Talk
about keeping it in the family - the Lakeman's look set to challenge the Waterson
/ Carthy's in the "new cool" world of folk. While
Seth is still basking in his Mercury Music nomination glory, his brother, Sam,
has again been helping partner Cara Dillon produce a masterful third album After
The Morning. And let's not forget Seth's other sibling, Sean, plays and produces
on Seth's follow up to Kitty Jay, Freedom Fields. If
it's a case of family sparring it's certainly paid dividends - these are two quality
albums, not only from a folk perspective but with cross over potential. If
anything Dillon slightly edges proceedings. It's very Corrs friendly, but in Never
In A Million Years has a mainstream single that could catapult her into many more
homes. Sam Lakeman's piano contributions can't be
underestimated, especially on tracks like Here's a Health. Enlisting
Paul Brady for back up vocal duties on The Streets of Derry doesn't do her any
harm either.  Seth
Lakeman follows a more traditional approach. Last time out he was recalling myths
and legends of his Dartmoor surroundings, now it's war and industry that provides
the focus on Freedom Fields with songs about the English Civil War, navy and miners.
Once again he's surrounded himself with the cream
of musicians, even Cara makes an appearance. And it's nice that, despite the success
in 2005, he's opted to stay independent, shunning the big music labels to put
out the CD on his own I-Scream label again. Cara
Dillon - 4/5
Seth Lakeman - 3.5/5
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