They're simply the best band in the world, even without Michael McGoldrick . .

Their web site is http://www.flook.co.uk (I MUST learn to do those blue clicky things . .) and includes a couple of real audio samples (but they don't do the band justice on the system I had here).

Apart from amazing musicianship they are all stunningly original musicians, always exploring what their instruments are capable of (flute as a percussion instrument, and not by hitting anything with it), but always using what they find in the service of the tune they're performing. Ed Boyd is a wonderfully versatile guitarist - when you hear them, keep half an ear on the different styles of playing he uses in his various accompniments. John-Jo Kelly is unbelievable on bodhran (he proves that "sensitive bodhran player" isn't always a contradiction in terms), Brian Finnegan is a simply amazing flute and whistle player, with a wonderful collection of intruments, while Sarah Allen (flute, alto flute and whistle) isn't far behind and is superb on fitting orignal and apt second parts to Brian's flights of fancy. And, if they're in the mood, they'll happily try playing each other off stage. Also, they take musical influences from "everywhere" and impose their own stamp on them,

They started out as "Three Nations Flutes" or some such, with just Sarah, Mike and Brian. Ed joined a little while later - I think they'd become Flook! by then. They recorded a fine Live CD in that line-up; (thought I wish there was a recording from their final tour when they really would try to upstage each other; preferably of their gig at the Boat Race in Cambridge). Michael left to pursue the other demands on his time (he was in such demand that Flook! could hardly find any times when they could play together; the departure was entirely amicable, and they all remain good friends) and John-Jo joined; an utterly inspired choice. Their first studio album, Flatfish, is simply a musical masterpiece.

And, in addition, they're all lovely people, extremely friendly off-stage. If anyone sees them, give them love from George, Chris and Jennie!!

The only trouble is, they're too good to do justice to in words!! Last time they played for us we sold out, about 25% of the audience returned our survey forms, and every one of those forms rated the performance 5 out of 5. (And about 45% of that audience were "young people" of one type or another . .)

G.