Variety Show at The Navy Words and Pictures by Dave Whiteman

We are surrounded by acronyms, had you realised? Like it or not, they are in everyday use, LOL and OMG are very familiar to those of us who text, but what about Laser (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation….phew!) or scuba (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) File those away, they are always useful in pub quizzes! I came across one the other day, and I had no idea what it meant. It came at the end of a statement, something like “Well I had to, didn’t I? YOGOL!” Now, I don’t think I am stupid, but I can honestly say I wracked my brain and could not work it out, but then all of a sudden it hit me…….you only get one life. I must say, I like that one.

Carol Cartwright is always happy to kick off the show and she never fails to entertain. Songs from Alison Krause and Kris Kristofferson preceded a fine version of ‘First Cut is the Deepest’, a song recorded by both PP Arnold and Rod Stewart.

Dave Sanford AKA (another acronym!) Dave Blue returned to the stage, unusually for him in a solo capacity. With just his trusty Yamaha for company instead of his usual drums and bass, Dave treated us to a short set of lovely acoustic blues which managed to quieten the lively 70 or so crowd.

Always nice to welcome new faces to the club. Telford based Two Pence Short are a four piece band making their very first live appearance, but you would never have guessed. ’Leave’ was a high octane opener that settled any early stage fright, and ‘Save Yourself from Me’ another self-penned song showcased great vocals from front man Jamie O’Neill. ‘Reborn’ completed a fine debut….come back to the Navy anytime guys.

It looked like it was going to be another big band night as Olly Flavell took to the stage with Roger Clark on lead, Alan Middleton bass and drummer Steve Black. ‘Sweet Home Chicago’ gave them time to find their feet, before a very unusual cover of ‘Valerie’. This was a cross between the Amy Winehouse version and The Zutons original…but it was different to both and had a nice jazzy feel.

Claire Shaw was making only her second visit to the club after a very successful debut a couple of months ago. ‘Ho Hey’ by The Lumineers has been one of the most popular songs of the year so far and was a good choice to get the audience on her side from the beginning…… a two word refrain is always easy to remember. ‘Soldier’s Coming Home’ by The Dixie Chicks followed, which perfectly suited her soaring vocals and melodic guitar, before she finished with one of her own. It is really nice when a solo performer can silence an audience with just vocals and guitar, and her song ‘Miss You’ did just that. An excellent set from this talented young lady from Telford.

The opener from Richard Thomas this evening was by Boney Ming was Rasputin...u l……and it could be said, he bears more than a passing resemblance to the subject of the song, Rasputin. Enlisting ‘Chicken’ from his band The Business, his next offering was a complete contrast…..The Who classic, ‘Won’t get Fooled Again’ before a stunning, snarling, finale with The Sex Pistols ‘Anarchy in the UK’. Open Mic at the Navy would not be the same without Richard!

It seems no one wanted to play solo this evening! Next up Steve Davis, he of the quiet melodic voice, assembled a four piece with Dave Blue on lead, Alan Middleton, much in demand on bass and debutant drummer from Two Pence Short, Nigel Stevens. The set, a tribute to JJ Cale the bluesman who died last month, started off with ‘Magnolia‘ and worked very well filled out with a band; I have only heard it before played with just one instrument. ‘Crazy Momma’ and ‘Call me the Breeze’ followed to close a very competent blues/rock set.

Another Scratchouse band had Alan & Roger back on stage to be joined by Steve Black on drums and Dave Whiteman on vocals to rock through a short medley of Dire Straits classics, before another Open Mic regular Nathan Davies entertained with a song from Frank Turner, The Road. His highlight however, was one of his own compositions, ‘Hold You’

Another newcomer, Tristan Dixon from Wellington finished off a very busy evening of superb live music, performing a couple of songs with 10 years old Eden Bagshaw, who like many others tonight had not sung live in public before. So if you have ever fancied getting up on stage to sing or play, come down to the Navy on a Tues night and give it a go….YOGOL! 

Until next week.