About

Formed in May 2004, Il Troubadore was conceived first as a variety band designed for private parties and small venues. The name was chosen to reflect the early material - which included several Italian Bel Canto, operatic arias, and Irish and Scottish folk tunes. Robert Bruce Scott, a classically trained vocalist plays mandolin, Celtic harp and classical guitar. Jon Silpayamanant exercises his classical-training on the cello and also contributes to the singing. In 2007, Paul Radecki added his dumbek talents to the ensemble. Wendi Wampler (aka Amirah) is il Troubadore's resident bellydance as well as adding her clarinet skills to the mix.

The band quickly adapted to playing in larger clubs, adding rock, country, disco, jazz and folk covers from a broad variety of cultures as well as strong original material that blends heavy metal, classical and world music influences. Their Middle Eastern flair attracted attention from Midwest's rapidly growing belly dance community. Now, local and regional dancers and musicians accompany il Troubadore at many of their appearances.

With a growing list of over 700 songs from over 60 countries and in 37 langugages at their command, with styles that range from most euro-american pop genres (e.g. Heavy Metal, Disco, Country, and Rock); to world music folk (e.g. Irish, Scottish, Albanian, Bhangra); to Asian film and dance-drama music (e.g. India Bollywood, Chinese, Thai); to western art music (e.g. Italian bel canto, Classical, Jazz). The quartet is constantly adding new songs to their set lists, with premieres happening on an almost weekly basis.

 

 

"Oddly Enjoyable"

--Allen Richmond, All Frets Magazine

 

"Witty, unique and rockin"

--Noah Mueller, Lafayette Music League

"Amid il Troubadore's 700-song repertoire, which ranges from operatic showcases to Turkish dance numbers, unplugged renditions of tunes popularized by Ozzy Osbourne and Nine Inch Nails are bound to amuse."

--Dave Lindquist, Indianapolis Star

"Calling itself 'Indy's 16th Century Rock Band,' il Troubadore performs everything from Italian Bel Canto to Chinese Opera on Instruments ranging from mandolin to Celtic harp to dumbek--which is fascinating in itself.  But things get really interesting when the group puts its worldly spin on songs by Dean Martin, Metallica, and the Bee Gees."

--Matt Gonzales, Indianapolis Monthly

 

"Il Troubadore took the audience from frenzied to mesmerized. They played a set beautiful to both eye and ear. The performance was an invigorating take on Albanian and Bulgarian folk music. Cellist Jon Silpayamanant made the sound of his instrument soar as his horse-hair bow began to unravel."

--Amber Kerezman, NUVO Newsweeky

 

"...However, the music from Snakes Rising and Il Troubadore was radiant...the energy never wavered; it was fantastic."

--Lindsay Greene, Pucknation

 

"...may be one of the only bands to feature both ABBA covers and traditional Irish songs on its set list."

--Jessica Halversen, INTake

 

"...the notorious local band, Il Troubadore...has caused a stir in local music circles."

--Steve Hammer, NUVO Newsweekly