Regular readers will already know that my favourite bit of the Open Mic is when a group of musicians get up and stage, pick up their instruments and then just stare at each other. There is always blankness in the eyes, but mixed with that, an excitement about what may come next…triumph or disaster!
This happens each week during the sound check at the Newport Open Mic, held every Tues at the Navy Club in Bellman’s Yard. They have come to be known as the Scratchouse Band, and the songs will normally be preceded by a quiet call ”It’s in E”, or suchlike and then they will launch into whatever tune the singer happens to have chosen.
This week, under the watchful eyes and ears of Adam, the soundman, there were excellent renditions of songs from Springsteen, The Beatles and T Rex before the first artist of the evening took to the stage.
Ben Haynes has played the club before, but this time he brought a couple of friends, collectively known as The Dead Vespers playing a self written set, highlight of which was a soulful ‘Sweetheart Lullaby’.
More song writing skills in evidence from our next guest, Malcolm Purvis, who is from Leeds and visits the club whenever he is in the area. Imagine a Yorkshire Billy Bragg and you would be quite close! ‘Clear Blue Morning’ & ‘Yesterdays Lover’ preceded a fine love song…’The Girl on Line 14’ about a Polish girl he fancied at the place he used to work…..evocative poems put to music!
A newly formed band up next had the ever reliable Roger Clark on guitar, Alan and Spence providing the rhythm section and Lynne Bradbury on vocals. A cracking opener from the Waterboys, ‘Fishermans Blues’, was followed by lively versions of Take your Mama Out and Drinking Malted Milk. Lynne’s vocals seem to get stronger and more confident every week.
Another newcomer next, and the crowd soon warmed to the subtle guitar and warm voice of John Pullen. A couple from Ocean Colour Scene and The Seahorses were very good, but his last song, the little known Crowded House number ‘You’d Better be Home Soon’ was the highlight.
Olly & Jake have raised the bar with their performances over the last few months. Whether it is the better mic control or just more confidence, Olly’s vocals are crystal clear and always a joy to listen to. ‘So in love with You’ written by themselves, deserves to be recorded and their versions of a couple of Amy Winehouse songs, ‘Rehab’ and ‘Valerie’ were very well crafted.
There was a superb documentary this week about brilliant post punk 80’s band Squeeze, and next up, Dave Whiteman paid his own little tribute with one of their most famous hits, ‘Up the junction’, before introducing a friend who had travelled all the way from Pelsall. Garry Garbett had never sang to an audience before, but a warm Newport welcome helped him thorough his version of ‘Ruby, don’t take Your Love to Town’….mind you, he didn’t stop shaking for ten minutes afterwards!
Just time for Sixth Sense to send us off to our beds, rocking out with songs from The Who, Queen and even Nancy Sinatra, to bring another great evening of live music to a close. Same time, same place next week….if you don’t sing or play, just come along to listen to the best live music that Newport has to offer.
Finally, Nigel Martin has just returned from Canada, playing on tour with Bryan Adams, and he brings his band Sourmash to the Navy this Fri….doors open 8.30 and entry is just £3.
Don’t forget next Fri at the Bradford Arms on the A5 at Ivetsey Bank, Bob Fox takes a break from playing Warhorse in the West End to perform at the Unicorn Folk Club….not to be missed.
Tickets from Vicky on 01952 810355 or see HYPERLINK "http://www.unicornfolkclub/" \h www.unicornfolkclub for more details, and the brilliant Paul Parker & All the Right Friends are appearing at the Navy Club on 16th Nov….keep an eye out for more details.
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