KAN featuring Brian Finnegan and Aidan O’Rourke

Brian Finnegan and Aidan O'Rourke, front men with possibly the two most revered bands ever to have thrilled the folk scene, Flook and Lau, join forces with two of the brightest stars in the world of rhythm and accompaniment to travel a daring and innovative new musical path.

Irish flute and whistle genius Brian Finnegan has been in the studio working on a solo album since the legendary, BBC Award Winning Flook took an extended break at the end of last year. This new album, a collection of almost entirely his own compositions, is due for release later in the year.

Aidan O'Rourke has been electrifying audiences across the world these past two years in the company of the mighty Lau who continue to push the frontiers of acoustic music with their creative collective power. His latest solo album An Tobar is work of sheer beauty.

Both men are composers held in the highest regard and here they bring their new compositions to life with scintillating style, in the company of ace young guitarist Ian Stephenson, and master Manchester drummer, Jim Goodwin. These four have an alchemy that is wonderfully hypnotic, the perfect balance between grace and power, sunlight and shade - a uniquely thrilling union.

These four have an alchemy that is wonderfully hypnotic, the perfect balance between grace and power, sunlight and shade - a uniquely thrilling union.

"Terrifically tight... intensely lyrical... heavyweight rhythmic attack" The Scotsman

Brian Finnegan
Brian Finnegan, from Armagh in the north of Ireland, is widely regarded as one of the true pioneers in Irish music. Front man with the Flook for over 13 years, this maverick flute and tin whistle player has toured the world and recorded three highly acclaimed studio albums, Flatfish, Rubai and Haven, with the band. Collecting awards and a huge fan base wherever they toured, Flook were crowned BBC Band Of The Year 2006. Brian's music is forged from both his native tradition and from his love of a wider musical tapestry. His travelling and touring in India and Eastern Europe had a deep and profound affect on his talent as a composer, hinted at early on with the release of his first CD, 'When The Party's Over' in 1993. In 2008 he was commissioned by The Sage Gateshead to compose a piece for the opening of 'The Eighth Bridge', a major art installation across the River Tyne. He has toured and recorded with many artistes including Kate Rusby and Cara Dillon, and at Celtic Connections 2008 premiered his northern big band, The Singing Tree; thirteen performers, musicians, singers, poets and dancers, all from the northern counties of Ireland.

'He stands out, in a nation of wonderful flute players, as much more than a technical virtuoso, his playing having the freewheeling lightness of touch and inspired musical understanding that flows into improvisation in real time, at reel speed.' Norman Chalmers, The List

'This man is a thrilling talent, marvellous technical dexterity, bold musical imagination
and urgent tone combining in playing of breathtaking suppleness and delicacy' Scotland on Sunday

Aidan O'Rourke
Both as a fiddler and a composer, Aidan O’Rourke ranks with the foremost Scottish musicians of his generation, deeply rooted in tradition while audaciously expanding its parameters. A founder member of top UK folk acts Lau and Blazin’ Fiddles, he has also released two outstanding solo albums, Sirius (2006) and An Tobar (2008), as well as featuring on more than 80 recordings by other artists. His original compositions, including a string of high-profile commissions, have won widespread acclaim for their innovative synthesis of diverse musical styles. With his sublime technical and expressive command, forged both from his rich native heritage and an incorrigible appetite for fresh musical adventure, O’Rourke is truly a world-class talent.

“Few contemporary musicians in any category can match either his artistic ambitions or his achievements in bringing them to fruition” The Scotsman

Ian Stephenson
The hugely regarded multi-instrumentalist from Yorkshire is leading a new wave of modern accompanists to bring a driving contemporary feel to traditional music. Since winning the BBC young folk award in 1999 with his band '422', he has played all over the world with such folk as Kathryn Tickell, Chris Stout, Jerry Holland, Liz Carroll and his own band 'Baltic Crossing'.

James Goodwin
A majestic drummer from Manchester, James Goodwin found his way into folk and acoustic music through his playing with the band Skidoo. He's a regular session drummer with the Halle and BBC Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestras, and has toured with Flook and The Cora Smyth Band.