Seth Lakeman at Colston Hall in Bristol gig review
Posted on: 2014-10-25
Our rating:
It was the song Hearts and Minds which was the standout of the set. The dramatic violin solos throughout and the use of several spotlights all focussed upon Lakeman making it a spectacular visual and auditory spectacle to behold live.
Following the release of his album Word of Mouth back in February, Seth Lakeman and his band have been touring about the UK for the last month. Their penultimate performance, leading them to Bristol’s Colston Hall on the 24th October 2014.
The supporting act Zervas & Pepper, began the evening with a selection of their folk-rock songs, Cigar Store Indian being a particular highlight. The performance was minimalistic with just a guitar being used to support the male/female vocals and the tone of the duo’s music was soothing, lulling the audience into a state of blissful calm before Seth Lakeman and co burst forth.
When the man of the night did arrive there was a great sense of excitement amongst the audience as he kick-started his set with the upbeat number, Stand by your Guns. A song, based upon an old English melody which frequently rose and dropped in pace, keeping the audience on their toes.
The set then slowed down in tempo for the song, King and Country which had a drastically different feel to it. Lakeman and a female vocalist standing alone on the stage as they harmonised sweet melodies based upon war and its impact on those involved in it.
Keeping with the theme of King and Country, Lakeman then progressed to sing a cover of the song The Shores of Normandy alone, aided only by his violin which he played magnificently. The delicate sounds of the instrument corresponding well to the emotion conveyed through the lyrics. By the end, there was not one person whose hairs were not up on end.
With the initial excited atmosphere somewhat diminished by the end of the more sombre songs, the band took back to the stage as the beat of the drum began to sound once more for upbeat musical number, The Bold Knight. Guitar, cello and other miscellaneous instruments joined in for the song as the audience started to tap their feet and clap their hands to the rhythm. Lady of the Sea heighted the audience’s participation all the more as the show continued to grow more animated.
For me personally though, it was the song Hearts and Minds which was the standout of the set. The dramatic violin solos throughout and the use of several spotlights all focussed upon Lakeman making it a spectacular visual and auditory spectacle to behold live.
Concluding with two more lively numbers, Lakeman and his band left the audience in high spirits as they danced their way out of the auditorium. My partner of the evening even remarked on how Lakeman had made her “want to get more into this folky music.” Now if that’s not a successful end to a show, what is?
5/5
Reviewed by Grace Fox for 365 Bristol
Article by:
Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.
