6th November (already).

November is here; the nights are beginning to freeze and there's a bitter chill to the air, but one can always come down to the Navy Club in Bellmans Yard just off the Newport High Street, for Newport's premier Open Mic Night, to warm up with a sizzling selection of red hot performances! 
Clearly this was a popular plan this Tuesday, as the seats were full once again. (I feel I should have left this introduction for December, and based my introduction on the eve of President Obama's second victory, but I am so exhausted from the excitement of the evening I've been left speechless.)

 

First up this week was Malcolm, from Leeds, who charmed us with his tales from the North, including Girl on Line 14 - a song about his fellow attractive Polish factory worker who he wants to seduce with wine.

 

Next was Dan Corcoran, who opened with an acoustic version of legendary blues song Stack O'Lee, before surprising the audience by whipping out his Bazooka: the musical kind obviously, no one was harmed during the course of his set.

 

They played a few weeks ago and we happily welcome back on stage youngsters Robbie Pilgrim and Ashleigh Husselbee, for a short, sweet set comprising of a Taylor Swift cover. Always leave them wanting more is what they say - one can tell they're now in the show business.

 

Next up were H'n'K - a newly formed group of musicians on their maiden voyage at the Navy! Howard (H), a guitarist from Whitchurch, answered drummer Keith's (K) ad in the paper for a gig-partner. Bass player Nick (N) just happened to be sitting in the wrong place at the wrong time and hey presto, up they got to confidently deliver a boogie-tinged set of Rock 'n' Roll classics. Let that be a lesson to all you lone musicians - it's easy to get a group together so get out there and get jamming!

 

Then Alan and Keith accompanied the lovely Sharn for a great set, which included a particularly good rendition of '30 Minute Love Affair'. We would love to hear more of Sharn here at the Navy.

 

It is always a pleasure to hear the folky-blues tones of local band Driftwood, who gave a brilliant, sultry performance of the Jessica Rabbit Song amongst others. They will be releasing a new CD in the next few weeks so look out for it - The Lonesome Boatman, available at Hey Jude's and other good record stores.

 

We haven't seen her in a while, but Melissa Severn was back tonight and good as ever, starting off with a cover of 'What Are You Waiting For?'. She told us that she doesn't usually do covers but when they're this enjoyable we'll let you off Melissa! She finished off, true to form, with a new song of hers called 'Lovestruck'. 

 

The Navy Club's other Melissa - Melissa Walford - was not to be seen tonight. She is saving her voice for her gig at the Four Crosses this Saturday night at 8.30pm. Go down for a drink, it will be the price of a pint well spent.

 

 
It's always a good night when a good number of bands play, and this week, Navy Club regulars Rich T and Chicken teamed up with Heather on Sax, Martin on rhythm and Steve on fantastical lead guitar to form The Biznez. Chicken provided spot on vocals for a cover of The Police's 'SOS', before handing back to Rich, this week on drums, for 'Jumping Jack Flash'.

 

The evening wound down with some acoustic sets. First of all Alan took to the stage for classics such as Ground Control to Major Tom, and a really lovely performance of You Do something To Me - nothing better than to hear a good voice singing this beautiful song.

Finally, Rob and Loz saved the best till last: they performed a series guitar duets with Rob on vocals, including Ooh La La by The Faces and Squeeze's Up The Junction.

 

And that's that for another week! Another great night, so thanks to all who came and performed. 

Just a quick heads up to all music lovers that 8.00pm on Friday 16th November, Paul Parker & All The Right Friends are playing live at the Navy Club. You wouldn't want to miss it. It promises to be a fantastic night of excellent covers from the likes of REM, Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, The Who, Springsteen plus many, many more, and again at what may turn out to be the very last "Friday Night Music Presents" evening. BANG TO RIGHTS with support from the very popular Jack Green. Be there for the party of the year.