After a gap of fourteen years and due to overwhelming popular demand, legendary folk band Flook present 'Ancora', their brand new album. Despite the recording hiatus between their third studio album and 'Ancora', in recent years Flook have played occasional live shows, including short tours of Ireland, Japan and Germany as well as festival shows, and they will undertake a 17-date tour of England and Wales in April and May 2019.
With the flutes and whistles of Brian Finnegan and Sarah Allen, the guitar of Ed Boyd and the bodhran of John Joe Kelly, the iconic Flook weaves and spins traditionally rooted tunes into an enthralling sound – with agile but tight rhythms and virtuoso improvisation. Flook possesses a rare blend of fiery technical brilliance, delicate ensemble interaction and a bold, adventurous musical imagination.
Formed over 20 years ago by four friends, Flook burst onto the international music scene with their debut studio album 'Flatfish'. The band had a remarkably successful performing and recording career - the sheer enjoyment of playing together shone through their albums.
As Brian Finnegan says 'The imagery associated with the meaning of 'Ancora' is abundant indeed. It is the Latin word for anchor, be that to the seabed or in the kith and kin of our lives. It also means 'hope' and 'again'. The great Italian master Michelangelo was attributed as saying 'Ancora Impara' on his 87th birthday, meaning 'I am ever learning'. This resonated in us and was present throughout the process of recording Ancora'. So, deeper in we go. Thanks for listening.'
Having won 'Best Band' at BBC Folk Awards 2006, there is no shortage of virtuosity amongst the members of Flook, but the unique impact of this sensational Anglo-Irish group stems from the wholly intuitive, almost symbiotic, exchange between the various flutes, frets and skins. 'Ancora' marks a return after too long away, but also a continuation.
MyIrishMusic.com
01 - Reel for Rubik / Toward the Sun
02 - The Crystal Year / Foxes' Rock
03 - Companion Star / The Coral Castle
04 - Turquoise Girl / The Tree Climber / Twelve Weeks and a Day / Rounding Malin Head
05 - The Bunting Fund / Ocean Child
06 - Lalabee / Jig for Simon
07 - Ellie Goes West
08 - Sharig / The Pipers of Roguery / The Huntsman
09 - Omos Sheamuis / The Quickenbeam
Sarah Allen: Alto Flute, Concert Flute, Accordion
John Joe Kelly: Bodhrán
Brian Finnegan: Flute, Whistle
Ed Boyd: Guitar, Bouzouki, Piano