Girl Power

Girl Power at the Navy Club     23rd Oct 2012       Words & pictures by Dave Whiteman

It just goes to show, you should never speak too soon!  A couple of weeks ago in this column, I was shouting from the rooftops about how well live music is supported in Newport with local venues regularly attracting decent crowds. So what happens?

Last Friday we had a really terrific band on in The Navy and just 25 people turn up…can you credit it? Still at least the small audience had an absolute treat with 4 piece band Sourmash putting a big smile on everyone’s face. Also worth a special mention was the guitar work of Nigel Martin …… just about the best I have seen down the club at any time. Shame if you missed it; catch up with them at some point.

No such worries on Tues night though as the weekly Open Mic took place at the Royal Naval Association in Bellman’s Yard with a great turnout of around 60 fans.

Straight into it this week, with Mellissa Walford ‘volunteering’ to do the sound check and belting out a couple of crackers from Adele and Jessie J, before first act Natalie Lewis took to the stage.

We haven’t seen Natalie at the club for a little while, but her gorgeous soulful voice soon stopped any conversation in the room. Accompanied by Steve Scenters on guitar, a fine set included Florence & the Machine and Alex Clare before closing with Adele’s ‘We Could Have Had it All’.

Olly & Jake followed and gave their usual polished performance, doing a great job of the Bill Wither’s classic, ‘Ain’t no Sunshine’….a difficult song to do at the best of times.

More from Mellissa Walford next. She has just started on the gigging circuit, and listening to ‘Fallen’ by Alicia Keys and a superb ‘Chasing Pavements’, she will get plenty of bookings.

Someone who hasn’t been seen in a while is Zoe Pinchin, better known by her maiden name of Zoe Churm. With her trusty sidekick Dave Whiteman providing guitar and backing vocals, she delighted once again with great harmonies on ‘Dream, then ‘Revolution’ a classic from Tracey Chapman, before finishing with Dreams from Fleetwood Mac. Don’t stay away so long!

Always dependable, Rich Evans followed on with borrowed guitar and had the crowd singing along enthusiastically to ‘Bring it on Home’ by the legendary Sam Cooke and ‘Kiss from a Rose’ by Seal. Great entertainment from this talented young man.

Olly & Jake returned to the stage next, bringing along 15yrs old Aaron Smith on lead guitar. A powerful blues jam broke the ice, before John Mayer’s ‘Gravity’ cemented a fine debut.

Around six months ago, local music legend Harry Woolley went to bed and woke up the next morning with almost total deafness.  A simple ear infection had developed in to something more serious and Harry was worried that it was the end of his singing career. Not likely! Back on stage for the first time since his treatment, he soon had the audience ‘Digging His Potatoes’ and visiting ‘St James Infirmary’ good to see you in such fine fettle Harry!

We hadn’t had a Scratchouse Band this week, but that was soon to be remedied. Roger Clark joined Rich Evans, along with Andy Clark on bass, Remynie behind the drum kit and the awesome Ben Garrott on saxophone. Crowd pleasers followed, including ‘Let’s stick Together’ and the Blues Brothers’ ‘Everybody’.

The place was just about winding down when another newcomer came to the sound desk. Chris ‘Fender’ Black had travelled all the way from Cannock after hearing about the Open Mic and spent an hour looking for us. It was well worth it though, as Chris, accompanied by Rosie Cheeks (otherwise known as Vanessa Rose) on bass and multi talented Remynie once again on drums, bought us a taste of his Rock & Roll show with foot tappers from Carl Perkins and Chuck Berry.

So once again, a satisfied crowd of music lovers leave the club after their weekly live fix.

If you missed it this week then be assured there will be more talent discovered next week, same time same place, in fact every week, Tues at 8pm at the Royal Navy Association in Bellman’s Yard Newport.

Just time to mention another couple of live gigs, tonight (Fri) at the Bradford Arms on the A5, Bob Fox will be wowing the Unicorn Folk Club with tales and music from the North East. For tickets ring Vicky on 01952 810355.

Fri 16th Nov, sees one of my favourite local bands, ‘Paul Parker & all the Right Friends’ playing at the Navy. Doors open at 8pm and just £3 on the door. Get there early; this is a very good and popular band.


All for now, remember, Keep it Live!!!