World of folk rolls into rock for Seth

Seth Lakeman,

Wulfrun Hall,

Wolverhampton

With his earthy good looks and ever-so-slightly-too- tight black T-shirt, Seth Lakeman has become the pin-up boy for the English folk scene.

Since his Mercury Music Prize nomination in 2005 he has been in the vanguard of folk music, becoming a regular feature on both rock and folk festivals.

And his broad appeal was in evidence last night as crusty folkies mixed with trendier things.

Watching him live, it is easy to see why he has had so much critical acclaim as well as commercial success.

In a move which will no doubt have the folk purists wringing their Aran sweaters, Lakeman supplemented his band with a full drum kit last night making the evening feel more rock gig than folk club.

But it is when he picks up his fiddle and strips down the stage that he reveals his pedigree; standing alone on stage, surrounded by white light, ferociously sawing away at his violin for a rendition of Kitty Jay was easily the night's highlight.

Folk music is never going to be the new rock 'n' roll, but Lakeman gets it pretty close.

By David Briggs