Several terms have been used to describe The ShamRogues in recent times. 'Baltimore's Best Irish Band', 'The Most Entertaining Group of Guys This Side of Galway' and 'Jesus Christ, What The Hell Just Happened' are probably the most familiar of these terms and the ones that seem to capture the essence of this group of musicians.
Put together by banjo player Jim Phelan from Stradbally in County Laois, The ShamRogues have proven themselves very popular in Maryland, with an ever-growing group of supporters on the Irish pub scene in the Baltimore area.
The band came to life in Jim's living room when himself and the wife Rai sat around playing a few tunes, with Jim on his banjo and herself on the tin-whistle. When Jim met up with the O'Brien clan consisting of Barry, his son Andrew and his daughter Colleen, The ShamRogues were born. Barry, a very talented guitarist who made a name for himself way back in the 70's and his son Andrew, a bass player to be reckoned with, turned what was a fireside session group into the band that has blasted onto the Irish scene in Maryland. And not much can be said about Colleen that hasn't already been said, but to quote one prominent musician 'She's got one of those voices that you just don't hear anymore !!'
Then along came Steve Miller, a bodhran player who has been a familiar face at sessions in Maryland for many's the year. The arrival of Steve put an end to a major issue The ShamRogues were having at the time. To quote Jim 'It might be a great little country but Jaysus it's impossible to find a good bodhran player here !' Within 5 minutes of sitting in with the group Steve had that problem solved.
Casey Kranz is the man behind the lead vocals and the voice that was to put The ShamRogues at the top of the Most Sought After list of Irish bands on the East coast.
Casey has been a successful and very well known musician in the area for many years and has released several recordings as a solo artist, along with other bands, and has seen his work sell world-wide including places such as Japan no less !
Drummer Tyler McDonough was the last man to join The ShamRogues giving the band that extra ingredient needed for the bigger stages. An accomplished percussionist Tyler, who had never experienced traditional or rebel music before auditioning with the group, took roughly 5 minutes to establish himself as an accomplished IRISH musician.
Since the final line-up took to the stage The Shamrogues have been familiar faces at some of the most prominent Irish venues in the area, appeared live on 98 Rock, Baltimore's leading Radio Station on St. Patrick's Day and have attracted a lot of interest from across the Atlantic Ocean. And it ain't stopping here folks !!!
So watch out for the gigs, get your arse down to the pub and join in the craic, the ceol and drink with The ShamRogues and if things go according to plan
IT'S A NIGHT YOU'LL NEVER REMEMBER !!!!!