Gig review: Seth Lakeman/Fisherman's Friends

Published on Thursday 27 January 2011 18:59

SETH LAKEMAN/FISHERMAN'S FRIENDS GLASGOW ROYAL CONCERT HALL ****

THERE was a salty strain running through this concert line-up, from the coast of Cornwall to the island kingdom of Bahrain and beyond.

Shifting Sands is the result of a British Council-funded project bringing together musicians from England, Scotland and Bahrain. Finding common ground on a maritime theme, the group assimilated their respective traditions in a way that suggested this was fertile fishing ground for further exploration.

Port Isaac's Fisherman's Friends have made a mainstream splash in the past year with their untutored interpretations of sea shanties and ballads. The raw, robust energy, not to mention ribald humour, of this male voice choir had instant infectious appeal. From growly bass to "touchy-feely" tenor, the soloists were of varying quality, but it was the collective sound that counted and it was as roaring and hearty as you could wish for on the lusty South Australia and richly moving on the haunting Last Leviathan.

Seth Lakeman contributes in his own way to this tradition with his West Country coastal songs, inspired by the region's history and legends. Although there were pedestrian moments in his crossover folk rock repertoire, Lakeman never failed to grab the attention when he picked up the pace. The urgent Kitty Jay remains a highlight of his set, stirring up the crowd with just his fiddle, voice and foot-stomping.

This paved the way for a high-energy encore with his band, which verged on the frenetic with the climactic Race To Be King.