I noticed in the press this week that one of my all-time favourite bands, Del Amitri, have reformed with the original line up and are doing a nationwide tour next year (including Wolverhampton in February, catch them if you can) It seems that although ‘musical differences’ broke up the band some ten years ago, friendship and a love of music (and perhaps money, if you want to take the cynical view) have brought them back together. The band was started by a bunch of school friends in Glasgow in the early eighties and they formed their craft playing Open Mics in pubs and clubs in the area, before finally getting noticed. It made me wonder where some of our young talent will be in ten years’ time, given that a lot of our young performers are still only 15 or 16 years old?

But first up tonight, a newcomer to The Navy, Joe Bayliss from Lapley, near Brewood. I have seen Joe a number of times at the Navigation in Gnosall and it is always a treat. Songs from Brian Houston and Jake Bugg were very well received by an appreciative audience, but a melodic reworking of Michael Jackson’s ‘Billie Jean’ was original and quite superb.

One of our regulars, Melissa Severn aged just 15, has won through to the Open Mic regional finals, to be held in Liverpool on 27^thOctober. If she gets through that, then a spot at the O2 Arena in London awaits! She really is an exceptional talent, singing and playing her own compositions with crystal clear vocals and a terrific stage presence.  Good luck with that Melissa…whatever the outcome I am sure there is a stage career in front of you.

Another first timer followed, 15 year old, Lara Millard from Shifnal.  A couple of strong self-penned compositions, ‘Straight Up’ and ‘You keep me up’ were followed by a nice version of ‘Gethsemane’ from Jesus Christ Superstar. A great debut, Lara, come back anytime.

Next on stage a familiar face who travelled a fair distance to play for us. Trevor Rowley was a regular at the club for many years, but we don’t see him too often now living as he does in Church Stretton. He did just turn up to watch and listen, but with a little bit of persuasion he was enticed onto the stage with borrowed guitar, to give a master class of vintage blues slide guitar. Songs from Robert Johnson and Blind Willie McTell, were followed by a blues classic made famous by the Rolling Stones but actually written by Howlin’ Wolf, ‘Little Red Rooster’….superb stuff.

Another 15 year old, Nathan Davis, son of old club favourite Martyn was next in the spotlight. He is yet another youngster whose singing, playing and song writing has come on enormously. Self-penned songs, ‘Save Me’ and ‘I’ll always Say’ kept the crowd quiet and it was a nice touch to finish with his late father’s composition, ‘Revolution Song’

Time for something a little bit different, as Olly Flavell who is rapidly becoming a veteran at aged just 16, assembled a very impressive line-up for a Scratch House Band. With Roger Clark on bass, Baz Webster on drums, Ben Garrott on tenor sax and Trevor Rowley on lead guitar, the five piece conjured up images of smoky Soho clubs as they improvised a delightful instrumental set. It is great to see experienced musicians gelling together on stage like this and for me it is always the most interesting part of the evening.

Gaz Attwood and brothers Andy & Tony Collister had been waiting patiently all evening to perform and were rewarded with an extended set to close the proceedings.  This Newport three piece, Gaz and the Tones, were making their first appearance at the club, having formed just a short while ago. With Gaz on lead vocals and 12 string guitar, the solid acoustic rock sound was a treat to behold. Playing all their own material, the five song set was original and very listenable…..think Springsteen meets The Beautiful South to give you some idea.

So another excellent evening of local live music. With guests appearing from far and wide including Brewood, Shifnal and
 Church Stretton, word is getting out that The Navy is the place to be on Tuesday.  There are other good local Open Mics in the area, check out The Bridge on alternate Thursdays, next one on 10^th Oct, and The Navigation in Gnosall, weekly on Thurs.

Many thanks to the unrewarded but willing band of volunteers who set up the equipment and then pack it away at the end of the evening….without you there would be no Open Mic. All for now, keep it live!