Seth Lakeman: Live @ Manchester Academy 07.10.07

The last time Seth Lakeman played at Manchester Academy, there was an overwhelming feeling that he was finally breaking into the mainstream. After years of underground success, including a Mercury Music Prize nomination for 2005's Kitty Jay album, Seth had appeared on a variety of tv shows, entered the UK top 40, and had a shiny new recording contract upon which to reissue his albums.

Since then, things have been somewhat quiet on the Lakeman front, bar the odd festival appearance and a rather muted 7" only single release for King And Country. Yet whilst the venue hadn't quite sold out, it was still jam packed by the time Benji Kirkpatrick and recent chart success Ben's Brother had completed their support sets - and once again, yours truly, fluffy fox was right at the front. This time, the Academy had elected to put the barriers up, so leaning on the stage beside Seth's feet was not an option!

Lakeman and his more than able backing band were all full of a cold, but you wouldn't have known it if Seth hadn't apologised profusely during between-song banter - his voice as sensational as ever, his fiddleplaying as breathtaking as it was the first time you saw him blast his way through Kitty Jay all alone. And that track was, as ever, a highlight of an evening packed with them. Recent singles The White Hare and King And Country were both absent from the setlist, but fan favourite Lady Of The Sea and numerous tracks from his three albums to date all appeared, as did tantalising glimpses of the forthcoming fourth full lengther. One can only hope it'll be released in time to make 2008 start with a bang.

The next time Seth's in a town near you, do yourself a favour - put aside any prejudice you may have against folk, and go and see an incredible performer with a talented backup band, who together can put on a show to take your breath away. You won't regret it, believe you me.