"Easily the best of Micho's recordings" — The Rough Guide to Irish Music "One of the essential traditional albums of the year...a masterclass in the true values enshrined in traditional music...[the tracks] are consistently warmed by an intimacy that takes them off the stage and into the cottages, parlors and back-bar snugs where they belong." — Hot Press "In a tradition which produces many originals, Micho Russell was inimitable...These 22 tracks of whistle playing, singing and speech introductions stand as a radiant, vital memorial to one of the most joyful musicians in the Irish pantheon." — Irish Times "The notes are exemplary and the whole production bears the mark of a labor of love. It was very fortunate...that so much was preserved. [Producer] Bill Ochs has done Micho — and all of us — proud with this work" — Irish Music Magazine "A well-conceived, well-sequenced, well-performed slice of vital musical history centered on one of the best-loved — and best — traditional musicians Ireland has ever produced...Micho is represented in a way that even he would smile upon." — Irish Echo "[No other recording was] as successful at conveying [Micho's] personality and music...Ireland's Whistling Ambassador is the last testament from one of the giants of Irish music in this century." — Irish Voice Micho Russell (1915-1994) was an Irish national treasure. A farmer who became a performer during the folk music revival of the 1960s, Micho was as at home on stage as he was in front of his own turf fire. His vast repertoire of beautiful old tunes, personal warmth and utterly unique approach to playing the tin whistle won him a loyal and enthusiastic following wherever he went. These remarkable recordings made on Micho's last three tours of the US capture the magic of his music and take the listener on a journey to the very roots of Irish music.