Chris Murray profile picture

Chris Murray

About Me


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.
Tuesday 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.
Chris Murray Combo with Devin Morrison - Time is the Master
Bluebeat Lounge 4th Anniversary Show
January 6, 2007

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 1/19/2005
Band Website: chrismurray.net
Band Members: Chris Murray: Vocals, Guitar
Ben Farrar: Drums
Eddie "Chiquis" Lozoya: Bass
Influences:
Sounds Like:
Record Label: Unstrictly Roots/Asian Man
Type of Label: Indie

My Blog

5 years of Bluebeat Lounge!!

It's hard to imagine that Bluebeat Lounge has been running for over 5 years now, but it has - wow!The experiences I've had through Bluebeat have really changed my life and I'm very thankful for all of...
Posted by Chris Murray on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 04:27:00 PST

wedding, parties, anything...

Someone recently approached me about Chris Murray Combo playing his wedding. He seemed really shy about asking, like we might think it was an uncool gig or something.We've played a few weddings and l...
Posted by Chris Murray on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 04:22:00 PST

mexico...

I just came home from a week in Mexico. Every time I go there I'm touched by the warmth and spirit of the people, and also the darkness of the reality many must endure.I played a show in Oaxaca, abou...
Posted by Chris Murray on Fri, 27 Oct 2006 06:39:00 PST

Leonard Dillon

I had the immense honor of hosting two Leonard Dillon rehearsals at my house last week. Not only is Leonard Dillon my favorite reggae singer, I'd never seen him perform before and this was his first ...
Posted by Chris Murray on Tue, 29 Aug 2006 04:23:00 PST

joseph hill

Joseph Hill, one of my very favorite reggae artists, passed away this morning. I saw him perform last this summer. During the show he talked to the crowd about his motivation to continue touring the...
Posted by Chris Murray on Sat, 19 Aug 2006 11:40:00 PST

UCLA Reggae Fest - Memorial Day

I attended this event yesterday. It was very well attended, to the point of being uncomfortable.Bushman was excellent. He has a fantastic voice and is solidly planted in the roots reggae zone. Howe...
Posted by Chris Murray on Tue, 30 May 2006 11:19:00 PST

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is a wonderful city. Although it's very different in many ways, it reminds me of Toronto, with better weather. It feels peaceful, yet with an edge. I had a great week in Buenos Aires...
Posted by Chris Murray on Thu, 16 Feb 2006 02:30:00 PST

sao paulo - tudo bom!!

I`m in Sao Paulo, Brasil.  What a great experience!  The festival is very well organized and all the musicians are being treated incredibly.  It`s an honor to be here. Last night`s show...
Posted by Chris Murray on Fri, 27 Jan 2006 07:44:00 PST

stars

I just arrived in Fort Morgan, CO to produce an album for Synthetic Elements. LA may have stars on the Hollywood Blvd. sidewalk, but Fort Morgan has many many many stars in the sky....
Posted by Chris Murray on Fri, 30 Dec 2005 11:40:00 PST

Two Tone is gone again??

Madness and The Selecter have both played their US tours. Also, Neville Staple has canceled his US tour. That's it for Two Tone in America for a while. I enjoyed seeing Madness and The Selecter. ...
Posted by Chris Murray on Tue, 11 Oct 2005 01:51:00 PST