Kicking off their latest tour, Sam Lee and his band of friends matched an earnest appreciation of traditional song with a sense of wonder and a commendable eagerness to experiment.

The result? A diverse, compelling set of songs played on an impressive range of instruments – from twanging Jew’s harps to Steve Chadwick’s soulful trumpet.

Jonah Brody’s koto (a Japanese stringed instrument) heralded the beginning of Wild Wood Amber, which Lee explained had been collected from Brighton singer and flower seller Mary Ann Haynes. The song featured wistful fiddle from Flora Curzon, and fiddle-sticks from percussionist Josh Green, working on the same instrument at the same time.

“New” material included Airdog – a piano-led piece that lent a strange serenity to a story about hare-hunting, and The Moon Shone On My Bed Last Night, which featured fluent ukulele from Brody and exquisite, soaring strings from Curzon and cellist Francesca Ter-Berg.

More familiar highlights included the disco-influenced Ballad Of George Collins (which Lee suggested was about STDs), and the quieter, moving love song Tan Yard Side.

Despite a “bit of a throat”, Lee’s delivery was clear and warm – though he got the audience involved too. The sound of the room singing a simple melody at the quiet conclusion of Phoenix Island was one of the night’s many magical moments.