The man who put the OK back into folk has announced the reformation (of sorts) of his 'trio' for a series of concerts in the Spring next year. Rather than hook back up with his siblings Sam and Sean, however, he has enlisted the duties of current full-time band member (and Bellowhead musician), Benji Kirkpatrick and bodhran virtuoso, Cormac Byrne to offer us a more stripped-back performance, though no less vibrant and energetic.

This tour will begin in Shoreham on 9th March, followed by Pool, Luton, Ludlow and generally smaller market town venues until the larger Stoke Sugarmill on 19th March. Tickets went on sale this morning, starting at £15 plus fees.

Kirkpatrick and Bryne performed on Lakeman's recent fifth album, "Hearts and Minds", with the former present on just over half of the songs and the latter adding a bit of percussive quality to "Tiny World" (as well as being a member of Young Folk Award-winners, Uiscedwr). The prospect of Lakeman's exquisite fiddle and viola playing, Kirkpatrick's ability to pick up any instrument and use it to charm the proverbial birds out of the branches and Byrne's traditional/contemporary rhythmic chops, is probably just a bit mouth-watering for folk and roots fans alike.