Eek A Mouse

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Squawks, screeches and other bizarre sounds will be made in plenty on January 19th at the Bluebird Theater, courtesy of Jamaica's wildest ambassador, Eek A Mouse. The reggae legend has a history that is as amusing as his music. Born in Trenchtown, Jamaica, Ripton Joseph Hilton (later to be known as Eek A Mouse) grew up singing. He began in elementary school, and by the age of 15, he had already become recognized as one of the most talented singers in the area, releasing his first album at age 17.

Still going by the name Ripton Hilton, the burgeoning star was on the up and up. He topped the charts in England and America in 1981 with his hit song, "Wah Do Dem." He played at Jamaica's Reggae Sunsplash festival later in that year, and blew the audience away.

In the early 1980s, Ripton Hilton became Eek A Mouse. Back in those days, Ripton loved to bet on horse races. Every time he went to the track he placed his money on the same horse, Eek A Mouse, infamous for losing every race he ran. Ripton spent a lot of time and a lot of money before he eventually ceased betting on old Eek. The horse promptly won a race. Ripton's close friends got a good laugh out of the situation and nicknamed their buddy Eek A Mouse in honor of the horse.

In 1982, he landed his first American record deal. He left Jamaica and has been touring the world ever since. Eek A Mouse has been accredited for pioneering the form of reggae known as "sing-jay." Sing-jay combines singing and DJ-ing; it is called "toasting" in Jamaica. He has a zany personality, often dresses in costume on stage (costumes have included Robin Hood for a concert in Nottingham, England, a jailbird after being arrested and imprisoned for several days, a gladiator, pirate, bandit, jockey, the list goes on), and sings like none other (some might say it's not singing at all). English speaking critics around the globe have heralded his inventive style. The Boston Globe referred to him as "the Al Jarreau of reggae." Simon Frith of The London Times dubbed him, "a dub sound poet [who uses] his voice as a musical instrument," and added that he was "...the only singer I've ever heard who's based his style on the drum kit." Alona Wartofsky of the Washington Post proclaimed, "Unlike most reggae artists, it's not what he says... With a voice that's the stuff of children's nightmares, and often seems to have a life of its own, he squeaks, squawks, bing-bing-bings and dem-di-dems ad infinitum."

Beneath his eccentric style, one can find a serious message to his music. Many of his songs are a sort of social commentary. Eek A Mouse himself writes of his most recent album, Black Cowboy, "'Don't Treat Her Bad' is a song to all men who beats and batter women. 'Follow Me Go Shopping' is about all nice things people love to shop for. 'Hungry Belly Pickney', why are all these kids hungry? We all should look forward to planting more food so we can feed these hungry children. The title cut, 'Black Cowboy', gives acknowledgment and respect to all Black Cowboys in America, Jamaica, Africa and all over the world (it's not about white or black, it's all about who's got the most cash)."

While pointing out social problems and other sober issues of life, Eek A Mouse maintains a light heart and an exceptional sense of humor. And he puts on a vivacious stage show. Eek A Mouse, despite what his name might connote, is a 6'6" tower of muscle. He awes audiences with his energy and wacky personality. More astounding is the constancy with which he tours; Eek exhibits exorbitant energy in the spotlight almost 200 days of the year. He's only here once, though, so catch him while you can. I'll race you.