Lily Heller, vocals/guitar – I started playing along to mid-60s folk music on a nylon string Gibson. Although I played clarinet for 3 years in middle school band and orchestra, I wanted to just “play by ear” on guitar. This led to my finger-picking style and love of harmony. In the 70s I listened to many a jukebox melody in my adopted town of Albuquerque, Nuevo Mexico. This fostered my C & W style of play. I enjoy playing and singing with others- and this led to my favorite group ever- the Cedro Willie Band! My favorite guitar is my current 70s Ovation which I still have; my most missed guitar is the chrome Rickenbacker lap steel I sold for rent money. When I grow up I wanna be a pedal steel player in a country western dance band.
Lynn Morgan, vocals/washboard/washtub bass – I grew up in a little coal mining town in Kentucky - the home of bluegrass, bourbon, fast horses and beautiful women… or was it beautiful horses and fast women?? Either way, it’s a good place to be from! In 1999, Portland became the home of my heart and the place I re-discovered my roots through music. I’m sure my mother was listening to Dolly Parton,Loretta Lynn, and Patsy Cline while pregnant with me because that music clings to me like part of my DNA. Along the way, I discovered Bob Dylan, John Prine, and the harmonies of Crosby, Stills and Nash. It was “Helplessly Hoping” that brought Lily and I together in harmony at her sing-along birthday party. I felt like I had found my lost sister and we’ve been making music together ever since. The sweetness of Megan’s voice and violin fills me up like nothing else. She gives new meaning to the term “Three Part Harmony”. My washboard was made in 1915, the same year my Granny was born. I hope they both make it to 100.
Megan Moran, vocal/fiddle – I am a Northwest native who grew up as a classically trained violinist and vocalist. I picked up folk and bluegrass while living in the high desert of Central Oregon for 2 years, and was looking for like-minded musicians to help continue on that path when I moved back to Portland in 2010. I was introduced to Cedro Willie, and have been blessed to make music with Lily and Lynn ever since! My fiddle is a 1997 Antonio Carrera made in Cremona, Italy, named Texolo.
Cedro Willie Band 2012