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.