Saturday 17th March 2018
Geoff Lakeman has been described as “ the father of a virtual folk dynasty.”
He’s the dad of Seth, Sean and Sam Lakeman, and father-in-law to Cara Dillon and Kathryn Roberts, all of whom are internationally renowned on the folk and acoustic scene.
His sons began their musical careers playing as children in a family band with Geoff and his violinist wife Joy.
Now, after a 50-year career in national newspapers journalist Geoff has come out of the shadows as a solo musician. He’s been acclaimed for his “ masterful” playing of the rare Crane duet concertina, his “ rich melodic voice” and relaxed, amusing stage presence.
He performs self-written and West Country songs, English, Irish and Scottish folk and other music as varied as Jimmie Rodgers, the Louvin Brothers, Randy Newman, Richard Thompson and Buddy Miller. He’s also one of the few to play “Tin Pan Alley” jazz on an authentic 1920’s instrument.
Since recording his debut solo CD, “After All These Years” last year, he’s had four and five-star reviews and many national and local radio plays and is touring with the likes of Show of Hands and performing at festivals as varied as Cornwall, Sidmouth, Orkney, Costa Del Folk (Portugal), Whitby and Broadstairs.
The esteem in which he is held is reflected in the extraordinary ” all-star” line-up of family and friends who queued up to play on his CD: Seth, Sean, Sam, Kathryn,Cara, Nic Jones, Jim Causley, Sam Kelly and Jamie Francis (The Lost Boys/ Changing Room), Ben Nicholls (Seth Lakeman band/ Full English and Kings of the South Seas), Gill Redmond (folk cellist), Dan Crimp (MadDog Mcrea).
* Mike Harding: "Pure class”
*Songlines : "Heartfelt and joyous encapsulation of Geoff’s hopes and fears, loves and concerns.”
R2 magazine: “A really excellent debut album”
Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2 Folkshow: "He manages the neat trick of writing a new song that sounds as if it has existed for 100 years.”
Northern Sky magazine: “Every track oozes charm and likability in a way that’s unusual- but for a debut album is extraordinary.”
Reg Meuross (whose songs Geoff covers) : "Proper, living, breathing, strong-hearted folk music. The whole album is gorgeous, beautifuly recorded and deeply rooted in the folk tradition.”