SANJU

Description

When Flook formed in 1995, there was nothing else like them; they were a flute phenomenon, neither Irish nor English, perfectly at ease in their musical skin and free to follow the wind. That they did, with daring. If their music was hard to categorize for connoisseurs of tradition, for many, it thrilled the heartstrings. The musical freedom of having no fixed abode, coupled with the obvious joy they created on stage, saw new fans flocking to their concerts. A third of their original flute line-up left the band in 1997, and since then, they have remained unchanged, their formidable musical prowess marked over the years by a quartet of acclaimed studio albums: Flatfish ('99), Rubai ('02), Haven ('05), and Ancora ('19). What Flook has become over their lifespan are lyrical storytellers. Each of Sanju’s original compositions has deep contours anchored in the intangible verve of human experience, reflections on friendship, persecution, family, love and loss, the cruelty and beauty of humanity living today in our world: – from sea roads between County Antrim and the West Coast of Scotland, to the lasting glow of love imbued in “Winter Flower” – from a pair of driving jigs that salute the courage of fighting illness and adversity, to “Timewaver” and the great mystery and craft of creativity. – from the shattering loss of a bright light in “Koady” to solidarity with fellow musicians in war-torn Ukraine. – from a tender composition of love for newly married friends in Tiblisi to the defiance and enthusiasm of “Faqqua” – from a symphonic poem of hope to 2 joyful jigs capturing the carefree nature of long summer days and celebrating our elders. The late great North American poet, Mary Oliver, had a life lesson: “Pay attention / Be astonished / Tell about it.” Sanju is a testament to that life lesson… Recorded in North London over three days with cutting-edge producers Stevie J Jones and John Calvert, this is a timely reminder at this historic turning point of the powerful artistic force Flook remains, in their perpetual drive to grow creatively – affectionately acknowledging where they come from whilst reaching outwards and forwards, their thirst for innovation burning brighter than ever. The band was active from 1996 to 2008 with 4 albums under their belt. Then, after a 10-year hiatus, they reformed in 2018. A new album followed in 2019. And now, 6 years later, this 6th studio album and new album.