IT is no fluke that Flook will lead off the Black Swan Folk Club's season of concerts at the National Centre of Early Music, York.

"Two years ago Flook delighted a full house at the NCEM, just as they have done at countless other festivals and concert halls around the world," says club promoter Roland Walls, who has booked the acoustic quartet for February 23.

"The combination of the virtuoso flutes of Sarah Allen and Brian Finnegan, underpinned by the fluid guitar of Ed Boyd and subtle bodhran of John Joe Kelly, makes this one of the most innovative and exciting bands in the business."

Roland has newly arranged a 7.30pm support spot for another all-instrumental group at the Flook gig. Niblik, a new trio, line up with The Pack's Matt Nelson on saxophone, guitar and whistle; Helen Bell, from York folk group Ola, on viola, fiddle and piano; and Andy Gibb on bass guitar.

"Helen is well known on the York scene, while Matt and his sax will be familiar to anyone who frequents local festivals or sessions," says Roland.

Songwriting partners Chris While and Julie Matthews will celebrate their tenth anniversary on tour with the While and Matthews Band, playing the National Centre on March 22. Lead guitarist Danny While, double bass player Martin Brunsden and drummer Pat Illingworth will accompany them to promote new album Perfect Mistake, released by Fat Cat Records on February 23.

"Their songs are heartfelt, literate and melodic and their live performances are a joy to hear," says Roland.

Young Scottish and Irish band Malinky will play the NCEM for the first time on May 28. They made their debut in Glasgow in 1999 and have since become one of the hottest properties in Celtic music.

Ethno England, a new project involving folk fledglings from Britain, Europe and beyond, will present a showcase concert on June 15 at 8pm. Under the guidance of tutors such as Tim Van Eyken and James Fagan, 50 young musicians met at an international folk camp to explore each other's musical heritage, and the results can be heard at the NCEM.

The National Centre is promoting an additional folk concert in its spring and summer programme: the April 20 appearance of Lunasa, an Irish acoustic group named after an ancient Celtic harvest festival in honour of the god Lugh.

u JAZZ promoter David Porter has booked two premier-league American jazz acts for his J Night concerts at the National Centre for Early Music.

On May 8 at 8pm, explosive jazz fusion drummer and bandleader Billy Cobham will be accompanied by Julian Joseph, piano, Donald Harrison, saxophones, Guy Barker, trumpet, and Orlando Fleming, bass.

On May 29, pianist and composer Jessica Williams will arrive in York direct from the Royal Festival Hall, London. "She has spent several decades creating strikingly original and immediately identifiable music," says David.

"She's a holder of the distinguished Guggenheim Fellowship, has released more than 30 records and is considered by critics to be one of the most important improvising pianists of this age."

All concerts in this season of folk and jazz music start at 7.30pm, unless stated. For tickets, ring 01904 658338.

Updated: 09:11 Friday, February 13, 2004