INJAH BAND
TO BOOK INJAH BAND:
Linton Cooper: (954) 720-8828
Skippah Blackwood: (519) 576-0758
email: blackwood100@gmail.com
www.myspace.com/injahband
www.myspace.com/errolblackwood
INJAH BAND
When Messenjah disbanded in 1986, lead singer and bass player Errol Blackwood started a solo career. For his many scheduled club and concert performances throughout Canada and the US, he brought together several talented musicians in 1988 to create the band Injah, bringing a new sound to the Canadian reggae music scene.
Original Messenjah drummer, Ray Ruddock, joined Injah as its keyboard/organ player. Ruddock is a rhythm expert – from his unorthodox drum pattern in Messenjah to his organ drop in Errol Blackwood's Injah, he is another veteran for the living band. The consummate professional, Ruddock has earned the nickname “The General” from his peers. Watching his constant attention to the keys during a live performance will explain the nickname to those new to Injah.
On guitar and backup vocals is Gary Fraser. Fraser is a veteran guitarist in all genres of music but his specialty is roots reggae. His melodic mix and harmony, coupled with Blackwood’s raspy yet soulful voice, brings the listener back to the early days of the roots reggae experience and the likes of Jimmy Cliff, Burning Spear, and Bob Marley.
Craig Ruddock, Ray’s son, has been playing drums since he was 12 years old. His talent was evident early on and Blackwood was more than impressed with his skills on the drums. Watching the young Ruddock is truly like art in motion.
Injah has performed at some of the biggest reggae festivals in the world, including Jamaica’s Reggae Sunsplash, Houston’s Bob Marley Tribute Festival and the Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival in British Columbia. In 2008, Injah will be featured on Blackwood’s latest CD release, Family Tree. This CD will feature the recently released single “Valley of Life” which is already a strong hit on the international charts.
Injah’s talented members have varied slightly over the past two decades but one thing remains constant – their sound is a remarkable blend of many musical influences as they continue to create music that appeals to true lovers of roots reggae music in Canada and around the world.
