Album Notes

Chris Murray is a unique force on today’s music scene. As leader of influential Canadian ska group King Apparatus, Chris earned a strong reputation as a dynamic performer and gifted songwriter. Upon the band’s breakup, he relocated to Los Angeles, emerging as a solo artist with his debut album The 4-Track Adventures Of Venice Shoreline Chris. This charmingly lo-fi collection of home recordings won high praise for its finely crafted tunes and the raw sincerity of its vintage production.

In addition to his busy schedule of live appearances throughout North America, Japan, Europe and South America, Chris finds time for a remarkable array of collaborative efforts. Chris has co-written with and produced albums for Montreal’s Planet Smashers and eclectic NYC supergroup Da Whole Thing. His writing credits have also appeared on releases by Hepcat, The Slackers, Skavoovie & The Epitones and Stubborn All Stars, as well as the highly successful compilation, Give ‘Em The Boot (Hellcat Records).

Life has led Chris down a musical path to the very roots of reggae music. From trading songs on acoustic guitar with boogie-ska pioneer Laurel Aitken and singing with Caribbean bandleader Carlos Malcolm & His Afro-Jamaican Rhythms, to jamming with The Specials in a basement club and recording with Jamaica’s original drums and bass masters, Lloyd Knibb and Lloyd Brevett, Chris has served his apprenticeship with the finest musicians connected with the genre. Chris backed Prince Buster on harmonica for a rare US live appearance at the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival in 2003.

Wednesday nights, Chris hosts Bluebeat Lounge at Hollywood’s Knitting Factory. The weekly concert series, focusing on reggae and ska, has showcased a diverse range of top quality music and become a great scene. Any Tuesday you’re in LA, come on out.