The gig was branded as 'English Originals' and as well as Seth Lakeman it included Tunng and Sharon Krauss. I was intrigued by the rootsy nature of this new folk, particularly as the roots were not from the usual regions but in Seth's case the South West.
I don't remember much of Sharron Krauss but I remember liking her set without being particularly inspired. Tunng didn't really do it for me although I caught them as part of a hybrid band the following year and liked them a lot more. On this ocassion I found them a bit disjointed.
Seth however was excellent. His fiddle and guitar playing was supremely energetic and positive and was at the same time rooted in regional tradition. There were songs about mining disasters and lifeboat disasters and dark nights on moors. The whole band was good with his brother playing fiddle and other instruments and a dynamic upright bass player who added to the energetic tempo of the gig.
He played a stack of songs off " Freedom Fields" which was the only album I knew and they really resonated as live tracks. 'King and Country' was amazing as was the final track 'Setting of the Sun' - both deeply poignant. 'Lady of the Sea' and 'Colliers' delivered a more dynamic energy. Good stuff all round.
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