Reviews
'Coolfin'
"When Donal Lunny brought his new band over two years ago, it was a case of early days and work in progress. Now that band is Coolfin, with an album of the same name which was one of 1998's outstanding releases, and an onstage presence that matches and at times outstrips all of that album qualities. With a front-line boasting fiddler Nollaig Casey, the brilliant John Mc Sherry on pipes and whistles and accordionist Sharon Shannon the quality of the melodic playing is unimpeachable. But what really catches the attention here are the dynamics and the sense of apparent relaxation and certain enjoyment while the whole band are clearly working their socks off."
Coolfin - Celtic Connections
Rob Adams - Scottish Herald (Jan 1999)
"..Lunny's fiddler, Nollaig Casey, makes some flights of her own on the new C.D, but the most fearless adventurer is piper John Mc Sherry, who can build a whirling spiraling solo in almost John Coletraneish style. 'He's actually a great Led Zeppelin fan' Lunny explains. 'He can improvise no problem.'"
Coolfin - album review
Alister Clarke (Sept 1998)
"The set of reels which followed were one of those rare moments where modern and traditional elements blend seamlessly. Fionn O'Louchlainn undefined the music with a funky offbeat bassline which for some reason matched all of the solos perfectly. Sharon Shannon's accordion was excellent, but was eclipsed by a wonderful pipes solo from John Mc Sherry [I have never heard the wailing of the pipes sound so close to the human voice.]"
Coolfin - Whelans, Dublin
Alex Moffat - Irish Music Magazine (Aug 1997)
"John McSherry, who played the uilleann pipes, doesn't read music and he improvised his part. His playing brought me to tears... This recording brings the song to what it should be."
Nancy Griffiths -
The recording of 'It's a hard life wherever you go' -
Dustbowl Symphony (1999)
   
'Lunasa'

"If there is a premiere league amongst Irish bands, Lunasa are certainly there at the top of the tree. Five excellent, creative and imaginative players combine to produce a stunning debut C.D. Lunasa is a collective of Sean Smyth (fiddle), Mike McGoldrick (flutes), John McSherry (uilleann pipes and low whistle), Donagh Henessy (guitar) and Trevor Hutchinson (bass)... Having recently seen them live in Westport, I can agree wholeheartedly with Matt Molloy's accolade, 'they remind me of a band I used to play with'. A powerhouse rhythm section, dazzling fiddling, fluting to die for, uilleann piping in the Paddy Keenan tradition, and all of it held together with a free flowing syncopation. This will be a strong contender for the album of '98- simply stunningly impressive."
Lunasa - album review
Andy Ryan - Irish Music magazine (1997)

 
 
"The first track of Lunasa is as emphatic a musical statement as anyone could have possibly hoped for. Rather than coming out of the traps running with a jig or a reel, the band opt for 'Lord Mayo's March,' Mc Sherry's pipes sending out a 'call to arms' that demands the attention of the listener. The march transmutes into a gavotte, a type of 2/2 dance tune associated with Brittany, propelled by Hutchinson's fluid, pulsating bass. It's an extraordinary sucker punch of a tune which is followed by the knockout blow in the form of the traditional reel 'The maids of Mont Cisco.' The level of musical excitement that most Celtic bands spend years trying to achieve, Lunasa deliver in their first five and a half minutes... McSherry's piping both places him in the forefront of modern innovation.. and establishes his place in the traditional line of succession stretching back to Johnny Doran."
Stephen Hunt - Green Man Review (2003)
 
 
'Tamalin'
"Tamalin is the McSherrys...Their music lies somewhere between traditional and Celtic rock (progressive traditional?) and is characterized by catchy chord progressions, creative rhythm changes and a complimentary (almost innate) balance among instruments.They are all accomplished musicians who get to show their stuff, not with extended solos but by acutely playing off one another, making their mark within the framework of a well-structured song. John, for instance, provides some sizzling piping on the instrumental, "Tempest" which clearly displays his talents but perhaps his most tasteful playing is found in the more subtle, accompaniment role... Joanne and Paul add a spicy mid-Eastern riff to the title cut which makes one wonder where this album is headed. Well, nowhere in particular but everywhere in general. They even give Led Zeppelin a run for their money on "Poor Tom"... They deliver in virtually every selection. And Tina McSherry's voice? It's like butter."
Tamalin - album review
Dave Sleger - Celtic Music Mag (1997)
 
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"many have tried to make folk music more approachable, from Fairport Convention, who introduced it to electricity, to the Pogues who force-fed it bile and vodka. Here, newcomers 'Tamalin' apply a different finish to some excellent traditional playing, massaging it into a sound that strays convincingly into pop territory. What emerges is-surprising for a first album-highly integrated, so that vocalist Tina McSherry's Suzanne Vega-like mannerisms slot comfortably onto a backing tape of pipes, flutes and guitars. The radio-friendly 'In the Morning' or 'Land of Love ' is a natural single, the title track goes down some startling musical side roads and even the more typical folk tunes get an unusual once-over. This lot are on their way." ****
Tamalin - album review Rob Beattie - Q magazine (July 1997)
 
 
"At Last we were treated to the stars of the night, Tamalin. This five piece took to the stage carrying with them energy and a real presence. John McSherry was superb, a true master of the pipes, nonchalantly sitting right of stage, listening and watching the others before launching himself into tunes, the playing of which was sweet and eloquent. The bands sound was fresh, inventive and the highlight of the night. They had their own sound, a good look and heaps of confidence."
Karl Kinsella - Irish Music Magazine (Sept 1997)
Guinness Celebration Tour of Australia