I have a real treat in the media yoke this week! “The Boyne Mist” is the new release from John and Jacinta McEvoy and it’s the most delightful recording I’ve listened to in recent memory. An album of pure drop fiddle and concertina music, it has elegance, great tunes, and perfect lift – just the stuff to attract the most discerning of traditional music fans.
The McEvoys are a married couple from County Meath who have deep roots not just in the music there, but in traditional music in general. John is a widely respected fiddle player who has made some excellent solo albums over the years, including “Returning” (1998) and “Traditional Irish fiddle” (2012), as well as several truly outstanding duet albums, including “The Kilmore Fancy” (2001) with his sister Catherine McEvoy (flute), and “Pride of the West” (2007) and “The Dancer At The Fair” (2024, see here), both with his longtime collaborator John Wynne (flute).
Jacinta, who plays concertina here, is also very accomplished. She was a founding member of groups including Turlough and Keeper Hill, and has played with the all-female group Macalla. She is also a renowned teacher and in 2009 published “Dancin’ Time” and “An Damhsa,” which are music and dance resources intended for primary schools. Further, she’s appeared on several of John McEvoy and John Wynne’s albums, played piano on Chris Droney’s album “Down from Bell Harbour” (2005), and along with the Johns, McEvoy & Wynne, and Rachel Garvey (piano), is a member of the band Gatehouse, which has released a pair of very fine albums, “Tús Nua” (2016) and “Heather Down the Moor” (2019).
“The Boyne Mist” is an extremely worthy addition to the McEvoy family’s stable of albums. A mix of traditional and original tunes, it not only celebrates Meath’s musical heritage, it’s a loving expression of the tradition itself. The album opens strong with “The Coalminer’s / …,” a trio of reels with a fiddle-led arrangement that sees concertina, piano (played by Paddy McEvoy) and bouzouki (played by Ruairi McGorman) subtly weaving in and out to outstanding effect. The music on this track is gorgeous and foreshadows what the rest of album has in store. The tempo they set with it is inviting, the tones of each instrument blend beautifully and you cannot beat the lift they breathe into the tunes. Each track meets this artistic standard.
Many of the album’s best tracks feature John McEvoy compositions. McEvoy is one of Irish music’s greatest living tunesmiths and he’s included at least 14 of his own here. (There are probably a few others, with, I think, attribution in the liner notes being overlooked.) Each of his tunes is distinctive and rings with the sound of age. One that comes to mind are “The Trip to Tara / …,” and “The Boyne Mist / …,” which are completely comprised of his tunes. I suspect the tunes on “April Showers / …” are both McEvoy’s as well – great music there. The lament “Croíbhriste” is a stand out for me as well. Magnificently done.
McEvoy’s tunes mix well with others, too. For example, I love how well Eddie Kelly’s older tune “Meelick Team” pairs with his own “Squirrel’s Nest.” It makes for a first-rate set. Elsewhere, his tune “The Journey Home” sits really nicely with a pair of others (one of which is by Billy McComiskey). On that track, John and Jacinta are joined by two of their children, Fiadhna McEvoy (concertina) and Conor McEvoy (fiddle). The music there is lovely, as it is all over.
Simply put, “The Boyne Mist” is a cracking album. Rooted in pure-drop playing but animated by contemporary tunes that feel timeless rather than trendy, it strikes a superb balance between tradition and innovation. The McEvoys’ musical chemistry is unmistakable and the results are compelling. This is not just one for the shelf, but one you’ll keep coming back to. An easy addition to the collection, and a strong recommendation. To learn more and to purchase, visit here.
