating profit...
. Skerik has described The Dead Kenny G's as a "free-jazz version of The Melvins
The Melvins
The Melvins are an American band that formed in 1983. They usually perform as a trio, but in recent years have performed as a four piece with two drummers. Since 1984, singer and guitarist Buzz Osborne and drummer Dale Crover have been the band's constant members...
."
Discography
- 2001: Psychochromatic (Skerik Music)
- 2002: Skerik's Syncopated Taint SeptetSkerik's Syncopated Taint Septet (album)Skerik's Syncopated Taint Septet is a self-titled first album recorded live in September 2002 in Seattle, Washington. It was recorded at the venue Owl & Thistle...
(Ropeadope RecordsRopeadope RecordsRopeadope Records is an American record label specializing in jazz, hip hop, electronic and downtempo music. The label was founded by Andy Hurwitz in New York City and later moved to Philadelphia, where it is now located....
) - 2002: Black Frames SolarallergySolarallergySolarallergy is a jazz and rock instrumental album by Black Frames. Black Frames is a collaborative project by Skerik, Mike Dillon, Earl Harvin and Brad Houser from 2002. The album was accompanied by a national tour. Between the musicians are long-time associations: Dillon and Harvin from Ten Hands...
(independent) - 2004: Crack Sabbath Bar Slut (Independent)
- 2006: Left For Dead In Seattle (1995-2003 independent)
- 2006: Skerik's Syncopated Taint Septet HuskyHusky (album)Husky is a studio album by Skerik's Syncopated Taint Septet released 2006. It was recorded at the Sound Factory in Los Angeles, California March 2004. Much of the recording is first takes. Skerik talks about recording the album:...
(Hyena Records) - 2009: The Dead Kenny G's Bewildered Herd (independent)
- 2010: Skerik's Syncopated Taint Septet Live at The Triple Door (Royal Potato Family)
- 2011: The Dead Kenny G's Operation: Long Leash (independent)
with Critters Buggin
- 1994: GuestGuest (album)Guest is the first studio album by Critters Buggin of Seattle, Washington and was released in 1994 on Stone Gossard's then new label Loosegroove...
(Loosegroove Records) - 1997: HostHost (Critters Buggin album)Host is the second studio album by Critters Buggin of Seattle, Washington and was released in 1996. It was recorded December 18–20 at Bad Animals and December 21–23 live at OK Hotel 1995...
(Loosegroove Records) - 1997: Monkeypot MerganzerMonkeypot MerganzerMonkeypot Merganzer is the third studio album by Critters Buggin of Seattle, Washington and was released in 1997. Originally released independently, Monkeypot Merganzer was reissued by Kufala Recordings in 2004.-Track listing:# "Space Rant" - 4:30...
(Loosegroove Records) - 1998: BumpaBumpa (album)Bumpa is a studio album and live album by Critters Buggin of Seattle, Washington released in 1998. Originally released by Loosegroove, Bumpa was reissued by Kufala Recordings in 2004.-Track listing:# "Fluoride" 5:15# "Brozo the Clown" 5:37...
(Loosegroove Records) - 1998: AmoebaAmoeba (album)Amoeba is a studio album by Critters Buggin of Seattle, Washington recorded and released in 1999.-Track listing:# "Space Muffla" - 9:14# "Sonic Broom" - 5:51# "Slow and Bulbous" - 5:26# "Taint" - 2:18# "Imperial Turkey Blister" - 4:53...
(Loosegroove Records) - 2004: StampedeStampede (Critters Buggin album)Stampede is a studio album by Critters Buggin of Seattle, Washington recorded and released in 2004. Although categorized as jazz, funk and rock reviews of Stampede mostly noted it as unique and boundary defying. Reviews also described it as similar to the electronic period of Miles Davis...
(Ropeadope Records) - 2007: Get the Clackervalve and the Old Clobberd Biscuits Out and Smack the Grand Ham Clapper's Mother (DVD)
- 2009: Live in 95 at the OK Hotel - Seattle 1995 (independent)
with Les Claypool
- 2001: Les Claypool's Frog Brigade Live Frogs Set 1Live Frogs Set 1Live Frogs Set 1 is a live album by Colonel Les Claypool's Fearless Flying Frog Brigade, released by Prawn Song Records on 10 April 2001. It chronicles the first part of the 8 October 2000 show the Frog Brigade played at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco, the second part released as...
(Prawn Song Records) - 2001: Les Claypool's Frog Brigade Live Frogs Set 2Live Frogs Set 2Live Frogs Set 2 is the second set of live recordings by Les Claypool's Frog Brigade, released on July 24, 2001. The album is a complete performance of the Pink Floyd studio album Animals...
(Prawn Song Records) - 2002: Les Claypool's Frog Brigade Purple OnionPurple Onion-Credits:Musicians*Les Claypool - bass , vocals, percussion , guitar , whamola , drums *Jay Lane - drums *Mike Dillon - vibraphone , metal drum , percussion , tabla baya , pandiero , electric bow & arrow , metal sounds , cuica , marimba , metal , tabla *Skerik - saxophone , "fancy" sax...
(Prawn Song Records) - 2005: 5 Gallons Of Diesel5 Gallons Of Diesel-Extras:-External links:* at the...
(DVD - Prawn Song Records) - 2006: Of Whales and WoeOf Whales and WoeOf Whales And Woe is a solo album by Les Claypool, the bassist of Primus. The album was released on the May 30, 2006. The album features Skerik , Mike Dillon , and Gabby La La . "Back off Turkey" also features Les' children, Cage and Lena...
(Prawn Song Records) - 2007: FancyFancy (DVD)Fancy is a DVD of live concert footage compiled from the Les Claypool's Fancy Band 2006 tour. Filmed by Jim "Jimbo" Charna, Jeremy "staunchy" Sewell and Crew, it was released by Prawn Song Records on May 29, 2007...
(DVD - Prawn Song Records)
with Stanton Moore
- 1998: All Kooked Out!All Kooked Out! (Stanton Moore album)All Kooked Out! is the first studio album by New Orleans, Louisiana based drummer Stanton Moore.It was recorded entirely live in the studio with no overdubs and no headphones, in a week-long session that also yielded Mysteryfunk, the debut album for Garage A Trois...
(Fog City Records) - 1999: Garage a Trois MysteryfunkMysteryfunkMysteryfunk is the first EP by Garage A Trois released in 1999. It is a 45 rpm 12 inch vinyl record. The recordings were taken completely improvised, live and with no overdubs, or samples at Magazine Studios during the February 1998 recording of Stanton Moore's debut solo release All Kooked...
(Fog City Records - vinyl) - 2002: Flyin' the KoopFlyin' the Koop (Stanton Moore album)Flyin' the Koop is the second solo album by New Orleans drummer Stanton Moore. The album includes funk, rock and jazz. Moore's line-up for Flyin' the Koop is in part a combination of musicians with whom he played at a "SuperJam" at Tipitina's during Jazz Fest 2000.Moore's concept for the album...
(Verve Records) - 2003: Garage a Trois EmphasizerEmphasizerEmphasizer is the first full length studio album by Garage A Trois released in 2003.-Track listing:# "Hard Headed Rio AKA Rio Cuca Dura" - 4:14# "Sprung Monkey" - 4:39# "Plena for My Grundle" - 3:40# "A-Frame" - 3:56# "We See" - 3:53...
(Tone Cool Records) - 2005: Garage a Trois Outre MerOutre MerOutre Mer is the second full-length studio album by Garage A Trois released in 2005. Uniquely combining drums, percussion, eight-string guitar and saxophone it is funk-influenced and emphasizes polyrhythmic grooves...
(Telarc Records) - 2006: IIIIII (Stanton Moore album)III is Stanton Moore's third studio solo album released 2006. As each of Moore's solo albums have had unique character, III features keyboardist Robert Walter and guitarist Will Bernard for a 1970s-like soul funk with a "sense of authenticity" as "artists who live it."It was recorded at...
(Telarc Records) - 2009: Garage a Trois Power PatriotPower PatriotPower Patriot is the third studio album by Garage A Trois. It is the first CD with the musician line-up that includes Stanton Moore, Skerik, Mike Dillon and Marco Benevento...
(The Royal Potato Family) - 2011: Garage a Trois Always Be Happy, But Stay EvilAlways Be Happy, But Stay EvilAlways Be Happy, But Stay Evil is the forth studio album by Garage A Trois. It is the second CD with the musician line-up that includes Stanton Moore, Skerik, Mike Dillon and Marco Benevento...
(The Royal Potato Family)
with Bobby Previte
- 1998: Ponga Ponga (Loosegroove Records)
- 1999: Ponga Remix (CD and clear vinyl) (Loosegroove Records)
- 2000: Ponga Psychological (P-VineP-Vine RecordsP-Vine Records is a record label started by Blues Interactions, Inc., a firm in Tokyo, Japan established in 1975 by Yasufumi Higurashi and Akira Kochi...
) - 2006: Bobby Previte - Jamie Saft - Skerik Live in Japan 2003 (Word Public - DVD)
- 2006: Beta Popes Live Hate
- 2006: Coalition of the WillingThe Coalition of the Willing (album)The Coalition of the Willing is the 2006 album by drummer Bobby Previte. It combines elements of both jazz and classic rock. Featured artists include Charlie Hunter on guitar, Steve Bernstein on trumpet, Jamie Saft on the Hammond organ and Skerik on saxophone. Although Hunter is mostly known for...
(Ropeadope) - 2007: April In New York - DVD
- 2008: Beta Popes White Hate (Veal)
with Sadhappy
- 1992: Depth Charge (Periscope Records)
- 1994: Before We Were Dead - Live (Periscope Records)
- 1994: The Good, Bad and the Skary (Periscope Records)
with others
- 1995: Mad SeasonMad SeasonMad Season was an American rock supergroup formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1994 by members of three popular Seattle-based bands: Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam and Screaming Trees. Mad Season only released one album, Above, and is best known for the single "River of Deceit"...
Above (Columbia Records) - 1995: Mad Season Live at the MooreLive at the MooreLive at The Moore is a home video featuring the final live performance by the American rock band Mad Season. It was released on August 29, 1995.-Overview:...
(Columbia Records - DVD) - 1996: TuataraTuataraThe tuatara is a reptile endemic to New Zealand which, though it resembles most lizards, is actually part of a distinct lineage, order Sphenodontia. The two species of tuatara are the only surviving members of its order, which flourished around 200 million years ago. Their most recent common...
Breaking the EthersBreaking the EthersBreaking the Ethers is the debut album from collaborative group Tuatara. Released on Epic Records, it was an attempt by members of Luna, the Screaming Trees and R.E.M...
(Epic Records) - 1997: Timothy Young with very special people (Endless Records)
- 1998: Tuatara Trading with the EnemyTrading with the EnemyTrading with the Enemy is the second album by collaborative band Tuatara. For this album, the original foursome added a number of new members to play more instruments designed to expand their sound.-Track listing:...
(Epic Records) - 1998: Calm Down JuanitaCalm Down JuanitaCalm Down Juanita is a Seattle, Washington studio band writing partnership between vocalist Tyler Willman and drummer Kevin Guess, catalyzed and engineered by Steve Wilmans, that has featured several other notable players. Their sound is progressive psychedelic alternative rock...
Calm Down Juanita (Echo Records) - 1999: Hairy Apes BMXHairy Apes BMXHairy Apes BMX is an Austin, Texas, USA-based band playing an eclectic mix of rock, jazz, Latin, afro-funk, hip-hop, and punk.-Current members:* Mike Dillon - vibraphone, percussion, vocals* John Speice - drums, percussion* J.J. Richards - bass, vocals* E...
ExpatriapeExpatriapeExpatriape is the first album by Hairy Apes BMX released 1999.-Musicians:* Mike Dillon - vibraphone, percussion, vocals* Zac Baird - keyboards, vocals* John Speice - drums, percussion* J.J...
(AW/VR) - 2002: Calm Down JuanitaCalm Down JuanitaCalm Down Juanita is a Seattle, Washington studio band writing partnership between vocalist Tyler Willman and drummer Kevin Guess, catalyzed and engineered by Steve Wilmans, that has featured several other notable players. Their sound is progressive psychedelic alternative rock...
Undertown (Independent) - 2002: Tuatara CinemathiqueCinemathiqueCinemathique is the third album by collaborative band Tuatara. The band expanded to eleven members on this album, and it was their first album for Barrett Martin's record label, Fast Horse Recordings.-Track listing:...
(Fast Horse Records) - 2003: Jacob Fred Jazz OdysseyJacob Fred Jazz OdysseyJacob Fred Jazz Odyssey is a USA jazz group started in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1994. The band's lineup has changed multiple times over the years. The group first formed under the moniker "Pimp Cocktail" with founding member Brian Haas as well as Sean Layton, Dove McHargue, Matt Leland, & Kyle Wright...
Symbiosis Osmosis (Kufala) - 2003: Jacek KochanJacek KochanJacek Kochan is a Polish born drummer, composer, arranger and music producer. After having started his adventures in music in Poland in the seventies he moved in the early eighties first to New York and then to Canada...
New Expensive Head (Gowi) - 2003: The MackrosoftAja WestAja West first emerged onto the music scene in 1998 with his debut record White Moses. In 1999, he released the progressive hip-hop album Trauma...Life in the E.R. on his own Mackrosoft Records label. The album pays homage to artists like Beastie Boys and Eminem...
Journey to Vaginus (Independent) - 2003: The Clinton AdministrationRobert Walter (musician)Robert Walter is a keyboard player specializing in instrumental soul jazz on the Hammond B3 organ. He is a founding memberof The Greyboy Allstars, and has since led his own band Robert Walter's 20th Congress.-Biography:...
One Nation Under a Re-Groove (Magnatude) - 2004: Barrett MartinBarrett MartinBarrett Martin , is an American drummer, upright bassist, composer, producer, writer, and Zen artist. He was the drummer for the Seattle, Washington groups Skin Yard and Screaming Trees, as well as the supergroups Mad Season and Tuatara...
The Painted Desert (Fast Horse) - 2006: compilation Roam Home To A Dome - "Geodesic Gnome - the Dymaxion Suite (take #23)" - Mike Dillon & Skerik
- 2007: HellaHella (band)Hella is an American band from Sacramento, California. They play a technical blend of math rock, noise rock, and experimental rock. The primary members of the band are Spencer Seim on electric guitar and Zach Hill on drums...
There's No 666 in Outer SpaceThere's No 666 in Outer SpaceThere's No 666 in Outer Space is the fourth full-length album by math rock band Hella. It is the follow-up to Church Gone Wild/Chirpin' Hard and was released by Ipecac Recordings on January 30, 2007...
(Ipecac Records) - 2008: Kayo DotKayo DotKayo Dot is an American avant-rock/experimental music group that was formed in 2003 by Toby Driver. They released their debut album Choirs of the Eye on John Zorn's Tzadik Records label that year. Tzadik's descriptive label on that album reads: "Kayo Dot powerfully integrates elements of modern...
Blue Lambency DownwardBlue Lambency DownwardBlue Lambency Downward is the third album by Kayo Dot.-Track listing:All tracks by Toby Driver#"Blue Lambency Downward" – 10:00#"Clelia Walking" – 5:29#"Right Hand Is The One I Want" – 6:54#"The Sow Submits" – 4:02#"The Awkward Wind Wheel" – 3:30...
(Hydra Head Records) - 2008: Todd SickafooseTodd SickafooseTodd Sickafoose is an American jazz and rock bassist originally from the San Francisco Bay Area who now lives in Brooklyn, New York.He is best known for playing bass with Ani DiFranco, but he has also led his own group called, "Todd Sickafoose's Blood Orange".Sickafoose has been a member of the...
Tiny Resistors (Crytogramophone) - 2008: Good Guys The Social Engagement (In the Dark)
- 2009: McTuff Volume 1 (McTuff / Joe Doria Music)
External links
- Skerik's MySpace
- Skerik: Concept is All Anyone Cares About Interview with Paul Olsen at All About JazzAll About JazzAll About Jazz is a leading jazz music website for enthusiasts and industry professionals based in Philadelphia in the United States.Founded by Michael Ricci in 1995, the Web-Site is maintained by a volunteer staff of writers, editors, and musicians, and provides coverage of all genres of jazz from...
October 2006