Skerik (born November 19, 1964) is an American saxophonist from Seattle, Washington. Performing on the tenor and baritone saxophone, often with electronics and loops, he is a pioneer in a playing style that has been called saxophonics.[1]
Skerik began playing saxophone in the fifth grade. His father's love of jazz was an early inspiration. He played saxophone, keyboards and percussion in a rock band called Uncle Jam. 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 Totusek introduced him to South African music and Zaire soukous bands in London where he first began playing music full time.[2]
In 2002 Skerik formed Syncopated Taint Septet with fellow Seattle musicians. After touring nationally, their 2006 studio release Husky received very positive reviews.[4][5][6]
Skerik won the award of "Northwest Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year" at the 2003 Earshot Jazz Golden Ear Awards.[7]
Skerik has expressed support of music education for young people [2] and support for activism such as the voting project HeadCount.[8] In interviews he has discussed creative integrity and spontaneity.[2][9] He has also provided music workshops.[10]
In New Orleans he is a member of Maelstrom Trio, including long-time mates 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[16] and bassist Brad Houser. With Houser they have also toured as "Critters Buggin Trio"[17] and in 2009 they released a debut CD entitled Bewildered Herd.[18] As the band's name implies there is an expressed disdain for smooth jazz[9] and commercialism. Skerik has described The Dead Kenny G's as a "free-jazz version of The Melvins."[11]
^Calm Down Juanita (CD Liner). Calm Down Juanita. Seattle, Washington, US: Echo. 1998. inside front cover.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^Undertown (CD Booklet). Calm Down Juanita. Seattle, Washington, US: Gizmo and Toony. 2002. inside front booklet.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
