Flook

Sunday #PVFF19

The flutes of Brian Finnegan and Sarah Allen, the guitar of Ed Boyd and the bodhran of John Joe Kelly weave and spin traditionally rooted tunes into the breathtaking sound of the groundbreaking band Flook. This group possesses a rare blend of fiery technical brilliance, delicate ensemble interaction and a bold, adventurous musical imagination.

Though their first release, Flook! Live! (1997), was already heralded as “the ultimate modern flute album” by The Irish Times, Flook only properly burst onto the international music scene with the release of their debut studio album, “Flatfish”, in 1999. This album introduced master bodhran player John Joe Kelly to Flook’s line up of flutists Brian Finnegan and Sarah Allen and guitarist Ed Boyd. Flatfish was hailed as “stunning”, “remarkable” and “little short of miraculous”, but it was Flook’s live performances that really captured the hearts of those who watched and listened; the rapport between these four musicians, the sheer enjoyment they developed in playing together, was commented on by audiences and critics alike. “Rubai”, released in 2002 and nominated for BBC Folk Album of the Year, was universally applauded by both journalists and fellow musicians and cemented Flook’s reputation as one of the most exciting and innovative bands to emerge from the English/Irish folk scene. Following the release of “Haven” in 2005, they went on to win the coveted award for Best Group at BBC Folk Awards 2006. Flook announced that they were taking a prolonged pause from live performance at the end of 2008, but, due to overwhelming popular demand, they’re now back with a new album under their belts, and firing explosively on all four cylinders.

There is no shortage of virtuosity amongst the members of Flook, but the unique impact of this band stems from the wholly intuitive, almost symbiotic, exchange between the various flutes, frets and skins.  

“In the pantheon of Irish/English folk groups they don’t come much more revered than Flook.”  Irish Post

“In the US, their reputation borders on the Messianic …”  Irish Music Magazine

” Head and shoulders above the rest… Magnificent”   The Irish Times

“A sensational live act…. in the front rank of the innovators”   The Rough Guide to Irish Music