Saturday 7th MAY
USA
Kansas City, MO
Missouri Valley FolkLife Society
Johnson County Community College (Carlsen Center)
Overland Park, KS
www.mvfs.org
(816) 763-8663
Flook is an award winning band that has gotten the attention of the traditional Irish music audience. Some people call their music Irish traditional / fusion or innovation on Irish traditional music. Some people do not regard it as Irish traditional music in any way. Opinions?
Re: To Flook or not to Flook, that is the question.
Great to listen to, great to dance to, great to aspire to be that standard of a player, so what else matters (apart from never having heard them?) I don't see how anyone can not regard it as Irish traditional music in any way (sour grapes aside).
Re: To Flook or not to Flook, that is the question.
It cannot be denied that their music contains elements of Irish Traditional Music - much of the musical material, style and technique. But I can certainly see how some people might regard it as something other than Traditional Music. I don't imagine the members of Flook themselves regard themselves as a traditional band - their 'brief' (if such a term may be used in a musical context), it seems to me, is to take material from the Irish tradition and other musical sources, put it all together and make something new and non-traditional out of it. Time will tell whether their music will become 'part of the tradition'; no doubt it will influence, and has influenced, the way certain people play traditional music, but that in itself does not make it traditional.
Personally, I am not a huge fan - I like to hear a tune breathe a bit more. But I'd be happy to be half the musician any one of them is. No sour grapes.
Re: To Flook or not to Flook, that is the question.
I agree with Mountain Goat. flooks music does contain elements of ITM, even though only a quarter of the tunes on "Flatfish" are trad, but (differing) i would still put it as ITM.
I like to hear the boundaries pushed a bit, and i think that flook are great exponents of that- taking a tune and blending it into something different from the main ITM genre (if there is such a thing). Of course, this may annoy some purists, and there's always going to be a split of opinion. But to echo the comments sofar-you cannot argue that they are one hell of a talented bunch.
Re: To Flook or not to Flook, that is the question.
Greetings,
I have to echo the thoughts that Flook does not as a rule play traditional Irish music. I think each member of this great band may also say the same, at least in-so-far as their performances and recordings are concerned. I do believe however that each member is very capable of playing Irish music in a traditional way whenever they wish. That said, I find their music invigorating. There is no doubt that they are a very talented group that has found a great musical connection amongst themselves. Their live performances are nothing short of brilliant and to anyone who hasn’t had the experience I highly recommend going to one of their shows. They are all very approachable as well.
I had the fortune of attending one of the few workshops that John Joe Kelly ran whilst the band was here a little over a year ago. He was very studious in his emphasizing that his style of play, as heard in performance and recording, was not what one should aspire towards if they were interested in playing the music in a traditional way. He spent a great deal of time demonstrating very traditional rhythm patterns, all the while emphasizing that the bodhrán held a support position in the tradition not a primary one, especially as it related to session play. John Joe himself indicated that Johnny McDonagh is one of his biggest influences.
Even if you are a purist I think you will thoroughly enjoy this band at a live performance provided you recognize the music for what it is, a harmonious and rhythmic blend of great music from a group of fine performers.
Re: To Flook or not to Flook, that is the question.
I haven't disagreed with anyone yet. I enjoy their music and try not to think too much about it.
Breandan: A publicist would need to have "diplomacy." That leaves me out. I would not be able to resist cracking a few jokes about their name, "Flook." Which of them are the Flookers and which are the Flookees? Who are their Motherflookers? I wouldn't be able to keep that job one flookin' day.
Re: To Flook or not to Flook, that is the question.
I think Flook is mostly tradtional with other elements added in. I was going to buy one of their albums with my last order but I forgot to. I am trying to start a ITM/Jazz fusion type thing I have a melody section but I need a Bass and a Guitar player.
Re: To Flook or not to Flook, that is the question.
Hmm, breandan, I think you're CD collection needs updating. Mike McGoldrick only appears on the original 'Flook! Live' CD, recorded some seven years ago.
Re: To Flook or not to Flook, that is the question.
well, I'm really into FLOOK!!!
I saw them 3 times in a year... whow, I'll always be crazy about them I think!
And I dream about following a whistle workshop with brian at least once in my life... burwell bash, here I come?!
lievegreetings
Re: To Flook or not to Flook, that is the question.
If I was half the player any of these are I would be dead happy.Huge fan and you couldnt meet nicer people.They started a new trend and type of Irish music! Fair play to them. They have earned the respect of most of the top names in Irish musicapparently
Re: To Flook or not to Flook, that is the question.
The first song of a set, Kalamantinos, has been driving nuts due to the beautifully synchronized, bouzouki based harmony. Is there anything like this in ITM anywhere? It sounds like bouzouki, regular mandolin and button accordian.
The rest of the set is absolutely excellent team playing and John Joe Kelly with exemplary bodhran.
Re: To Flook or not to Flook, that is the question.
John Joe Kelly is playing 100 percent to the music with excellent triplet accents and change of pitch. If I don't specifically listen for the percussion, he blends into the lively music in a way that you forget its bodhran. That is an amazing range of drumming. (^:
Re: To Flook or not to Flook, that is the question.
Hi All,
I saw Flook this past week in Cedar Rapids, IA. A very small venue (50ish people). Without question, one of the best shows I have ever seen. They are 4 of the most talented artists I know of - Finnegan's whistle playing is brilliant. I could only hope to move my fingers 1/2 that fast.
Are they purely trad? No, there is definately some jazz fusion going on, but does it matter? They are amazing musicians, and worth every penny.
Re: To Flook or not to Flook, that is the question.
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To Flook or not to Flook, that is the question.
To Flook or not to Flook, that is the question.
Flook is starting its US and Canada tour the last part of April. Details of their schedule are at their website: http://www.flook.co.uk
Friday 22nd APRIL
USA
Hartford CT
University of Hartford
(800) 274-8587
Saturday 23rd APRIL
USA
Philadelphia
Crossroads
(215) 729-1028
http://www.crossroads.calvary-center.org/philacrossroads.htm
Sunday 24th APRIL
USA
Pittsboro, NC
Shakori Hills Grass Roots Festival
http://www.shakorihills.org/
Monday 25th APRIL
USA
Wilmington, DE
Green Willow Folk Club
4 W 5 Cafe
(302) 798-4811
http://www.greenwillow.org/
Tuesday 26th APRIL
USA
Washington DC
Kennedy Center, Millennium Stage
6pm
http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/millennium/
Wednesday 27th APRIL
USA
New York City
Satalla
37 West 26th St.
(6th / Broadway)
212.576.115
7.30pm
http://www.satalla.com
Friday 29th APRIL
USA
Asheville NC
Pack Place/Wortham Theatre
(828) 298-3434
Saturday 30th APRIL
USA
Charlottesville, VA
The Prism
http://www.theprism.org/
Sunday 1st MAY
USA
Minneapolis, MN
Cedar Cultural Center
612.338.2674 ext. 2
http://www.thecedar.org/
Monday 2nd MAY
USA
Chicago, IL
Martyr's
(773) 404-9494
http://www.martyrslive.com/
Tuesday 3rd MAY
USA
Cedar Rapids , IA
CSPS
1103 3rd St SE
319 364 1580 / 319 364 1580
www.legionarts.org
Wednesday 4th MAY
USA
Champaign, IL
Univ of Illinois Champaign-Urbana,
Gregory Hall
Friday 6th MAY
USA
St. Louis, MO
Focal Point
http://www.thefocalpoint.org/
Saturday 7th MAY
USA
Kansas City, MO
Missouri Valley FolkLife Society
Johnson County Community College (Carlsen Center)
Overland Park, KS
www.mvfs.org
(816) 763-8663
For further information on all Canadian dates, please visit
http://www.CelticCultures.com
Flook is an award winning band that has gotten the attention of the traditional Irish music audience. Some people call their music Irish traditional / fusion or innovation on Irish traditional music. Some people do not regard it as Irish traditional music in any way. Opinions?
# Posted on April 9th 2005 by CeolCairdeas
Re: To Flook or not to Flook, that is the question.
Great to listen to, great to dance to, great to aspire to be that standard of a player, so what else matters (apart from never having heard them?) I don't see how anyone can not regard it as Irish traditional music in any way (sour grapes aside).
Jim Dorans
# Posted on April 9th 2005 by Worldfiddler
Re: To Flook or not to Flook, that is the question.
It cannot be denied that their music contains elements of Irish Traditional Music - much of the musical material, style and technique. But I can certainly see how some people might regard it as something other than Traditional Music. I don't imagine the members of Flook themselves regard themselves as a traditional band - their 'brief' (if such a term may be used in a musical context), it seems to me, is to take material from the Irish tradition and other musical sources, put it all together and make something new and non-traditional out of it. Time will tell whether their music will become 'part of the tradition'; no doubt it will influence, and has influenced, the way certain people play traditional music, but that in itself does not make it traditional.
Personally, I am not a huge fan - I like to hear a tune breathe a bit more. But I'd be happy to be half the musician any one of them is. No sour grapes.
# Posted on April 10th 2005 by CreadurMawnOrganig
Re: To Flook or not to Flook, that is the question.
I agree with Mountain Goat. flooks music does contain elements of ITM, even though only a quarter of the tunes on "Flatfish" are trad, but (differing) i would still put it as ITM.
I like to hear the boundaries pushed a bit, and i think that flook are great exponents of that- taking a tune and blending it into something different from the main ITM genre (if there is such a thing). Of course, this may annoy some purists, and there's always going to be a split of opinion. But to echo the comments sofar-you cannot argue that they are one hell of a talented bunch.
# Posted on April 10th 2005 by aaron b
Re: To Flook or not to Flook, that is the question.
Some of it is great and some absolute s***e but there's no doubting Finnegan and Mc Goldrick's skill.
# Posted on April 10th 2005 by breandan
Re: To Flook or not to Flook, that is the question.
So ceolcairdeas - are you their N American publicist?
# Posted on April 10th 2005 by breandan
Re: To Flook or not to Flook, that is the question.
Greetings,
I have to echo the thoughts that Flook does not as a rule play traditional Irish music. I think each member of this great band may also say the same, at least in-so-far as their performances and recordings are concerned. I do believe however that each member is very capable of playing Irish music in a traditional way whenever they wish. That said, I find their music invigorating. There is no doubt that they are a very talented group that has found a great musical connection amongst themselves. Their live performances are nothing short of brilliant and to anyone who hasn’t had the experience I highly recommend going to one of their shows. They are all very approachable as well.
I had the fortune of attending one of the few workshops that John Joe Kelly ran whilst the band was here a little over a year ago. He was very studious in his emphasizing that his style of play, as heard in performance and recording, was not what one should aspire towards if they were interested in playing the music in a traditional way. He spent a great deal of time demonstrating very traditional rhythm patterns, all the while emphasizing that the bodhrán held a support position in the tradition not a primary one, especially as it related to session play. John Joe himself indicated that Johnny McDonagh is one of his biggest influences.
Even if you are a purist I think you will thoroughly enjoy this band at a live performance provided you recognize the music for what it is, a harmonious and rhythmic blend of great music from a group of fine performers.
Peace,
Ed
# Posted on April 10th 2005 by ejsant
Re: To Flook or not to Flook, that is the question.
I haven't disagreed with anyone yet. I enjoy their music and try not to think too much about it.
Breandan: A publicist would need to have "diplomacy." That leaves me out. I would not be able to resist cracking a few jokes about their name, "Flook." Which of them are the Flookers and which are the Flookees? Who are their Motherflookers? I wouldn't be able to keep that job one flookin' day.
# Posted on April 10th 2005 by CeolCairdeas
Re: To Flook or not to Flook, that is the question.
I think Flook is mostly tradtional with other elements added in. I was going to buy one of their albums with my last order but I forgot to. I am trying to start a ITM/Jazz fusion type thing I have a melody section but I need a Bass and a Guitar player.
# Posted on April 10th 2005 by Why Bother?
Re: To Flook or not to Flook, that is the question.
Hmm, breandan, I think you're CD collection needs updating. Mike McGoldrick only appears on the original 'Flook! Live' CD, recorded some seven years ago.
ATB,
Geoff
# Posted on April 10th 2005 by MacCruiskeen
Re: To Flook or not to Flook, that is the question.
well, I'm really into FLOOK!!!
I saw them 3 times in a year... whow, I'll always be crazy about them I think!
And I dream about following a whistle workshop with brian at least once in my life... burwell bash, here I come?!
lievegreetings
# Posted on April 10th 2005 by lieve
Re: To Flook or not to Flook, that is the question.
If I was half the player any of these are I would be dead happy.Huge fan and you couldnt meet nicer people.They started a new trend and type of Irish music! Fair play to them. They have earned the respect of most of the top names in Irish musicapparently
# Posted on April 11th 2005 by eurbanjo
Re: To Flook or not to Flook, that is the question.
The first song of a set, Kalamantinos, has been driving nuts due to the beautifully synchronized, bouzouki based harmony. Is there anything like this in ITM anywhere? It sounds like bouzouki, regular mandolin and button accordian.
The rest of the set is absolutely excellent team playing and John Joe Kelly with exemplary bodhran.
# Posted on April 11th 2005 by CeolCairdeas
Re: To Flook or not to Flook, that is the question.
"...and John Joe Kelly with exemplary bodhran"....as in the link/intro after "Kalamatinos" and before "Larry Get Out of the Bin". Brilliant, I think.
Jim
# Posted on April 12th 2005 by Worldfiddler
Re: To Flook or not to Flook, that is the question.
John Joe Kelly is playing 100 percent to the music with excellent triplet accents and change of pitch. If I don't specifically listen for the percussion, he blends into the lively music in a way that you forget its bodhran. That is an amazing range of drumming. (^:
# Posted on April 12th 2005 by CeolCairdeas
Re: To Flook or not to Flook, that is the question.
good music? yes.
irish influenced? yes
ITM? no.
# Posted on April 13th 2005 by daiv
Re: To Flook or not to Flook, that is the question.
Hi All,
I saw Flook this past week in Cedar Rapids, IA. A very small venue (50ish people). Without question, one of the best shows I have ever seen. They are 4 of the most talented artists I know of - Finnegan's whistle playing is brilliant. I could only hope to move my fingers 1/2 that fast.
Are they purely trad? No, there is definately some jazz fusion going on, but does it matter? They are amazing musicians, and worth every penny.
# Posted on May 6th 2005 by ISU Trout Bum
Re: To Flook or not to Flook, that is the question.
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