I managed to save over £980 pounds last week and in these austere times that’s quite a tidy sum. So how did I do that? Well, when I say I SAVED what I really mean is that I didn’t spend it. If you’ve seen the news, you may have noticed that our longest running rock band, The Rolling Stones celebrated 50 years in the music business by playing to sell out crowds at the O2 where tickets cost up to £1000….yes, I’ll say that again £1000! Nice to see that with a combined age of almost 275 yrs they can still pack them in.
I on the other hand went to the Robin 2 in Bilston to see the Counterfeit Stones, a brilliant tribute band, and do you know what? Not only do I think that I got the best deal, but I reckon that some of our younger musicians will have the same longevity.
Melissa Severn, Mellissa Walford, Olly Flavell & Jake Fosteroj between them are younger than one Stone and are all regular performers at the Open Mic, held in the Royal Navy Club every Tuesday.
First up this week, a couple of regulars from the Lion open Mic, Grahame Weir and Jon Lloyd on guitar and mandolin. A very nice set included ‘The Cave’ from Mumford and Sons and ‘Big Girl Now’ from Dylan before a sing-along ‘Dirty old Town’. You can catch them at the Lion in Edgmond every Thurs evening.
Mick Collins is a relative newcomer to the club and his relaxed style and Black Country humour soon won the crowd over, with songs from The Clash and The Stereophonics. Time now for a bit of the aforementioned youth, with 14 year’s old Melissa Severn.
Melissa always gives a solid performance with her thoughtful, self penned songs and this was no different. ‘If you knew I existed’ and her final song ‘Is Nashville what they Say’ showed off an exceptional talent.
We haven’t seen Dave Blu in the Navy for a while, but after assembling a rhythm section of Andy Clarke and Remynie Faith on bass & drums he soon blew the cobwebs away. Warming up with ‘Wipe Out’ by The Safaris, he then blasted through ‘All along the Watchtower’ and guitar classic ‘Crossroads’ to delight the enthusiastic crowd.
Our second Mellissa, Walford, is never afraid to try something different, and a couple of new songs from the Foo Fighters and Kate Nash was followed by a quite superb self penned song, ‘Take me Away’….. another great young talent.
Our very own tribute act next, when Dave Whiteman returning after holiday assembled Remynie and Jake, on bass and drums and the guitar wizard Dave Blu to rock through a couple of Stones classics.
Back to the youth, as Jake remained on stage to be joined by his regular playing partner, Olly. ‘Ain’t no Sunshine’ and an excellent self penned ‘So in love with you’ quietened the audience, but John Mayer’s ‘Gravity’ was quite superb.
A couple of popular songs from Nick Whitby, ‘Scarborough Fair’ and ‘Wish you were Here’ showcased a lovely guitar style, before a couple of old favourites took to the stage for the final act.
Ade Morris and Ed Young, who used to play together in Airbag performed an excellent acoustic set that managed to include Jose Feliciano, Jason Mraz, Take That and Crowded House….quite a combination, and it’s a pity so many people had drifted off and missed it.So another lively and entertaining night of locally produced music at the Navy and if you consider that the cost of the Stones gig would pay your entrance to the club for the next 20 years or more, it’s great value for money!
Why not come on down next Tues and every Tues at the Royal Naval Association in Bellman’s Yard from 8pm.
Dates for your diary, on the 7th of December, Friday next, local rockers Bang to Rights will be playing some classic rock and blues at what may turn out to be the very last "Live Band Friday Evening", the band will be supported by the excellent Jack Green. Let's show the promoters our support, in an effort to try and change their minds.
Tuesday the 18th of December is the Open Mic Annual Christmas Party…come along and see off the year in style.
Take care until next week.
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