Songwriting Circle at The Navy.   Words: Jude Paton    Pictures: Matt Thomas

There have been a number of programmes lately about British songwriters and their impact on the world of music. Lennon & McCartney predictably led the way, and even though most of their songs were written individually, with perhaps little or no input from the other, both names always went on the song writing credits. The most unusual collaboration though, has to be Elton John and his writing partner Bernie Taupin. They met after Bernie answered Elton’s advertisement and what was very different about them was not that they didn’t write together, but quite often they were not even in the same country! Bernie would pen the lyrics, post them on and Elton would sit down at the piano, pull a tune out of nowhere and turnout a masterpiece….amazing!

So many of our young Navy regulars have been writing songs for some time, and I am always astonished how crafted a lot of these songs are. Incredibly on Tues night this week, the vast majority of our performers were singing their own material. With a full board by 8pm it was Olly Flavell who kicked off the evening. A new song from him, ‘I don’t know why’ was very well received as was his version of ‘Valerie’. Catch Olly’s Open Mic at The Bridge every other Thurs.

The ever reliable Carol Cartwright up next, taking us back to the sixties with a super medley of songs from Simon and Garfunkel, the Bee Gees and a lovely version of Kris Kristofferson’s “Please Don’t Tell Me How the Story Ends”. One of our youngest songwriters, Nathan Davies then gave us a couple of numbers written by his late father Martyn, ‘Don’t Walk Away’ and ‘I wonder Why’, a great set finished off with ‘Maid of The River’ by The Levellers.

Last heard busking in Paris, Melissa Severn then gave us her own take on life as a teenager. She is a most talented and prolific singer/songwriter and her 15 minute set of original material included a new song “Prettiest Person” to which a certain Dave Morris said “That’s me!”  Perfectly in tune, confident and with a winning smile she had the audience captivated. She has a well-earned place in the regional final of Open Mic UK this Sunday in Liverpool.....good luck Melissa.

Darcy Crawford who had stepped in at the last minute to be the man in charge of the sound desk, left his duties for a short while to deliver an excellent set which included Ed Sheeran’s “A Team”, “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson and his signature song, “Wayfaring Stranger” with the sound and voices layered on his loop pedal.....wonderful.

Introduced to the club by her friend Melissa, 15 year old Lara Millard from Shifnal was making her second appearance at The Navy, and gave us another original set, including “Turn Back Time”, “Mr Blue Eyes” and “Straight Up”. What a crowd of talented youngsters we witnessed tonight.

First band of the evening with Dave Sandford, Olly Flavell, Andy Clarke and the energetic Andy Conway on drums. A special mention for Dave’s guitar, having a special airing tonight on its 10^th birthday and what a beauty....a Terry Morgan Garric Custom made in Cannock. Dave’s own song “Black Country Boy” followed “Crossroads” and “Sweet Home Chicago” by Robert Johnson, and another self-penned song from Dave, a slow blues number “Hey Mr Bartender”. Truly a guitar master class from Mr Sandford.

Megan Hodgkinson, accompanied by Alan Lane on guitar, sings from the heart and although obviously nervous at the start soon gained in confidence with reassuring glances from an experienced veteran at her side. Songs included “Let Her Go” by Passenger, Rhianna’s “Love the Way You Lie” and “Wade in the Water” by Eva Cassidy which was excellent.

Gaz and the Tones are now regular attendees at Open Mic and gave us another set of original material with the first airing of two new songs “Sweet Lorenzo Harmony” and “Newton Squared”. Gaz playing 12 string gave an excellent intro into “Surrender” and finished another superb set with my favourites of theirs, “Round the Sun” and “Over”.

So another terrific night with a crowd of around 60 enjoying local song writing talent, and as a special treat, sandwiches and cake for all. Door takings and further donations amounting to £80 raised by Open Mic will be given to MacMillan Nurses and Cancer Research in memory of Dick Hotchkiss who died recently and was a great supporter of the Royal Naval Association.

Don’t forget next Tuesday is acoustic night in the back room. We are responding to member’s suggestions, so there will be no amplifiers or drums, all instruments will go through the PA. Get there early to be sure of a seat!