Marc Thompson: Keyboards Luke Quin: Guitar Phil Dixon: Lead vocals, Saxophone Rob Radford: Drums Nicky Popovic: Trombone Stefan Popowycz: Bass, Vocals
General Rudie are back with their second full length for STOMP Records: “Take Your Place”, which was recorded and produced by Rod Shearer (The Planet Smashers, Bran Van 3000). With its roots planted firmly in traditional Jamaican ska, the basis of General Rudie's sound is unmistakable. However, the band blends this knowledge of the music's origins with its modern influences to produce a sound that is truly unique. The new record features the trad-ska sound that General Rudie are known for with a little dancehall thrown into the mix, courtesy of Ronee Nurse of Race. General Rudie's strength lies in the diversity of its members and their tastes, stretching from traditional ska, to R&B, jazz and pop. This mixture combined with an awareness of ska's foundation has earned the band respect wherever they have played.
General Rudie started back in February of 1997 and since then have had the opportunity to play with some of the biggest names in ska today. These bands include the New York Ska -Jazz Ensemble, The Articles, the Allstonians, The Kingpins, Mustard Plug and The Planet Smashers. They also participated in the Inspecter 7 tour which brought them to New Jersey late in September 99. General Rudie have also had the honor of playing with the legendary Skatalites, the originators of ska music. They have also toured the Maritimes with none other than the Planet Smashers. In their hometown of Montreal, they have played at venues such as the Cabaret, Le Swimming, Club Soda, The Spectrum and The Medley on several occasions. In the past few years the band has firmly established itself in the Toronto area and played the ARA (Anti-Racist Action) yearly benefit at the Big Bop in January. Other notable shows include the Ottawa Tulip Festival as well as the Toronto International Jazz Festival.
General Rudie’s first release for STOMP Records, “Cooling The Mark”, saw incredible success on the Canadian college charts peaking nationally at #20, a remarkable feat for a young band that had yet to tour. “Cooling The Mark” is an album that truly encapsulates the General Rudie sound. The combination of the bands creativity under the guidance of producer King Kong Girio and engineer Claus Frostell made the album a gem in the world of ska. The year 2001-2002 saw General Rudie touring all over North America. The young band took their music to the road and hit every town from Victoria to Halifax in Canada and Anaheim to Syracuse in the USA. They also played several high profile shows with The Slackers , Reel Big Fish and The Pietasters as well as one date on the Vans Warped Tour 2002 in Boston, MA. General Rudie will embark on another North American tour in support of “Take Your Place” with fellow skanksters Monkey from Sam Jose, California and The Afterbeat from Winnipeg. The band was also featured several times on the Union Stage of Vans Warped Tour over the years.
Unfortunately, General Rudie recently called it quits and played their last shows in Montreal this fall.
Press Downloads
• General Rudie Bio (Download)
• CD Cover Take Your Place Colour 300 dpi (jpeg) (Download)
• Press Photo 1 Colour 300 dpi (jpeg) (Download)
• Press Photo 2 Colour 300 dpi (jpeg) (Download)
Videos
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