Skerik’s Syncopated Taint Septet will release its first self-titled album June 24 on Ropeadope Records. The project, which formed last summer in Seattle, includes trumpeter Dave Carter, alto saxophonist Hans Teuber, trombonist Steve Moore, baritone saxophonist Craig Flory, organist Joe Doria and drummer John Wicks. The great part about this band is everyone writes music for the group, says Skerik. For me, these guys represent what’s best about Seattle musicians: very strong improvisational ability combined with unique, creative musical compositions.
The Septet draws its name from a description used by Harry J. Anslinger, appointed Commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Narcotics from 1930 to 1962. In an effort to demonize jazz musicians, who he viewed as drug addicts, Anslinger differentiated between jazz music and good music. Syncopated taint was a derogatory term he used to refer to jazz. I like to think of this group as punk jazz, adds Skerik. Maybe a punk jazz version of the Thelonius Monk Octet. I find that a very useful term, which is also something that Jaco Pastorius used to use to describe his music.’
Skerik is currently touring with Garage A Trois. The quartet plays tonight at the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC. For the complete schedule, visit www.garageatrois.com.