Skerik�s Syncopated Taint Septet: Husky (2006)

Graham L. Flanagan

CD/DVD Reviewer since 2006

Graham hosted the jazz profile show JAZZ GOES TO COLLEGE on WVUA FM in Tuscaloosa, AL.

Recent articles (49 total)

Published: June 23, 2006

Harry J. Anslinger, the United States' original Drug Czar, invented an unusual term to sum up what he considered as the moral decay caused by the collision of the jazz and drug cultures in the 1930s and 1940s: "syncopated taint."

Popular tenor sax phenom Skerik—fresh off of a 2005 tour with Mike Clark's Headhunters—adopted the name for his septet, whose new album Husky further cements the leader's reputation as one of the heavy hitters of the post bop/trip-hop movement.

Recorded in Los Angeles in the span of just one day, Husky serves not as a showcase for Skerik alone, but rather as a chance for his unique tone (which at times sounds like the wicked stepchild of Dexter Gordon's) to mesh with the septet's formidable horn section. What makes this aspect of the ensemble so unique is the often evil tone of baritone player Craig Flory, whose low-register bursts supply the album with instances of atonality that cause it to transcend the genre of funk, with which Skerik is normally associated.

That shouldn't suggest, however, that the album isn't funky. On the contrary—here's plenty of funk to go around, especially on tracks that feature trombonist Steve Moore doubling on Wurlitzer, creating a sound that immediately recalls the later work of Medeski Martin and Wood. However, drummer John Wicks' fascination with incorporating various time signatures into a single song gives the listener nary a chance to settle into an individual frame of mind.

Although it was recorded in a studio, Husky emanates a simultaneously relaxed and intense improvisational feel that will only motivate the listener to seek out the group in person, as well as to undergo repeated listens in order to truly fathom the various sonic layers impossible to comprehend in just one sitting. Long live the Taint!

Track Listing: The Third Rail; Go To Hell Mr. Bush; Syncopate the Taint; Fry His Ass; Don�t Wanna; Song For Bad; Taming the Shrew; Irritant; Summer Pudding; Daddy Won�t Taint Bye-Bye.

Personnel: Skerik: tenor saxophone; Craig Flory: baritone saxophone; Dave Carter: trumpet; Hans Teuber: alto saxophone, flute; Steve Moore: trombone, wurlitzer; Joe Doria: Hammond B-3; John Wicks: drums.

Record Label: Hyena Records
Style: Funk/Groove