Happy St. Patty’s: Flook You

Flook:

My absolute favorite traditional Irish group consists, ironically enough, of three dudes and a chick from England. John Joe Kelly, arguably the best bodhran player on the planet, makes his drum sound like two drum kits and a bass player. The flute melodies are way too difficult to drunkenly keep up with, but the rhythms are made for alcohol inspired “spasmodic pseudo-jigging”…

Flook live on BBC television in 2006 playing my favorite track from their album Rubai:

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Here’s some quality video of the band at what appears to be a high school auditorium:

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Here they are again, on the mellow tip, apparently in someone’s basement. Sarah Allen, the band’s accomplished flutist really shines in this beautiful tune off their last album, Haven:

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Solas:

“All-Ireland Champion” instrumentalist Seamus Egan, best known for penning the Sarah McLaughlin tune I Will Remember You started this Irish-American group in 1994. Traditional instrumentation and Karan Casey’s angel-like vocals provided the foundation for one of the most accomplished acts of the genre. Casey ditched the band back in ’97 to pursue a solo career. The band went on to make four albums without her, but in my opinion their best stuff is on their self-titled debut, and their third album, The Words That Remain.

Here’s a groovin’ clip (minus Casey) to introduce you to the Solas sound. This clip was apparently filmed in a Japanese Restaurant? Who the hell is booking these bands!?

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Here’s another clip from NY’s Grassroots Music Fest in 2001. Look at all the white people dance:

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Finally, a little clip of Karan Casey with her solo band, on an actual stage! Apparently Karan is about 4-foot-3.

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Hope this little taste of Celtic sound spices up your St. Patty’s month just a wee bit more. Remember, I’m only a quarter Irish. If you don’t dig my selections, give me another chance next October, when I will unveil my Columbus Day special on traditional Italian Square Dancing. Pog mo thoin, bitches!