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Press Reviews

Trad Connect

John McEvoy has called his new album “Traditional Irish Fiddle”. It’s a straightforward, no nonsense description that perfectly describes what is in store for you the listener. This is his third recording, with previous releases including critically acclaimed albums ‘The Kilmore Fancy’ with his sister Catherine McEvoy and ‘Pride of the West’ a collaboration with Roscommon’s John Wynne who also appears here. This album is a clear representation of John’s love for solo and duet playing and he keeps it simple throughout with pure traditional fiddling of the highest calibre. The album kicks off with a moderately paced set of reels called Paddy the Piper/Master Henry’s Reel/The Sporting Days of Easter . With John Blake on guitar you immediately get a feel for his pure traditional style. Both the sound and the feel of the album takes you back to some of the great fiddle albums of the past. The music of Sligo and west Clare have had a major influence on his style of playing and there is little need for modern twists, turns or external influences. This is firmly in the pure traditional mould and is fantastic for that.

Accompaniment is again kept sparse on The Squirrel’s Nest/Mist on the Meadow with piano by Paddy McEvoy. The third set includes duet fiddles with Conor McEvoy joining in on Munster Grass/Lad O’ Beirne’s . Throughout the album you have great arrangements and lots of variety with various musicians adding their support. Apart from John Blake and Paddy McEvoy you have Mick Conneely on bouzouki as well as Conor and Catherine McEvoy on fiddle and flute respectively. Gay McKeon on uilleann pipes, John Wynne on flute, Paudie O’ Connor on box and Jacinta McEvoy on concertina. In fact it is precisely this variety that really engages you throughout. John’s fiddle sits centre stage and with 15 tracks you really get your moneys worth. Traditional music is going through various phases of experimentation at the moment. It’s being mixed with other genres and given a contemporary twist. However all invariably return back to the heart of the tradition and on this album you have just that. John McEvoy is a superb traditional fiddler and on this album he presents some great music with variety, good arrangements and some talented support players making up a really enjoyable recording. A supreme traditional musician delivering another great fiddle album. Tony Lawless