Ruff and smooth
WALKING past them on Market Street it’s hard not to feel the urge to dance as the spirit of Bob Marley lingers.
They almost demand you find some natural rhythm.
Now Gorton reggae band, Ruff Trade, well known Manc buskers, are on the brink of something big.
They have released a Christmas single and will go into a local studio to record their first album next month.
Steeped in the influences of legends like Marley, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, UK reggae artists and bands like as Aswad, Steel Pulse and UB40 have also rubbed off on the band. They will record their album at Black Dog Studios based at Sacred Heart Church in Gorton, which was built with drugs money seized by the National Crime Agency under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Their new manager is ex-GMP chief inspector Allan Donoghue, who after retiring from the force spent four years building the stu- dio, and helping run SAFE, a youth music project. The band is fronted by Ryan O’Neill, 18, (guitar and lead vocals), his brother Christopher O’Neill, 29, (various instruments and backing vocals), Shannon Killarney, 24, (drums), Richard Smith, 21, (tenor sax), Sam McDonald, 19, (tenor horn), Steve Congaman (percussion) and many other session musicians who join the band on live shows and recordings.
It was formed three years ago when Ryan started busking classic reggae songs on the streets of Manchester. They have gone on to play festivals and venues across the country.
Ryan said: “Growing up in Manchester the city has obviously shaped our music and our forthcoming album ‘Mancunian Way’ speaks about the city, its people and our experiences, both good and bad. Our single ‘It’s Christmas Time Again’ was written by Christopher in about five hours on November 22 on a very hazy late night till about 4am!”
The album has been composed by brothers Ryan and Christopher and will consist of original material plus dub versions. The album will be recorded at the studios in Gorton, a not for profit community enterprise.
Ruff Trade will play live tonight at the Parkfield Inn, Park Road, Whitefield, from 8.30pm. Entry is free.