Eric "Skerik" Walton, born November 19, 1964 in Seattle, Washington, is an American saxophonist known for his innovative playing style that combines tenor and baritone saxophone with electronics and loops. He began playing saxophone in the fifth grade, inspired by his father's love of jazz. In the late 1980s, Skerik returned to Seattle and played with Sadhappy before forming Critters Buggin. He is a founding member of several notable bands, including Garage a Trois, Ponga, Tuatara, and Skerik's Syncopated Taint Septet. He also collaborated with Les Claypool’s Fancy Band and Frog Brigade, performing on Roger Waters' tour in 2001. In 2006, his album Husky, released as Syncopated Taint Septet, received positive reviews. In 2003, he won the Northwest Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year award at the Earshot Jazz Golden Ear Awards.
