Irish Band

All the members are professional musicians active in many genres of the music industry from Classical orchestras to Jazz and World Music groups. They all share a passion for Folk and Celtic music and formed the Crazy Folk Irish Band in 2009.

Band Line-Up

Ange McClarty – Whistles / Vocals
Dave Speakman – Guitar / Vocals
Gareth Hughes – Cajon / Bodhran
James Adolfo – Double Bass
Yuki Kagajo – Squeeze Box / Vocals

Ange McClarty, originally trained as a classical flautist and has played in a variety of ensembles from the Preston Opera Orchestra to La Flute Harmonique, in which she currently plays bass flute. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Performance from Salford University and a PGCE from Leeds University. She’s not only a great flute and whistle player but also a fantastic singer for Crazy Folk.

Dave Speakman currently plays in a variety of ensembles ranging from big bands with the legendary Andy Prior funk and jazz groups. A man of many talents he also is a prolific songwriter/composer and juggles a very busy teaching schedule.

Gareth Hughes is in demand as a drummer and his work encompasses a wide variety of musical styles. His live work sees him performing and touring all over the UK, Europe and Canada. Other performances include most major Jazz clubs in the UK (Ronnie Scott’s, The Vortex and Pizza Express), cruise ships (Queen Mary 2) and festivals. He also frequently records sessions for artists featured on BBC Radio 1, 2 and 6 music.

James Adolpho originally from Portsmouth is a giant of the double bass. He holds a post graduate degree from the Royal Northern College of Music and can be seen regularly all over the UK playing in many World music ensembles.

Yuki Kagajo, Originally from Japan is an extremely talented and experienced pianist. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in piano performance from the Royal Northern College of Music and a Master’s degree in Music from Leeds College of Music. She has performed with many of the UK and Japan’s leading orchestras. Yuki also performs as a solo pianist.