LIVE IN AMSTERDAM

In 1978 Flairck was for the first time on the Dutch television and the band impressed with their captivating acoustic blend of different styles, and their virtuosic play. Soon after Flairck did a serie of gigs in my hometown The Hague (supporting their debut LP entitled Variaties Op Een Dame, from 1978), I was invited to join a group of friends who played in a folk band and were very eager to watch Flairck.

I still remember the huge excitement of our group, and in fact, the entire crowd, lots of cheers, 'wows', long handclapping and in the end a standing ovation! After their splendid second LP Gevecht Met De Engel (1980) Flairck went on an extensive international tour, resulting in the double live LP Live In Amsterdam.

Flairck delivers outstanding and very inspired versions of their two studio-albums tracks, featuring many improvisations and soli.

From warm 12-string guitars and soaring flute to propulsive acoustic rhythm guitar and powerful acoustic bass, blended with swirling panflute and violin.

From folk (often Celtic and Eastern Europe hints) and jazz to classical or a blend of several styles with flowing shifting moods and exciting soli on a wide range of instruments.

The band puts a lot of emotion and also humor into their music so it never sounds clinical, in contrary!

After this double live album Flairck released their third album Circus in 1981, also interesting but then the sound of the band shifted to more experimental and even avant-garde elements, not really my cup of tea.

Flairck - Live In Amsterdam : a true masterpiece of progressive folk, highly recommended!