25th September 2012.

Top local band wows the  Navy:   Words by Dave Whiteman, Pictures : Laurence Gale

Following the success of top Newport bands Old’s Cool and Blue Tuesdays, another superb local group were the latest local talent to grace the stage at the Newport Open Mic, held every Tues in the Royal Naval Association Club in Bellmans Yard, Newport. 

 

Playing an extended set, Katy Caldicott, Toby Carter and Tosh Murase collectively known as Pre Sleep Monologue had the audience in the palm of their hand with a mixture of self penned songs and covers. 

The evening had started well with this week’s Scratchouse Band, Roger Clark, Alan Middleton, Keith Johnson and Dave Whiteman warming up the crowd with classics from the Stones and Steve Miller, before teenage veterans Olly and Jake took to the stage. 

These Open Mic regulars are now seasoned performers and excellent covers of ‘Ain’t no Sunshine’ and ‘Rehab’ cemented their growing reputation.

Another youngster in that mould, is Remynie Faith. She is one of those immensely talented multi instrumentalists who will delight audiences, whatever she chooses to play, be it guitar keyboards, drums, penny whistle, bagpipes or euphonium (OK, I made the last two up, but I’m sure you get my point!) 

Headline act Pre Sleep Monologue bounced on to the stage next. Forgoing the usual instrumental line up and using just mandolin, bass and drums, they have a terrific original sound, and if you want to catch them, they are playing at the Robin 2 in Bilston on the 16^th Oct, supporting Weasel Diesel and Dirty Ray.

No one ever wants the job of following such a brilliant act, but Robbie Pilgrim, just 14 yrs old and Ashleigh Husselbee only 15, showed no sign of nerves. A wonderful ‘Payphone’ from Maroon 5 was a nice opener, but it was the next song which brought the house down. With Robbie picking out a simple guitar melody, Ashleigh sang the Titanic theme song ‘ My heart will go on’ and you could have heard a pin drop. Spine tingling stuff from these youngsters.

Another couple of slightly more mature musicians, Roger Clark on guitar and Alan Middleton on bass were joined by Keith Johnson on drums and finally Lynn Bradbury on rhythm guitar and vocals. Sixth Sense was their band name for the night and a very polished set showcased Lynn’s excellent vocals with songs from Blondie and then Eric Clapton before a rousing rendition of ‘These Boots were made for walking’ 

Bringing the average age down yet again, 16 years old Mellissa Walford showed once more just why she is becoming such a firm favourite. Her confidence grows week by week, as does her repertoire, covering songs from Ed Sheeran and Paramore. Great stuff.

Another no name band followed, made up of Al & Rog on bass and guitar, local drumming legend Paul Crewe, lead guitar John Thompson and vocalist Dave Whiteman, they played a short lively set finishing off with an unusual version of the Phil Collins anthem ‘In the Air Tonight’

Next up the Vic Boys, Ed Young and Graham McCartney played a solid set of acoustic rock from REM, Pink Floyd and Tom Petty. The lads are starting yet another Open Mic, this time at the Royal Victoria Hotel, on a Friday evenings from 8pm. Give them your support!

Almost at the end of the evening but still time for Rich Evans to entertain once again, with his trusty guitar and this week, harmonica. Where does this guy get the time to practice? ‘Heart of Gold’ by Neil Young was neatly followed by Billy Joel’s ‘Piano Man’ before finishing with a new song, to me at any rate, ‘Travelling Soldier’ by the Dixie Chics.

Martyn Templeton had waited patiently all evening but such is the popularity of the Open Mic that you have to arrive early if you want to play before 11pm! ‘ Bad Leroy Brown’ had the room clapping along before a reworked ‘Masterplan’ from Oasis. Excellent stuff from a great performer.

Everyone loves a late night anthem to send you home, and the aforementioned multi talented Remynie assembled Rich Evans and Roger Clarke together with Neil Wilday on vocals, to finish the evening with a crowd pleasing ‘Sweet Child of mine to bring to an end a wonderful evening of music.

You can find us here at every Tues from 8pm at the Royal Naval Association Club, Bellmans Yard, Newport. Where else could you have a great night out for the price of a quid. See you next week.

18th September 2012

They think it’s all over! Not on your telly!   Words & Pictures by Dave Whiteman

The fabulous Indian summer looks just about over. The nights are drawing in and time to put your feet up in front of the box to watch a bit of footie. 

This week, megabucks Manchester City against mega, megabucks Real Madrid…..brilliant. Unless, that is, you are a live music fan. This week around 50 diehard followers headed to the Wembley for local musicians, The Royal Navy Association in Bellmans Yard to watch a Premiership display of superb live performances at the Newport Open Mic.

With Adam on the sound desk, The Scratchouse Band, this week made up of Mark Langford on guitar, Stuart Ball on drums, Jake Fosteroj on bass and Dave Whiteman, back from his European travels, on vocals, rattled through a lively opening with songs from Tony Joe White and T Rex

Jake stayed on stage to be joined by regular partner Olly for a brilliant opening set including songs from Jason Mraz and Amy Winehouse before finishing with a polished ‘Sweet Child of Mine’

Next up,  a couple of visitors from Jaspers Open Mic in Shifnal.  Dave Busby, who regularly gigs in the area, supported by Micky Keefe on bass performed a soulful ‘Let’s Stay Together’ by Al Green followed by a brilliant version of Ben E Kings’ ‘Stand by Me’  A great short set from this confident and talented performer, watch out for him.

 

Mellissa Walford, just 16 years old, warmed the audience further with a set that included Florence and the Machine and a superb self penned composition that reminded you of Lily Allen and Ellie Golding, but was purely Mellissa, ‘Happy Days’ This young lady gets better with every performance.

Dave Whiteman had the difficult job to follow and played a mellow ‘Your Song’ and Mike & the Mechanics ‘Living Years’ before finishing with a fine ‘Walking in Memphis’

Always something different from smooth voiced Martyn Templeton and this week he gave us a mixture that included The Box Tops and The Faces, but Paul Wellers ‘Pebbles on the Beach’ was many people’s favourite.

For me, one of the best things about Open Mic is the way a group of musicians, who may never have played or even met before, get up on stage and busk together. A six piece band led by Neil WiIlday on vocals (and a great brass section from Ben Garrott and Johnny Lewis on sax and cornet respectively) rocked the house with songs from The Stones, Elvis and Chuck Berry…….excellent stuff.

Time for things to get a bit heavier, and with one of Newport’s best young drummers, Andy Conway and bassist Rob McDonald providing the thumping rhythm for Pippin Henderson’s searing vocals, they raised the roof and the volume with songs from Hendrix and Led Zeppelin.

Olly and Jake then returned to the stage for an encore that included ‘Breakfast at Tiffanys’ and a lovely version of Ronan Keating’s ‘When you say nothing at all’ These young lads have improved enormously over the past few months….check them out for yourself on You Tube.

As full time neared another version of the Scratchouse Band brought Andy & Pippin together with Dave Whiteman and Mark Langford for the last music of the evening. Ambitious versions of ‘Every Breath you Take’ and ‘Sultans of Swing’ maybe not perfect, who cares, but a powerful ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ had the crowd shouting for more. 

So as the final whistle blows, another wonderful evening of live music comes to an end. Friday night you can catch the excellent Blue Tuesdays playing at the Navy and if you haven’t heard this brilliant three piece yet, you should check them out. Don’t be put off by their ages….all just 16;  the sound is pure 60’s and they are quite brilliant, Start time 8pm and admission just £2.

What does it cost to see a live footie match these days? At least £25 I guess. For that you could have six months of entertainment at the Newport Open Mic, every Tuesday from 8pm….go on, you know it makes sense!

If you have any local music news or wish to have your gig mentioned on this page, please contact overseasmuso@gmail.com

Doc P, D minor and more !

Newport Open Mic Night 11/9/12

After a spectacular London 2012 came to an end this Sunday with a brilliant, but slightly controversial, Coldplay concert, perhaps some musical variety was in order. Luckily, Newport Open Mic night was on hand once again: this Tuesday saw some brand new faces, welcomed back seasoned pros, and played host to a diverse array of music from performers both young and...not quite so young.

This week started with another great set by young musicians Olly and Jake, who are thankfully becoming Navy Club regulars.

Next we all got into the key of D Minor. After not having time to play last week due to the sheer numbers of performers, Dave Minor returned to grace the navy stage. Starting off with a re-worked acoustic performance of the Black Keys’ modern day classic ‘Lonely Boy’, Dave took us through a great set featuring the debut of a new composition of his: ‘As we fall’.

Martin Woodhall on guitar, Phil “The Gerbil” Jervis on bass, and Remynie Faith on drums joined forces to form the spectacular Uncle Knockout!  (as they were known for the evening). Dan Nicholas took a break from the journalism to join them on stage for AC/DC's Whole Lotta Rosie. In my unprofessional and biased opinion, they utterly smashed it, not least due to Dan's impeccable guitar work and stage presence. Believe me, you won't see bottom wriggling like it anywhere else.

Dan Walton, or as we know him, “the one with the moves”, played a stylish acoustic set, how does this guy know so many old songs!?(Of course we all know the old ones are the good ones!) Dan is normally seen with Blue Tuesdays, a talented young three piece who feature covers by the likes of Cream, Hendrix, Wings and more. They are playing live at the Navy Club on Friday 21^st September, if you are interested in hearing more.

Melissa Severn was back with another trio of her own compositions. Melissa brings particular value in her clever changes of pace throughout her songs, and her maturely constructed and engaging lyrics. Its hard to believe she is still only 14 years old. Keep up the good work Mel!

Doc P, usually seen on a Wednesday night at Stoke's Leopard Hotel, popped in for a SPOT of extra practice before his charity gig on Saturday. Doc is playing a charity gig in support of the Stafford defibrillator project. He finished, of course, with the Pet Shop Boys' Heart – I said it was a diverse evening!

Keyboards are allowed at the Navy club too! Well know Newportonian Roger Price tinkled the plastic ivories with a smooth selection of blues songs. With a little bit of good old audience participation, He finished off his set with renditions of crowd favorites We Are the Champions and delilah. Falsetto vocals and mouth trumpet were activily encouraged! 

Newport Open Mic Night would not be the same without Rich T on guitar and vocals and Chicken on bass, who once again gave it their all with an anarchical, punk-rock medley.

By this point it was late in the evening and people had begun to return home, but those that stayed until the end were rewarded handsomely when Martyn Templeton picked up the guitar and strummed out relaxed versions of The Letter, originally by the Box Tops, and Ben E. King's fabulous Stand by Me. Martyn has a really lovely voice; it was a truly top class way to round off another superb evening of music.

So next time you're sitting at home on a Tuesday night faced with another evening of dull football qualifiers, dreary midweek T.V and the wife/husband/cat, make sure you come along to the Newport Open Mic Night at the Royal Navy Club in Bellman's yard for a bit of R&R, it has to be the most entertaining, musical Tuesday evening that £1 can buy.

Thanks to all that turned up,

Words by Rebecca Threlfall and Dan Nicholas

Pictures by Laurence Gale

You wanna Rock?? Get to the navy!!!

4/9/12

The sun was setting behind a beautiful painted pink sky as revellers poured in to September’s first Open Mic session at the Navy Club.

As the sun went down The Blues Guitar playing of Mark Langford kept the early arrivals entertained; it is good to see him back and playing at the open mic.


The opening act saw a variety of musicians hopping on and off the stage, including birthday-girl (and Grade 8 Bongo drums star) Sammy B and Diamond Geezer, aka Neil Willday, who teamed up, for a funky Latino version of Hotel California.

The rest of the sky gazers made it inside just in time to see Olly and Jake take to the stage. This week they were joined by Andy Conway on the drums. Olly and Jake successfully managed to tame
Andy’s drumming to ‘Acoustic’ mode for a superb performance of John Mayer’s Gravity. Great to hear this young duo in a full band situation.





Darcy Crawford continued the acoustic fun with some Paulo Nutini. With the audience shouting out for more, he launched in to Michael Jackson’s ‘Man in the mirror’: totally unexpected but totally
brilliant!




Next up were a brace of Mellissas! Starting with Mellissa Walford, the audience were treatedto acoustic songs from the likes of Ed Sheeran. She finished off with one of her own talented compositions called All Those Days.



Is the name Mellissa ancient Greek for accomplished singer-songwriter? Maybe not, but there must be something in the name, as Mellissa number two, 14-year old Melissa Severn, captivated the crowd with her tales of teenage heartache. She played a set of her own material, wrapping up with a really cute song called ‘Gonna Wanna’. You can check out her compositions at YouTube/MelissaSevern.




It was then time to welcome the birthday girl back to the stage: happy 30th birthday to Sammy!
Sammy started her set with some Dido, but soon got in to birthday party mode with some of the
finest 90s cheese. The dance floor was fully in use during her emotional cover of Enrique Iglesias’
Hero. Tissues were at the ready just in case!


Rich Evans, fresh from entertaining the weekend's Nocturne crowds with Weasel Diesel, was in fine form yet again. Arguably Newport’s best voice, he played a great set of song recruiting the help of professional tambourinist Christine Bowering on Greenday’s Time of Your Life. Rich then encouraged as many people as he could for a mini stage invasion: his 11 backing singers did a great job supporting him on a countrified version of Mustang Sally. Well they don’t call it an Open Mic night for nothing!




Former Airbag colleagues Ed Young and Ade Morris were up next, and their acoustic set got yet more people on the dance floor. They wholly satisfied the audience's demands for love songs and power ballads, before finishing their set with Van Morrison’s Brown Eyed Girl.



After an exclusively acoustic start to the evening, Navy rockers Pip, Rob and Andy were ready and waiting for the sun to go down. Launching in to a hard rock set, we were shown some blistering lead guitar by Pip Henderson.

With the crowd refusing to go home, an all-star jam took to the stage – Remynie Faith, this week on drums and vocals, joined Neil, Jake and Sammy to play a great set, climaxing in a version of Sweet Child of mine.


Owen Wilson took the last remaining spot of the night to bring everyone back down to earth with some mellow acoustic work.

Another great night of music at Bellman’s yard. The word seems to be spreading, with well over 70 people!

Many thanks go to all the dedicated people that put in their free time to make this happen week after week!

Entry is only £1, so come along and see what all the fuss is about.

See you next Tuesday!

Words by Rebecca Threlfall and Daniel Nicholas

Pictures by Rebecca Threlfall, Daniel Nicholas and Mervyn Williams

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4th September A few Photographs.