The
Irish Creme Band, with its clan of acoustic musicians, has plenty of energy; enough to move a small fleet of motor vehicles. It’s a fuel that burns steadily, ignited by the rhythms of jigs, reels, sea chanties, and hornpipes and readily powered by the passion and power of vocals of Celtic and folk ballads. From the traditional to the obscure, you sing along and tap your foot even if you haven't heard the tune before.
Since hitting the Oregon music scene, the group has continually expanded its repertoire, which also includes a whole “Pickin' on Christmas” series. In 2011, the band released its first album entitled "Poor Man's Cow."
Aleta McGee, lead vocalist, sings with clarity and packs along a guitar and bodhran.
Joe Ross swings a mean mandolin, English concertina and often mesmerizes with his hammered dulcimer.
Carla Rutter pulls out the stops between five flutes, the favorite being the bass flute (“the giant paper clip”).
Al Foster picks a solid banjo, mandolin and Anglo concertina (when he's not teaching junior high geography or coaching track).
Bill Ilari drives the beat home with “Twiggy” his electric double bass (aka "the electric pogo stick").
From Roseburg, Or., Irish Creme plays in the casual “pub style.” The group’s collection of Celtic and folk music naturally entices the audience to laugh, join in on the choruses, talk and banter. The band also finds it just as easy to serve up a music meal in a “concert style setting” where the listener will be captivated by melodic stories of distant lands, lovers and travels, both traditional and contemporary.
The band always serves up a rousing, fun and entertaining musical experience, especially when they get to dress up in some sort of costume for a special holiday or Scottish event. For example, the band's been honored to appear at the
Eugene Scottish Festival in Eugene, Or. Check out more of their shows at
You Tube.
Irish Creme seems to have a particular fondness for Halloween every year when that day rolls around.
Find the Irish Creme Band on
Facebook or visit their group's website
here. The band members also keep busy in other ensembles, or appearing in solo, duo or trio configurations. When playing as a trio, the band is sometimes affectionately referred to simply as
"The Cremelings."
