With the Games in
full flow and typical summer weather , ie pouring down, who would have expected
a virtual full house at a local club? That's what we had this week (31st July) at the
Newport Open Mic, held at the Royal Naval Association in Bellman’s Yard,
Newport.
With new boy, Adam
on the sound desk, it was all systems go for the glittering opening ceremony.
The scratch house band this week (could that a good name for a band?) had Mark
Langford, Steve Smith, Richard Thomas and Dave Whiteman warming up the crowd
with rock classics from The Beatles, Eagles and Bruce Springsteen.
James Pilgrim, just
16 yrs. old was the torchbearer for the evening and what a great opener he was.
'Time for heroes' by the Libertines was followed by a great mix including songs
from the Kinks and Alex Turner, before finishing with one of his own songs,
'Lack of Parties'.
Another debutant on
stage, Darcy Crawford is the new coach at Boughey Gardens Tennis Club and he is
also a very talented musician. A great contemporary set of covers from Paulo
Nutini, Ed Sheeran and Mumford & Sons, and Darcy had the audience in the
palm of his hand.
It's always a
pleasure to hear someone cover a Damian RIce song and Rose Feaver gave us a
super version of 'Animals were Gone', then a beautiful Irish folk song, 'Rose
of Aberdeen' before finishing with her
own composition, 'One night in the City'
One of the great
things about the Open Mic is the sheer variety of music, and the next act
provided the rock element with a master class of classics. 'Bang to Rights' are
a four piece Newport based band led by Mervyn Williams, one of the founders of
the Open Mic.
We haven't seen him in the club for a while, but a lively set
including 'Freefallin' from Tom Petty and 'Highway to hell' by AC/DC, had the
audience shouting for more. Ably assisted by Mark Langford on guitar, Steve
Smith on bass and substitute drummer Rich Thomas, this was a very polished
performance from an experienced band...come back soon Merv!
Every month at the
Open Mic, there is an opportunity for an act to showcase their talent with an
extended set and picking up the baton this month was Telford based Blue
Tuesdays, a three piece outfit all aged just 16 years. Any pre-conceived ideas about shoe gazing were
quickly dispelled as a high octane set saw them raise the roof with covers from
Derek & the Dominoes, Led Zeppelin and a couple of corkers from Wings. A
real highlight was a terrific version of 'Oh Well' by Fleetwood Mac, and
bearing in mind that these guys were not even born until nearly 30 years after
this songs release, they made it their own with their energy and feel. Guitarist
Dan Walton, bass player CJ Allen and drummer Josh Reid...watch out for them!
It's always
difficult to follow a performance like that, but Richard Thomas delights in
being different and will always rise to the challenge when the bar is raised.
Recruiting Remynie Faith on drums, he warmed us up with 'Call Me' by Blondie
before a Eurovision tribute, first with a song from Bucks Fizz before finishing
with an ABBA gem, 'Waterloo'....... in Swedish.
Rich never fails to surprise!
It was turning in
to a music marathon now and next on stage, The Nameless, played a crafted short
set, finishing with a crowd pleaser, 'Knocking on Heaven's Door'
before Open
Mic regulars Ollie and Jake (on the left) tried out a couple of new songs 'Sweet child o' Mine'
and 'The Joker'
Newport favourite
Zoe Churm was next to the podium. Accompanied by her usual musical partner,
Dave Whiteman on guitar, she delighted the audience with unrehearsed songs 'One
of Us' by Joan Osbourne, and Keanes' 'Somewhere only we know'. Rehearsal...who needs to rehearse when you
sing like this?
Just time for the multi-talented
Remynie Faith who, at aged 15, pleased a few of the bands by lowering the
average age quite considerably! Keyboardist, drummer, but tonight just her and
a guitar, she raised the crowd with 'Pricetag' from Jessie J, before silencing
them with a beautiful rendition of 'Hallelujah'
So, the closing
ceremony of this musical Olympics comes to an end. No torch lighting, no Danny
Boyle and no £27 million, but lots of medal winners. All you need for a fantastic night of live
music is ONE POUND, including the raffle and it is held every Tues at the Royal
Naval Association in Bellman’s Yard, Newport, start time 8pm.
Next week’s Open
Mic features an extended set from local rock band ‘Old’s Cool’ who are debuting
their brilliant new vocalist. I know who it is, but my lips are sealed…you will
just have to come and see for yourself! Plenty of stage time for other
performers, but please get there early to avoid disappointment. Further
information from Jude at Hey Jude’s in the market hall every week, at
heyjudes@another.com or on 07949 793738.
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