Ten Minutes with Sarah Allen of Flook
FOR three decades, Flook have been at the cutting edge of folk music, blending dynamic energy with inventive musicality. Flook's fifth album Sanju was released in May and is available on all digital platforms and on www.flook.co.uk The band also just been awarded prestigious 'Group of the Year' title at the annual TG4 Gradam Ceoil Awards which can be viewed on line at tg4.ie Flute player Sarah Allen took time out to answer our questions
What are you up to, Sarah?
Right now, I am rushing around preparing for our upcoming Flook tour of Japan. We've been to Japan quite a few times over the years—it's one of our favourite places to tour. The people are so kind and respectful and friendly, and the pace toggles between super calm and super frenetic. It will be great to be back. We called our latest recording Sanju, which very broadly speaking is the Japanese word for 30, as Flook are celebrating our 30th anniversary this year.
Which piece of music always sends a shiver down your spine?
Allegri's Miserere
Which musician or singer has most influenced you?
A chance meeting with legendary free improvising jazz drummer John Stevens single-handedly changed the course of my musical life. From there on in everything I had previously learned about music was challenged and reset; it was the starting point of a much more creative and fulfilling musical journey.
What's on your smartphone playlist at the minute?
I've been listening a lot to Bonny Light Horseman's latest release Keep Me on Your Mind / See You Free - I saw them live at The Roundhouse last Autumn - they were AMAZING! I'm also really enjoying The Charming Smile and the Glorious Life from up and coming band Wesley. The lead singer Jamie is the son of my good friend Al Jones, fiddle player from The Barely Works. Other favourites include Laura Wilkie's new album Vent and Brìghde Chaimbeul's new single Bog an Lochan.
What are your family roots in Ireland?
My Irish roots are only very distant, from way back in the 1600s when my forefathers on my father's side came from up around where Brian (Finnegan) lives in the Armagh area, before they emigrated to Australia.
What is your favourite place in Ireland?
I love the bustle of Galway and the wildness of West Cork.
What has been your favourite venue?
We played with Dreamers' Circus last November at Islington's Union Chapel and will be back there for our own gig this coming November - it's such a beautiful space to play music and to hear music - almost other worldly.
Which living person do you most admire?
My Dad. The tune Ninety Years Young on our new Flook recording Sanju was written for him, though this year it will be dedicated to my Mum (equally admired) for her big birthday in May this year.
Which trait in others do you most admire?
Kindness
What would be your motto?
Peace comes when you realise that everything that's out of control should be out of your mind too.
What's the best advice you've ever been given?
Always stay curious
In terms of inanimate objects, what is your most precious possession?
My Granny's wedding ring. It was her one remaining treasured possession and she gave it to me shortly before she died.
What's best thing about where you live?
The street where I live, on the shabbier side of Hampstead Heath, must be one of the friendliest places in London; everyone looks out for everyone else. Plus we have the Heath across the road with its Lido and swimming ponds.
. . . . and the worst?
I'm struggling to think of anything I don't like!
Who/what is the greatest love of your life?
My daughter, Maisy - recently turned 18 and shortly heading off on her own adventures
Upcoming gigs
4th June 2025: Music Room at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall LIVERPOOL
5th June 2025: The Met BURY, Gt MANCHESTER
6th June 2025: Brewery Arts KENDAL
7th June 2025: The Reeling GLASGOW
8th June 2025: The Glasshouse GATESHEAD
5th July 2025: Festival of Flutes DERRY
w.flook.co.uk
See More: Flook, Folk Music, Traditional Music
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