Fusing elements of jazz and world music, the group creates a rhythmically rich and lushly melodic sound.

01 My Side

02 Pretty Eyes

The Inner Ruler

A great song to start your day!  This positive vibe has a driving beat, clear message , layered with a cascade of intricate Jazz piano (actually 4 of em) weaving in & out harmoniously with the vocals in a highly syncopated brazilian samba beat.  Enjoy!

Let's See What The Day Can Be

A brand new R&B classic sounding single from Ingrid Leon & Bob James. Composed with the influence from some of the greatest female singers from the Motown & Atlantic Records era of the late 60's - early 70's.

Ingrid displays her classic "iron fist in a velvet glove" vocal style along with Bob playing a myriad of keyboards including grand piano, electric piano, organ, synthesizers and more.

This song will be released on major streaming platforms along with it's video  on November 11.  Pre-Save your Spotify copy (free) here:

Para Siempre

ILBJ's final single of the upcoming album "Dúo" (July) represents their style of of illuminating a mix of genres, rhythms and languages (this one sung in Portuñol) that both allows one to listen casually or attentively.  

"I love how this duo tips their hats to legends like Antonio Carlos Jobim and João Gilberto while putting their own fresh spin on it. It’s a lovely homage that doesn’t feel stuck in the past—it feels alive, evolving, and utterly authentic."  Ron Murx - Spotify Playlist Curator

Yo te vi
Me acerqué
Me dijiste: Como você está?
Yo te contesté:
Muy bien
Muy bien
Muito Bem
Y ahora que te tengo cerca mejor
E agora que te tenho perto, melhor!

Ah
Mejor estar aquí contigo
Que en el vicio del olvido
Ah
Que en el vicio del olvido

Porque
Baio Baio Baio
La vida
Es mejor
Porque
Baio Baio Baio
A vida
é melhor

La vida es mejor
Si cerquita te tengo
A paso lento
Cada movimiento
Cada sentimiento

A vida é melhor
Quando você está perto
Em passos lentos
Sinto cada movimento
Cada sentimento

Porque
Baio Baio Baio
La vida
Es mejor
Porque
Baio Baio Baio
A vida
é melhor

La vida es mejor
Si cerquita te tengo
A paso lento
Cada movimiento
Cada sentimiento

A vida é melhor
Quando você está perto
Em passos lentos
Sinto cada movimento
Cada sentimento

Miro al sol
Luego a ti
Me dijiste: Onde você está, meu bem?
Solo contesté:
He vuelto
He Vuelto
Eu voltei!  
Es porque te tengo cerca, amor
É porque te tenho perto, amor

Ah
Mejor estar aquí contigo
Que en el vicio del olvido
Ah
Que en el vicio del olvido


Aquí Contigo

Denver-based bassist, composer, and educator Matt Skellenger joined Phantom Power Collective on KGNU’s Heavyset to discuss his musical journey, influences, and upcoming projects. Skellenger, who began playing bass at 14, draws inspiration from artists like Les Claypool, Victor Wooten, and the late Ron Miles, with whom he collaborated for years. He shared insights into his compositional approach, blending jazz, improvisation, and unconventional time signatures, as heard in his latest album Subspace Transmission. Skellenger also highlighted his Sunday solo bass sets at Breakfast on Broadway, his duo album release with Matt Reed set for August 16th at Dazzle, and the continued impact of Ron Miles on his music. (Interview: 5/6/2025)

Interview: Matt Skellenger

Clarity

Little Sunflower (duo with Matt Skellenger).wav

Song I wrote and arranged with Matt Skellenger for the 2013 release "The Owls Are Not What They Seem."  Check out the entire album at www.mattskellenger.com

"The Magic" by The Matt Skellenger Group

We are two musicians who have collectively had the opportunities to tour with members of Talking Heads, Miles Davis Electric Band, James Brown, Herbie Hancock and others, but this is the first time we have ever produced anything with our name on it. We are a brand new duo, showcasing our music in 2024.

We are constantly writing, rehearsing, recording and distributing new music at the rate of about 3 singles per month.  We both write all original compositions together.  Bob plays all instruments (except “featured guests” included on certain releases) and Ingrid sings most of the vocals with Bob adding a sprinkle from time to time.

Our plan is to remain in the studio in 2024 and 2025, then performing live globally later in the year. If we have met before, thank you for joining our musical family and support.  If we are new friends, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Ilbjduomusic@gmail.com.