Flook

Flook is an Anglo-Irish folk group from the United Kingdom, formed in 1995. It plays traditional-style instrumental music, much of it written by the group itself, and its sound centres on fast flute and whistle lines over complex guitar and bodhrán rhythms.

Formation and early years

The group begins as a trio of flute players: Sarah Allen, Brian Finnegan and Michael McGoldrick. It is briefly known as Three Nations Flutes. McGoldrick leaves in 1997 to join Capercaillie. The group is active from 1995 to the present.

Style and instrumentation

Flook’s music is identified by highly rapid, sometimes percussive flute and whistle playing, supported by layered string and percussion patterns. The group works within folk and traditional Irish-influenced instrumental music.

Members and instruments

Sarah Allen plays flute, alto flute and accordion, and has also been a member of Barely Works, Bigjig and The Happy End Big Band. Brian Finnegan plays wooden flutes and tin whistles, and has also been a member of Upstairs in a Tent, originally called Gan Ainm, and Maalstroom. Ed Boyd plays guitars and bouzouki and is a former member of Red Ciel. John Joe Kelly plays bodhrán and mandolin, and also works with Altan and Paul Brady as a session musician.

Later history

In December 2008, the group announces that it is ending, and it gives a final performance in Belfast at the end of the Tall Ships festival on 16 August 2009.