(Cover photo by Dave McGraw)

Few people approach the saxophone like Eric Walton. You might know him better as Skerik.

I first became aware of the sax master when he was playing with Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade. He was running his sax through various effects, creating a tone like nothing I had ever heard.

It turns out I’d heard him a couple of years before that, when he was playing with Critters Buggin and Garage à Trois. Skerik’s sound is unmistakable, so I can’t explain how it managed to get past me. Nevertheless, there it was!

Skerik was at the forefront of putting effects and loops into his sax’s signal chain. His heavy, breathy tone did all the rest. There might be shades of John Coltrane and Archie Shepp in his tone, but Skerik is definitely his own player.

Skerik’s jazz sensibilities made him a perfect fit for the “jam” band scene, where he connected with players like Claypool, drummer Stanton Moore, and guitarist Charlie Hunter. He has performed with the likes of Bonnie Raitt, The Meters, Galactic, and Ween. To say the least, Skerik’s sound travels!

Skerik recently released a new album with his band the Compersion Quartet. Their music contains jazz sensibilities before moving into realms undefinable. And that’s precisely where he should be. Skerik relishes the challenges, for they are where he can find the most musical adventure.

On a personal level, Skerik strikes me as a bit shy and a little embarrassed by the attention I was pouring onto him. But his love for music shines through, and we were able to have a great time.

I would like to thank Skerik for taking the time to partake in chat with CirdecSongs.

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If you would like to have your music reviewed anytime, or have your band photographed when visiting Chicago, Illinois, please contact me at cirdecsongs@gmail.com. Kindly put either “REVIEW” or “PHOTOS” in the subject line.