Call that Plant-ed the seed
FOLK singer Seth Lakeman’s 20-year career took a thrilling turn three years ago when Led Zep legend Robert Plant phoned him out of the blue on New Year’s Day.
“I was getting my daughter into the car and I thought it was a mate of mine taking the p***,” admitted Seth, 42.
But Plant, 71, had recognised a musical sparring partner in the foot-stomping, fiddleplaying Devon-bred star.
And so began a fruitful relationship in which Seth became an integral part of the rocker’s band for the Carry Fire album and subsequent world tour.
Seth said: “That was a proper whirlwind of a trip. He’s a proper legend. So inspiring too – you get spoiled and, in terms of creativity, you become more adventurous.”
The tour also had a distinct impact on Seth’s 10th solo album, A Pilgrim’s Tale.
Released to coincide with the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s voyage from Plymouth (where a young Seth used to fish for mackerel) to America, the new record is the most ambitious undertaking of Seth’s career.
He said: “I was with Robert playing in Boston and took some time out to see the Wampanoag tribe.
“It changed the perspective of the whole way this record was going to go. It really dawned on me, chatting to members of the tribe, how powerful and vital it is for their story to be told.”
Collaborators including Seth’s musical mentor, his father Geoff, and sister-in-law singer Cara Dillon add spirit to the narrative.
Seth said: “It felt absolutely right to have dad there in the sea shanties and those big unifying choruses.
“When I was at that Wampanoag meeting, I was hoping to find a Pocahontas-type character to sing. But that wonderful pure mystical sound was filled by Cara – one of the best parts of the record.”
Members of the tribe will take part in a special performance when Seth takes the album on tour this spring, but there are no Scottish dates as yet.