Formed over 25 years ago by four friends, Flook burst onto the international music scene with their debut studio album, ‘Flatfish’. The band had a remarkably successful performing and recording career – the sheer enjoyment of playing together shone through their albums. 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, but they didn’t stay silent for long, and the last 4 years has seen them continuing to play occasional live shows, including short tours of Japan, Ireland and Germany, as well as festival shows.

Brian Finnegan said, “Way back in 2005 when we released our 3rd studio album ‘Haven’, little did we know that it would be our last for almost a decade and a half. We took a break in 2008, followed our hearts and instincts and went our separate ways; had kids, got hitched, loved, lost, explored the musical world post-Flook.

But when Flook came calling again in 2013, so the voltage returned and like all deep friendships it felt like we’d never been apart. Part of the decision to re-group was the understanding that we had much left to say as a band, and a certain responsibility to our loyal fans, old and new, to create Flook music of the present, rich in both past and future.

The imagery associated with the meaning of ‘Ancora’ is abundant indeed. It is the Latin word for anchor, be that to the seabed or in the kith and kin of our lives. It also means ‘hope’ and ‘again’. The great Italian master Michelangelo was attributed as saying “Ancora Impara” on his 87th birthday, meaning “I am yet learning”. This resonated in us and was present throughout the process of recording ‘Ancora’. So, deeper in we go. Thanks for listening.”

There is no shortage of virtuosity amongst the members of Flook, but the unique impact of this sensational Anglo-Irish group stems from the wholly intuitive, almost symbiotic, exchange between the various flutes, frets and skins. ‘Ancora’ marks a return after too long away, but also a continuation.

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 Kylie Minogue, Kathryn Tickell, Michael McGoldrick, Julie Fowlis and Zakir Hussain to name just a few.

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 good chunk of her time to education, nurturing fiddlers and musicians in general, young and old.