V Festival 2007 review
There's something about the way Seth Lakeman looks that just doesn't scream star quality. But then you watch his live set and your opinion flips on its head.
It really isn't a regular occurrence to see a musician switch smoothly mid-song between a guitar and a violin, and back again, while kicking the drum beat with his foot at the same time. But that's what we see during Seth Lakeman's V Festival Sunday afternoon slot.
Starting out, he's accompanied by the band - one of whom varies between sitting behind a bongo and hammering out the rhythm, and getting back behind his drum kit - but it isn't long before he's showing off his solo talents. And that's plural.
You might not realise it, but there's been a fanbase growing for this performer. His countrified Irish-jig-type numbers and seriously impressive skills on string instruments are a total hit with the crowd, who clearly are not just in the tent to get away from the rain. Most of them are dancing and cheering throughout the set, which surprisingly doesn't include his best-known hit White Hare. However, everything he plays goes down brilliantly.
A natural performer, with crazily ambitious violin solos that border on classical and are so flawless that they keep the crowd rooted to the spot, Seth Lakeman has proved himself to possess some seriously rare talent. Definitely one to watch for future fantastic work.
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