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My earliest recollection of meeting John McEvoy goes back some thirty years now to a Fleadh Cheoil in Ballaghadreen, Co. Roscommon, where I heard John and his sister Catherine playing wonderful fiddle and flute music for hours on end. Our relationship has continued down the years and we still
regularly meet for tunes though John has returned to live in Birmingham. Born in Birmingham of Roscommon parents, John was steeped in traditional Irish music all his life. Both John's parents
were ardent followers of all aspects of Irish culture. During the 1960's and 70s Birmingham was awash with fine musicians from all corners of Ireland and England.
There were numerous music classes and sessions and the Birmingham Ceili Band was in its heyday. John first took lessons from Co. Rosscommon fiddle player Paddy Ryan. He later learnt much from Brendan
McGlinchey and Brendan Mulvihill - two great fiddle players who came to live in Birmingham during the 1970's. He immersed himself in this thriving
musical culture and also had many opportunities to play with some of the finest visiting musicians from Ireland.
John came to live in Dublin in 1978, establishing himself as one of the leading lights in a thriving Irish music scene. A founding member of the
'Thursday Night Club' at the Four Seasons pub, Capel Street, he was also a member of the group 'Kelp' with Michael Gavin, Mick Hand, Daithi
Sproule and myself and played with Sean Pott's group 'Bakerswell' with whom he toured in the U.S.A.
On this recording, accompanied by his wife Jacinta (also a fine Concertina player and singer), John can be heard at his best with beautifully constructed music played with feeling, taste and a warm
flowing style. This is the work of someone who dearly loves the music and this recording will be treasured by all those who appreciate the more subtle, finer points of our music. I recommend it to all.
John Kelly
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