Originally dubbed La Ruda Salska, a name credited to both the Polish city of the same name as well as some in-joke hybrid of "salsa" and "ska," the group's roster comprised singer Pierrot, guitarists Ritchoune and Fred, bassist Xavier, saxophonist Philly, trumpeter Daddy, trombonist Roro, and drummer Manu. After building a rabid cult following on the strength of their high-energy live sets, La Ruda Salska issued their debut LP, La Prix du Silence, in 1996. L'Art de la Joie followed two years later, and its success landed the band a deal with the Yelen Musiques label. The 2000 live LP La Ruda Salska en Concert heralded the new label deal, and a year later they resurfaced with Passenger du Reel, their best-selling effort to date. With 2004's 24 Images Seconde the band formally abbreviated its name to simply La Ruda. La Ruda Dans la Vapeur et le Bruit hit retail a year later, and in the fall of 2006 they returned with La Trajectoire de l'Homme Canon. ~ Jason Ankeny