20th November 2012

Another night of musical excellence.

This Tuesday saw one of the quietest open mic nights in a long time down at Bellman’s Yard, with only about 35 guests. In fact, at 8.00pm it could have been a scene from A Fistful of Dollars; eager musicians, eyeing each other silently from across the saloon, each wondering who would be first to fire. Thankfully this didn’t last long, as the anticipation was broken by Jon Davis, who we suspect may be taking part in Movemeber and so was suitably 'tached for the part of a Spaghetti Western character, strode up to stage and belted out a handful of songs accompanied by a series of skilful guitar licks. 

He then rallied up the talented Remynie-Kiah on drums, Andy Clarke on bass and Rich T on vocals for a plugged, meaty, 12-bar-blues-rock-and-roll, jam-fest. They covered some classics, including Johnny Be Good, Shake Rattle and Roll and of course we had a bit of Rock Around the Clock. Does anyone know the key to Lucille? I'd bet it's in A!

Olly Flavell took it down a notch with his soulful sounds. It's been a while since I last heard Olly sing here, and I think he might have got even better. And his voice was certainly on top form this evening with his solo rendition of Warwick Avenue. I'd listen to this over Duffy any day. Robbie Pilgrim joined him for a couple of guitar-duets including Olly's own song, Gravity. They make a stylish pair.

I was also very pleased to hear Melissa Walford and her fabulous voice again. She started off with the likes of Skinny Love, The Kooks’ Naïve, and when we wouldn’t let her leave the stage she finished off with some Ed Sheeran. You've got the love, Melissa!

 Next we were reminded how the crystal clear voice of Sharn Hodgkinson is perfect for (but certainly not limited to!) country classics. She started of with Jolene, which was brilliant, and also of note was her version of Streets of london. Accompanying her was Alan Lane on guitar, who did a professional job.
 
 The night would not be the same without performances by a few of the Navy club regulars, including smooth crooner Alan Turner, who played another lovely set, and rocker Rich T who gave a feel-good performance of Abba’s Take a Chance on Me and – now there's a distinct country and western theme emerging – Steve Earle’s Devil’s Right Hand. I am not ashamed to admit I was happily slapping my knee.

 The night ended with a blast: Essex’s own Chris ‘Fender’ Black and Rosie Buttocks were back for a fun, lively rock-and-roll set. Chris is a true performer, who knows how to work the stage. The pair jammed with a couple of the ‘in-house’ young musicians: Remynie was on drums again, and German graphic artist and musician Ben Garrott, who we suspect is not necessarily taking part in Movember, was on fire on the tenor sax in the last couple of songs.

So altogether another cracking evening. Why don’t you come down and join in at the next one? They’re every Tuesday, 8pm, at the Navy Club in Bellman’s Yard, Newport.


Don't forget to keep Friday the 7th December free. We have the wonderful classic rock & blues band "Bang To Right" playing, with support from the great voice and musical talent that is Jack Green. 

Make it the beginning of the Christmas Party season, C'mon people it's a FRIDAY !!. See you there.