Skerik's Syncopated Taint Septet (also known as SST7) is a jazz ensemble formed in Seattle, Washington, in 2002 and led by saxophonist Eric "Skerik" Walton.Skerik's Syncopated Taint Septet allaboutjazz.com, Biography
Music Although uniquely merging jazz and funk,Jeff Tamarkin [ Husky] allmusic.com 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 and undefinable. Their music has been self-described by Skerik as "punk-jazz. Maybe a punk-jazz version of the Thelonious Monk Octet."
A theme in the music is a recognition that traditional jazz having reached a zenith in the early 1960s cannot be contained in reverence.Paul de Barros, "Seattle saxophonist's funky, artful septet", seattletimes.com, Jazz Etc. August 18, 2006 The Syncopated Taint Septet is a synthesis of traditional music with current and experimental music forms.Courtnay Scott Skerik's Syncopated Taint Septet: Husky jambase.com 7/14/06 The project displays a band member equality with "leads being shared by everyone."Sean Westergaard [ Skerik's Syncopated Taint Septet] allmusic.com
History Their first album, Skerik's Syncopated Taint Septet, was recorded live at the Owl and Thistle in Seattle and was released in 2003. It was reviewed as occasionally loud, yet also having a "spirited [and] immediate musicianship."John Murph Skerik's Syncopated Taint Septet jazztimes.com January/February 2004 Although popularly associated with jam band music, an improvisational distinction can be made regarding the large musical vocabulary displayed by the band in the recording.Mark Corroto Skerik's Syncopated Taint Septet allaboutjazz.com October 25, 2003
The second album, Husky, was released in 2006. It was recorded in the studio by S. Husky Höskulds all in one day and often in one take.Chris M. Slawecki Husky allaboutjazz.com July 11, 2006 The album was noted in reviews for its strengths in "ensemble writing and musical structure."Andrew Lindemann Malone Husky jazztimes.com September 2006 The five-horn arrangements are written mostly by Hans Teuber and Steve Moore. On the album there are suggestions of Thelonious Monk in its solos and Ornette Coleman in its melodies, yet there is also a hip-hop rhythmic sensibility. Husky was reviewed as the best jazz album of 2006 by All About Jazz.Paul Olson Husky allaboutjazz.com July 02, 2006
Members Skerik – tenor and baritone saxophoneDave Carter – trumpetHans Teuber – alto saxophone and fluteSteve Moore – trombone and Wurlitzer electric pianoCraig Flory – baritone saxophone and clarinetJoe Doria – Hammond OrganJohn Wicks – drums
Discography Skerik's Syncopated Taint Septet [live] (2003, Ropeadope) Husky (2006, Hyena) Live at The Triple Door (2010, Royal Potato Family)
References
External links SST7 MySpace