THERE'S been a lot of talent that's graced the Mr Kyps' stage from established artists to new, local bands. Tonight's artist, Seth Lakeman, is something of a folk music hero.

Five hit albums and a Mercury nomination have done nothing to dispel his honest, down to earth attitude.

The obvious love felt for him in the sold out venue and his even more obvious passion for music are probably partly what keeps him so grounded. Playing some old favourites and tracks from his latest album, 'Hearts and Minds', injected a warm energy into the room felt by all.

From the gentle hoe-down of 'Hearts and Minds' (the track) to the pleading 'Tender Traveller', Seth switched effortlessly between tempos and emotions that kept his large and dedicated fan base on the edge.

Good music is supposed to make you feel something and these tracks, plus Seth's heartfelt, honest to goodness lyrics and delivery throughout his set had the room swaying between hard clapping and hard cheering to an almost melancholic wistfulness. Heady stuff.

'Solomon Browne' was probably the most emotional song of the night; a track written about the Penlee lifeboat disaster in Cornwall, 1981 where 16 people lost their lives.

Beautifully performed with a sincerity that's often hard to find, Seth had his audience captivated from the first note.

A huge talent, Seth is a folk star not to be underestimated or missed.