Photo by Nick David

The idea of Flook was first conceived in Manchester, November 1995, when Michael McGoldrick, Brian Finnegan and Sarah Allen got together for one tour entitled ?Three Nations Flutes.? The unusual line-up included three flute players. Ed Boyd was drafted in at the end of the tour and they changed their name to Fluke!, later to Flook.

In 1997, the band released Flook! Live!, which captured the three talented flutists at their best during the Sidmouth Folk Festival. Michael McGoldrick and was part of the Manchester Irish scene from a young age. Brian Finnegan was raised in Armagh in Ireland while Sarah Allen was originally from London. Ed Boyd spent his childhood in Bath before he moved to Manchester and formed Red Ciel prior to Flook!

When Mike left to pursue solo projects in 1998, John Joe Kelly, who was also a veteran of the Manchester Irish scene, was brought in full time, having previously appeared as an occasional guest.

Flook continues to grow. Their gigs have an urgent energy, as if the connection is fleeting, creating an environment in which the audience is drawn into the ?here and now? of the music. It is a music unrestrained and undefined ? coming from four very different people with a common language.

Flook?s unique combination of flutes, underpinned by fluid guitar and hugely impressive bodhram playing has made them one of the most popular groups on the live music circuit in Britain today. Perfectly capturing the mixing of traditional tunes with contemporary beats and ideas, they have been at the forefront of a new tradition.

The band:

Sarah Allen - flutes, whistles, accordion
Ed Boyd - guitar
Brian Finnegan - flutes
John Joe Kelly - bodhr?n

Official Web Site: www.flook.co.uk

Flook! Live! (Small CD 9405, 1997)

Flatfish (Flatfish 002CD, 1999)

Rubai (Flatfish004CD, 2003)

Haven (World Village 468057, 2006)