Flowk is the trio of Ciscu Cardona (guitar), Marc del Pino (diatonic accordion) and Xavi Castanys (mandolin, guitar). Trobada also features guests Sílvia Murillo (violin), Pau Benitez (flabiol), Manu Sabaté  (gralla, tenora, bass clarinet) and Xavi Carbó (double bass). The flabiol is a Catalan woodwind musical instrument of the fipple flute family. Another type of woodwind, the Catalan gralla is a traditional double reed instrument that has experienced resurgence in the last fifty years.  A double-reeded oboe-like wind instrument, the tenora is a descendent of the tenor shawm, and has evolved in Catalonia to become representative of indigenous music and sardana dance music.

An interesting moniker for the band, Flowk represents a fusion of folk with contemporary sensibilities of the flowing fluency of music. Quite simply, the flux of Flowk’s music is its very fluid mutability. It incorporates elements of jazz, new acoustic, Mediterranean, Celtic and European folk music. Each of their ten original compositions, arranged with instrumental dynamics, seem inspired by various forms of Catalonia folk dance.  “Andròmines” may incorporate elements of the andro circle dance, but it establishes an effervescent groove all its own as it evolves into its charming bridge with the accordion and mandolin conversing. “Embus” may mean “jam,” but Flowk’s music sounds very carefully cultivated and cohesive with some coloring incorporated from violinist Silvia Murillo. 

The title track and “Sr. Clenque” have some of the most lively, spirited passages, while the emotive “Caléndula,” “Pom,” “Valse a Lorena” and “Queralt” use inspirations of the sardana, gavotte, waltz or mazurka to convey current meaning to their musical messages. These slower tempo’ed tunes are especially nice with their instrumental flavorings of their guest artists. The medley of “Tenyoro / Desembre” (I Miss You / December) starts with the chirping of birds setting the stage for a graceful statement of appreciation before the next song evolves into one of more variability and uncertainty.   From start to finish on Trobada, Flowk gives us an energetic, formidable instrumental sound that is poignant, profound and expressive. (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)