Young Musicians are the future of Rock n Roll

Young musicians out in force at the Navy.     Words & Pictures by Dave Whiteman

Cold weather, half term, horse meat scandals and the prospect of another recession, it seems like everything has been happening this week. Can’t do much about the first, back to school next week and it’s no use beefing about the other problems, it won’t change anything. One thing that is constant though, is that if you want to get away from all of this and relax in a nice friendly atmosphere, The Royal Naval Association in Bellman’s Yard Newport is the place to go. Tuesday at 8pm is the Newport Open Mic and where fans of live music can get together to see some of the great local musical talent on offer.

Carol Cartwright once again opened up the proceedings with her soft voice and lovely guitar work. I have been playing guitar for many years, but I was blown away by her finger picking on Scarborough Fair, a great start to the evening.

Our first newcomer on stage was Kim Smith, just 17yrs, and very talented she is. Showing no sign of first time nerves, her super set included Madness and Justin Timberlake, but my favourite was reworked classic from Police, Roxanne.

Next up, another young and talented female…where were all the fellas tonight? Melissa Severn has the stage presence of a West End veteran, and her set, comprising solely her own songs was very well received. At just 14 years old I am sure there is a bright musical future for Melissa.

At last our first male to try and redress the balance, Olly Flavell although still only 16, is something of a veteran. His brilliant set included Amy Winehouse, Guns and Roses and his own self penned song, Sunday Morning.

Still more musical youth (what a good name for a band!) to come, and Open Mic regular Mellissa Walford once again showed the crowd what a great voice she has with songs from Kings of Leon and Ed Sheeran. It seems like female talent was far outweighing male this week as, after a short medley from Dave Whiteman, a founder member of the Open Mic came back after a long absence. 

Zoe Pinchin hasn’t been to the club for a while, but within the first few bars of her opening song, Who’s That Girl? The audience were reminded of what a fantastic voice she has. A couple more songs, completely unrehearsed, from Eva Cassidy and Fleetwood Mac, cemented her reputation…..don’t stay way too long next time Zoe!

With the score at 5-2 to the girls, it was another young lady of remarkable talent to come on and seal the game. Remynie Faith, this time on keyboards, brought the room to a standstill with David Guetta’s Titanium, before bringing musical partner Ben Garrott on stage to play a rousing version of I’m Not a Vampire, by Falling in Reverse.

Carol Cartwright returned to the stage, this time to accompany another visitor from Gnosall, Anthony Cox. Last week Anthony played here for the first time with a small makeshift band, but this week his set had stripped down versions of Bad Moon Rising and Dock of the Bay, with just Carol’s lovely acoustic guitar as backing. Final song, Hello Mary Lou had the audience clapping and singing along.

Picking up the Rock & Roll baton, next act Martyn Templeton carried on the same vein with songs from Eddie Cochran and Buddy Holiday, before a great version of Do You Wanna Be a Spaceman? from Oasis. 

Yet another brilliant evening was coming to a close, extra time was on the cards and I was just reflecting on the fact that the female talent had far outweighed the male when an all male band came to the stage to equalise. A very experienced bunch of musicians, Rich Evans from Weasel Diesel, Paul Crewe and Simon Carslake from Airbag, and Simon Mann from Lost the Plot formed a brilliant group to play us out. I Get Knocked Down from Chumbawumba set the scene and a raucous Great Balls of Fire finished off a loud, energetic and quite brilliant short set.

If you like live music, and a regular audience of 50+ in the Navy suggests that many do. Try the Lion at Edgmond on a Thursday night. Purely acoustic there is a great sound system, a brilliant atmosphere and wonderful beer…..give it a try.

Don’t forget the birthday party tomorrow……...Lost the Plot are just one year old and are celebrating at Cosy Hall on Saturday. Jelly and Ice-cream will be served and an evening of music, fun and laughter is guaranteed. All for now, keep it live!