Music Network presents Flook with special guest Patsy Reid
Brian Finnegan whistles/flute
Sarah Allen alto flute/flute/piano accordion
Ed Boyd guitar
John Joe Kelly bodhrán
Patsy Reid fiddle/viola
Taking inspiration from their roots in the Irish and English traditions, Flook have an enviable trademark sound, weaving and spinning traditionally rooted tunes over precise acoustic grooves, with a rare blend of fiery technical brilliance, delicate ensemble interaction and a bold, adventurous musical imagination. There is certainly no shortage of virtuosity amongst the members of Flook, but the collective impact of this band stems from the wholly intuitive, almost symbiotic exchange between the various flutes, frets and skins.
Over 28 years after their first gig together, Flook continue to inspire and enchant audiences of all ages. Their most recent album Ancora, released in 2019 to critical acclaim and nominated for BBC Folk Album of the Year, clearly demonstrates that, with their roots firmly anchored in the tradition, Flook still hold fast to their reputation as major musical innovators. Flook were shortlisted for Best Folk Group in Ireland’s RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards in 2019.
With the virtuosic flutes and whistles of Brian Finnegan and Sarah Allen, the astounding guitar playing of Ed Boyd and John Joe Kelly “the most creative bodhrán player on the planet” (MOJO), this iconic band has wowed audiences right from when they first burst onto the international music scene with their debut studio album Flatfish. The band has had a remarkably successful performing and recording career – the sheer enjoyment of playing together shone through on their earlier albums (Flatfish (1999), Rubai (2002) and Haven (2005) but it was their live performances that really captured the hearts of those who watched and listened.
The rapport between these four musicians, and the sheer enjoyment they developed in playing together, was commented on by audiences and critics alike. Having won Best Band at BBC Folk Awards 2006, Flook took a break in 2008. Their return in 2019 was best summed up by The Irish Times who stated “Tour de force return after decade and a half – a luminous reunion” and fRoots who aptly observed that the band are “As vital as ever … class is indeed permanent.”
Patsy Reid is one of the most distinctive and admired fiddle players in the UK. Her unique blend of traditional and classical string technique has seen her perform alongside such an eclectic mix of artists as Kylie Minogue, Kathryn Tickell, Michael McGoldrick, Julie Fowlis and Zakir Hussain.
In the studio, Patsy is a one-woman string quartet, contributing violin, viola and even cello to albums by Zakir Hussain, Donald Shaw, Flook, Brian Finnegan and many, many more.
Patsy Reid
Patsy Reid is one of the most distinctive and admired fiddle players in the UK. Her unique blend of traditional and classical string technique has seen her perform alongside such an eclectic mix of artists as Kylie Minogue, Kathryn Tickell, Michael McGoldrick, Julie Fowlis and Zakir Hussain.
In the studio, Patsy is a one-woman string quartet, contributing violin, viola and even cello to albums by Zakir Hussain, Donald Shaw, Flook, Brian Finnegan and many, many more. Patsy is prevalent in the thriving Scottish music scene, focusing primarily on collaboration, performance, arranging and recording. She also devotes a significant amount of her time to education, nurturing fiddlers and musicians in general, young and old.
