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At the only Devon date on his nationwide tour, the feeling of anticipation and excitement in the crowd was tangible. And anyone who has seen Seth Lakeman live before will know why.

As soon as he appears on stage, sparks start to fly. Playing either on fiddle, guitar or banjo, the energy from his simple but beautifully crafted songs is infectious.

Seth played some brand new songs

Two years since the Mercury Music nomination for his album Kitty Jay propelled him into the mainstream, Seth's confidence and conviction as a performer continues to grow.

The set list included hits Lady Of The Sea and The White Hare from the Freedom Fields album, new material from the forthcoming Poor Man's Heaven EP, as well as live favourites such as Fight for Favour and The Bold Knight from Kitty Jay.

His growing back catalogue demonstrates how his various sources of inspiration – legends from Dartmoor, stories from the South West coast - produce some truly great songs.

Supported on stage by his brother Sean on guitar, Ben on double bass and Cormac on various percussion instruments, the songs are presented with vigour and enthusiasm, to the delight of everyone watching,

Sean and Seth on stage at Exeter University

However, Seth also has the charisma to hold the crowd whilst alone on stage – with just him and his fiddle under a spotlight, the outstanding Kitty Jay is one of the highlights.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of seeing an artist like Seth Lakeman is that although you're watching a professional multi–award winning musician, the style and performance of the music can also make you feel like you're at a jamming session down the local pub.

For his encore Seth and his band play music for you to, as he put it, "jump around to" – also known as 'The Scrumpy Set'. 

It's this attitude of music and songs being something to be enjoyed that makes seeing Seth Lakeman live such a euphoric experience, and part of the reason why he has brought so many younger fans to folk music.

As someone in the crowd said: "There’s just something about him".

And there really is – an exceptionally special performer, with even greater things yet to come.

Seth Lakeman
Great Hall, Exeter University
27 September 2007