The Upsetter (quick review)

After seeing The Upsetter movie this past weekend, I have to say that it is really good. Lee "Scratch" Perry is an amazingly unique and interesting artist who has fully integrated his art into his life. His music, art and life are one and the same -- he lives his work. For that reason, I'm glad that Ethan and Adam chose to let Scratch tell his story mostly through his own words and actions. Seeing Scratch perform various actions and ritualistic performances puts his work in context so that you can really begin to understand where it ultimately comes from. An accompanying narrative fills in the blanks and touches on Scratch's tremendous influence on other musicians, without turning it into every other music documentary or VH1 special by leaning heavily on artist interviews. I've been listening to Radio Scratch on upsetter.net for the past two days now.

The Upsetter

This Saturday, July 5, 9:30 PM at the Brooklyn Academy of Music is the NYC premiere of The Upsetter: The Music and Genius of Lee "Scratch" Perry. The film is part of BAM's Afro Punk Festival.

Over the last two years, my friends, Ethan Higbee and Adam Bhala Lough, have traveled the globe with Lee "Scratch" Perry, visiting his roots in Jamaica, his home and studio in Switzerland, and touring with him while he played various venues across the United States. Last year I had the pleasure of seeing Scratch perform at B.B. King Blues Club. It was an amazing show and Adam said it was one of the better performances he saw throughout the filming.

Anyway, I'm really excited about the movie, so I'll definitely be at the premiere. Ethan and Adam will both be there to introduce the film. It looks like it's the only showing currently scheduled in New York, so I recommend not missing it. Check out the teaser above.

Scratch in his studio.