Seth Lakeman prepares for Perth performance

May 5 2009 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

MERCURY Music Prize nominated Seth Lakeman brings his dynamic folk cross-over sound to Perth for the first time on Saturday, May 30.

It’s a long way to Perth from Seth’s home in Devon, yet, just as the rugged Dartmoor countryside on Seth’s doorstep bears similarities to our own landscape, so is his music akin to the Scots’ traditional genre, and indeed this down-to-earth rising star lists Dick Gaughan as one of his influences.

“I’ve played all over Scotland, including Celtic Connections and many other festivals, but we’ve never been to Perth, so we’re really looking forward to it especially after hearing such great things about your concert hall,” said Seth.

The 32-year-old was launched on his journey as the fastest-rising star on the folk roots scene in 2005 when his debut album, Kitty Jay, gained a Mercury nomination. His fan-base swelled in 2006 with the follow-up album, ‘Freedom Fields’ – awarded Album Of The Year at the prestigious Radio 2 Folk Awards – and last year’s album, Poor Man’s Heaven, reached number eight in the album charts.

The progression of Poor Man’s Heaven to a fuller, more rockier sound, although still firmly rooted in folk, generated a new wave of Seth Lakeman followers, who also fill his live shows, captivated by Seth and co’s rhythmic, raw energy seldom seen in any other acoustic band.

The winning Seth Lakeman formula can be attributed to his emotive lyrics and dynamic sound – he has mastered the art of passionate singing while playing the fiddle!

In recent times he’s also expanded his sound with his four-piece band, which includes brother Sean on acoustic guitar .

Seth said music fans at Perth Concert Hall on May 30 will hear him perform material from his back catalogue and brand new work.

“I’ll be playing loads and loads of new songs. They’ll be used on a new album.

“We’ve not gone in a studio yet but I’ve written most of the songs, which are similar to the route Poor Man’s Heaven took.’’

Building upon his eclectic list of musical influences – Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, Dick Gaughan, Paul Simon and Richard Thomspon to name a few – most of Seth’s material as a singer-songwriter and story-teller is gleaned from the rich heritage of history and legends which lurk in the desolate beauty of Dartmoor or along the West Country’s rugged coastline.

The title track of his Kitty Jay album tells the story of Jay’s Grave, a well-known ghostly location on Dartmoor, and Poor Man’s Heaven includes Solomon Browne, a tribute to the courage of the men who lost their lives in the 1981 Penlee lifeboat disaster.