Seth Lakeman - 26/3/2019

I had last seen Seth Lakeman at the Monmouth Music Festival a few years back and before that about ten years ago. I enjoy his modern take on folk and the enthusiasm and dynamism with which he delivers it. First up was Josienne Clark, singer songwriter with an interesting set of songs and a great dry line in chat. Comparing her music to that of Seth's ('footstompingly good') she described it as 'tearjerkingly sad'. She did moody electric guitar as well as acoustic and had a great voice. Seth's band was drummer, bass player and lead guitarist with him playing fiddle, guitar, a four string guitar(?) and banjo. The band was excellent - I was particularly impressed with the guitarist, Kit Hawes who was perfect for the band, never flashy but always adding to the band sound whether filling in, soloing or adding rhythm. After a number of songs I didn't know - presumably off the new album - the best of which was called 'Silver Threads' (or something similar), Seth played some songs from the excellent 'Freedom Fields' album. My favourite track, the supernatural 'White Hare' was in the set along with 'Colliers' which adds a rousing sing-a-long chorus to the tragic tale of a mining disaster and the excellent 'Setting of the Sun'. This was followed by another of his more well-known songs 'Poor Man's heaven'. All great stuff and they are all still circulating in my brain. I'm very glad I caught up with him again.