Seth Lakeman

When the band Equation semi-retired in 2001, Seth Lakeman appeared to be the bandmember least equipped to find solo success, but few imagined the band's frenzied fiddle player/guitarist would swiftly transform himself into one of the hottest talents on the British folk scene. His first album, The Punch Bowl, sank without a trace, but his second effort, 2004's Kitty Jay, captured people's imaginations in unexpected ways. Suddenly Lakeman was the pinup boy of "nu folk," and his next album, Freedom Fields, was picked up by EMI. He was rewarded with Album of the Year (for Freedom Fields) and Singer of the Year honors at the 2007 BBC Folk Awards. ~ Colin Irwin