Reviews
"Virtuosity with subtlety, thoughtful selection and versions of tunes, enhanced with sensitive accompaniment makes this one of the finest recordings I have ever heard"
Patsy Hanly
"Regional accents are alive and thriving on this collection on north Connaught tunes. Roscommon flute player John Wynne and Birmingham-born fiddler John McEvoy make sprightly,uncluttered music:filigree playing that stitches the two instruments together seamlessly."
Irish Times
"This is lovely music, sweet yet powerful, flowing yet vitally rhythmic. The album, the material for which was sourced in many instances from previous generations of musicians from the Roscommon-Sligo tradition, is full of captivating tunes and unusual settings, surprising turns of phrase and inventive variations. Listen to the musicians' take on "The Red-haired Girl," or the classic polka "My Love is But a Lassie." And discover yet more new compositions by John McEvoy and others. "
Philippe Varlet
"Wynne and McEvoy have given us both individual virtuosity and ideal balance. Tight flourishes and nimble nips of improvisation seep from the marrow of their bone-strong tandem playing. Reach and grasp are equal here, creating an Irish traditional performance all the more impressive because it doesn't strive to impress.....Twelve of the album's 14 tracks are duets, all drawing on this rare ability to match temperament and talent without the slightest tapering off in separate originality. The jigs "The Wandering Minstrel/Happy to Meet, Sorry to Part/I Will If I Can" begin with unaccompanied flute and fiddle, each supporting and nudging the other, and soon Arty McGlynn gently introduces an acoustic guitar rhythm underneath the two melody players. Nuance, piquancy, drive, and non-showoff embellishment swell the fluidity of Wynne and McEvoy's joint playing."
Earle Hitchner - Published on June 13, 2007, in the IRISH ECHO newspaper, New York City
"Sturdy,vibrant and rhythmic dance music with a strong North Connaught styling marks it out as a potential traditional album of the year. Roscommon man Wynne's forceful flute playing coaleces with McEvoy's bright and nimble fiddling on a sweet collection of tunes,sourced mainly from the Sligo/Leitrim/Roscommon region. Echoes of the classic duet by Peter Horan and Fred Finn,from the same region,are descernible yet this superb disc stands on its own as a celebration of impeccable taste and tight unison playing. Judicious tune selection combined with impressively uncluttered delivery means a joyous and festive spirit is projected from every one of the 14 tracks. Pride of the West is indeed a gem"
The Examiner
"Accompanied by the legendary Arty McGlynn on guitar and Paddy mcevoy on piano,this is a delight. Tons of tunes perfectly played. perfectly! Great lift and ambience. There are 14 sets of tunes. we wanted 14 more. Many are rarely,if ever heard. We adore this album. Rating; Highly recommended"
Bill Margeson: Margeson on music
" The two johns duet playing is characterised by a high level of musical empathy,often playing long passages of notes synchroniously accurate and together. this CD illustrates the mighty power of the fiddle/flute duet. Virtuosity,and a wealth of subtle variation make this CD one of the essential recordings of the year."
Johannes Schiefner - Folker publication