Anglo-Irish folk band Flook return to Newbury stomping ground

Newbury Spring Festival: Flook at The Corn Exchange on Tuesday, May 10. Review by STEPHEN OTTNER

Anglo-Irish band Flook immediately launched into a set of tunes bringing a traditional folk element to the Spring Festival.

With Brian Finnegan on whistles, Sarah Allen flute, Ed Boyd guitar and John Joe Kelly on bodhran this quartet of extremely accomplished musicians delivered a highly-polished performance, through both their music and their interaction with the audience.

In addition to tunes from their latest album Ancora were ones from earlier albums.

One such tune when originally recorded included a trombone, but in its absence the audience was requested to help provide a vocal trombone sound.

This was provided with some gusto and enjoyment, although perhaps not in all cases, ability.

Among the sets of tunes, several written by Sara and Brian, were many gigs and reels with the bodhran and guitar providing the driving rhythmic backbone; such lively music would have suited a mixed standing and seated setting.

Throughout the performance a piano accordion intriguingly sat at the foot of the stage.

It was donned by Sarah in the penultimate set of tunes and provided a welcome new sound which would have benefited from being more prominent in the mix.

Towards the end of the concert three members of the band left the stage while John Joe Kelly performed an extended bodhran solo, a masterclass in technique.

Complimenting the Corn Exchange as a building and venue, the band were uncertain if they had previously played there, but those who had been there were able to affirm they had – about 20 years ago.

This was Flook’s second performance of the day as, in the afternoon, they entertained and engaged 251 very enthusiastic schoolchildren.

The outreach programme of the Spring Festival is such a valuable part of the festival, and the organisers are to be commended for encouraging the next generation.