Chris Murray - acoustic ska legend or modern ska icon - whichever is cooler http://www.unstrictlyroots.com/ A gifted songwriter and dynamic performer, Chris began his career in 1987 with Canadian ska group King Apparatus. Upon the band's breakup, he relocated to Los Angeles and emerged as a solo artist, pioneering a solo acoustic approach that has now become widespread in the genre. Life has led Chris down a path to the very roots of reggae music. From jamming with The Specials in a basement club, to recording with Lloyd Knibb and Lloyd Brevett of The Skatalites, and in backing groups for foundation artists such as Prince Buster and Leonard Dillon (The Ethiopians), Chris has served his apprenticeship with the finest musicians connected with the genre. Chris hosted Bluebeat Lounge, a weekly concert series at Knitting Factory in Hollywood, which presented hundreds of acts from around the globe during its seven year run, including such legendary names as Desmond Dekker, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, The Selecter, and Rico Rodriguez. His songwriting credits have appeared on releases by many beloved acts like Hepcat, The Slackers, Neville Staple, and Planet Smashers. The anthemic "We Do The Ska" was covered by influential UK group, The King Blues. Chris has performed in dozens of countries on six continents, including Brazil, Japan, Indonesia and Morocco. With numerous UK tours under his belt, Chris has built a strong following through package tours with popular groups The Skints, RX Bandits, and Sonic Boom Six, an appearance at the London International Ska Festival, and scores of rowdy pub gigs!