Lee “Scratch” Perry was one of the great producers and performers. He got his start in Jamaica in the ’50s. He worked for the legendary reggae label Studio One (which was also a recording studio). He split off and even built his own studio in his backyard called The Black Ark. Besides his own recordings, Perry produced numerous groups including Bob Marley and the Wailers. His innovative techniques with the sound put him in the same league as English producer Joe Meek. The Clash came to him to record “Complete Control.” He’s featured on the Beastie Boys’ Hello Nasty album with “Dr. Lee, PhD.” He won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 2003. Lee “Scratch” Perry had a major impact in music beyond Jamaica.
The Revelation of Lee “Scratch” Perry captures the recording sessions for his Revelation album. His studio in the Swiss Alps is a digital set up so there’s not much recording equipment in the space. Mostly it’s his creative partner Steve Marshall running the completed backing tricks on a laptop that’s also hooked up to a Roland A-33 keyboard. Lee “Scratch” Perry records his audio tracks from a microphone set up that doesn’t have him in an isolated booth. He’s rather close to the attentive Marshall. The camera doesn’t get too invasive as he lays down his lyrics. He’s filmed in profile so he’s not staring at the lens. The camera wants to give him space to create. The two men are extremely mellow in the space. This was their third album together. They appear to have an understanding how each other works. So much of the footage is cinema verité, but there is a time when Perry and Marshall sit down to discuss his approach to the revolution on Revolution. While the album features guest appearances from Keith Richards and George Clinton, neither man appears in the documentary. We do get to see the outside the studio and glimpse the mountains in the distance. During one outdoor moment, Perry uses stones to build a makeshift campfire in his driveway. Instead of logs, he burns what appear to be lyric sheets. The ending of the film lets us know what happened to the Swiss studio. The album would garner a Grammy nomination.
In addition to the release of the DVD, Megawave has also released Lee Scratch Perry – LSP Megawave Box Set. Along with the compact disc of Revelation (2010), there are The End of an American Dream (2007) and Scratch Came, Scratch Saw Scratch Conquered (2008). All the records featured Steve Marshall and produced under his John Saxon name. There’s also a poster of Lee “Scratch” Perry.
Lee “Scratch” Perry passed away in 2021 in Jamaica. The Revelation of Lee “Scratch” Perry allows us to experience what it was like to hang out in the studio and watch the legend at work.
The Audio is 1.78:1 anamorphic. This was shot on video around 2009 so there’s no real aging issues. You’re able to make out the items on Perry’s workspace in the studio. The Audio is Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo. The soundtrack sounds sharp as we hear the mix of what Perry is recording at the time.
Interview with Lee “Scratch” Perry (34:24) is more of the interview that pops up in the movie. Lee talks about how he enjoys living in Switzerland. He considers it his hiding place. He likes not having to worry about people showing up. He still has a house in Jamaica although he had to sell his peacocks. Most importantly is when they discuss what music means to him.
Megawave presents The Revelation of Lee “Scratch” Perry. Directed by Steve Marshall. Starring Lee “Scratch” Perry and Steve Marshall. Running Time: 102 minutes. Rating: Not Rated. Release Date: April 5, 2024.
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