The Inner Ruler

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.

Celebrating collectors items from the past and discovering those of the present and future. Enter the cratesofjr!

Electric bassist Matt Skellenger, has always been an exception to the rules. By combining forward thinking creativity, progressive techniques and natural musicality, Skellenger displays a uniquely identifiable sound. Born and raised in Denver, CO., Matt has been composing, performing, and recording in the Front Range for 20 years. In 2002, he earned a  B. A. in Music from Metropolitan State College of Denver where he studied with internationally renowned trumpeter Ron Miles.  Skellenger's fierce dedication to the electric bass led him to attend Steve Bailey and Victor Wooten's Bass At the Beach Workshop in 2004, as well as five of Victor Wooten's Bass Nature Camps from 2004-2010.  There he had first hand experience studying with world class musicians including Victor Wooten, Steve Bailey and Chuck Rainey who are full time instructors at the camps and some of the most influential musicians to ever play the electric bass. At the 2005 BNC, Skellenger was awarded one of two scholarships to attend The Bass Collective in NYC for a week long intensive course. The versatility of Matt's playing can be heard on music ranging from solo bass, jazz sextet and modern rock power trio to folk, Americana, funk, blues and pop groups. In 2003, Matt released his first solo bass album On My Way Home. In 2009, Parentheticals was released featuring Ron Miles, Dave Miller, and Andy Skellenger.  The group released its second album, The Owls Are Not What They Seem , in 2013 adding Glenn Taylor on Pedal Steel Guitar. In addition to leading his own group, Skellenger teaches music at Swallow Hill Music School, Onlinemusiclab.com, and is currently a member of Beats Noir and The Grown A$$ Man Band.

The Inner Ruler

MattSkellenger