What is it about Newport that makes the music scene so special?
Is it something they put in the water? I have just moved back here after six years of being away (travelling, not prison) and it is a delight to see all the live music venues so well supported. In Peterborough, a city of some 200,000 people, there are a number of Open Mic evenings, but none that are held weekly. Once a month is the norm and, if you are lucky, there will be four or five singer guitarists, no bands and in most cases, not a lot of atmosphere.
I mention this because here in Newport, with a population of only around 11,000 the Open Mic, held every Tues at the Navy Club in Bellmans Yard, still manages to attract at least ten different live acts every week and an audience consistently around the 50-60 mark...amazing!
This week was no exception. After a lively sound check with this week’s Scratchouse band Roger, Baz, Dave & Jake and under the critical ear of Adam the sound man, they rattled through a short set of rock classics which set the stall for the evening.
First up, Olly and Jake...how can they be veterans at just 16 years old? A great version of Amy's 'Valerie' had the early audience tapping their feet before a superb self penned 'Stealing my Heart' showcased their emerging song writing talent.
Robbie & Ashleigh next up, and these two are rapidly gaining a reputation for well crafted songs with a simple guitar riff and very strong vocals. James Morrison’s 'Broken Strings' was excellent, but Ashleigh’s vocal on 'Hero' by Enrique Inglesias was quite superb.
Speaking of strong vocals, Mellissa Walford showed the depth of her range with a Christina Perry song 'A Thousand Years' then a self penned song, 'Take me Away' before finishing with an X Factor audition song, 'Last Night' by Lucy Spraggan. On this form it won't be too long before Mellissa is on X Factor herself!
One thing we do get in the club is variety, provided this week by a band from Shifnal making their first visit, The Misfits. Stevie Wonder's 'Superstition' is never an easy song to do, but they managed it with ease before a great version of The Stone's 'Sympathy for the Devil' and a great singalong, 'Maggie’s Farm'
Sharn Hodgkinson made her first appearance just last week and she returned to produce a super set, backed by Open Mic regular Alan Lane on guitar. Amy MacDonald’s anthem 'This is the Life' was the highlight.
One song that you can guarantee everyone will know the words to is 'Happy Birthday' and after the audience had sampled Cath Butler's self baked cake the whole room joined Dave Whiteman on guitar to sing to her. Many happy returns Cath!
Dave Johnson, visiting from Australia and on his second visit to the club had the audience singing along with 'Blueberry Hill' and 'Putting on the Style' using only his trusted ukulele (and various self made sound effects!)
Another scratch band, This time Rich Thomas on guitar and vocals, the ever dependable Roger Clark on lead, Jon Davies on bass and Martin Neeson on drums, rattled through rock classics 'Johnny B Goode', 'Roll over Beethoven' 'Sweet Home Alabama' and a rousing 'Jumping Jack Flash'
Just time for a last bash, and it was Dave Johnson once again, joined on stage by his son also named Dave and guitarist Sam Horne to play us out with a couple of belters from Eagle Eye Cherry and America, before finishing with a terrific 'Hotel California' complete with solo....it really should have been written for ukulele! Bon voyage guys and a safe journey back to Brisbane...come back and see us soon.
An important date for your diary is Fri 26th Oct, when the Unicorn Folk Club will be celebrating its 27th birthday with a very special guest.
Bob Fox is currently playing Songman in the West End production of War Horse and he has found time in his busy schedule to play a rare gig in the area. The Bradford Arms on the A5 at Ivetsey Bank is the venue, and tickets are just £8 with full support. Contact Vicky on 01952 810355 or see HYPERLINK "http://www.unicornfolkclub/" \h www.unicornfolkclub for more details, but be quick, tickets are going fast.
No comments:
Post a Comment