Open Mic Report by Steve Davis

Despite  the first real icy fingers  of winter creeping across Newport causing a shiver for all those who ventured out and football on the TV to boot Newport Open Mic held a sparkle of warmth lifting the spirits of those brave and hardy folk who crowded in to the Navy Club in Bellman’s Yard.

First on was Ben Garrott with a great bluesy voiced rendition of the Robert Johnson classic “Crossroads” which he had only just learnt tonight! Next up, a cover of “Edge of Glory” by Lady Gaga, different but very good and finally a Tom Waits song “Tango Till They’re Sore”...a great set indeed.

Olly Flavell sang his jazzy funk version of “Ain’t No Sunshine” followed by two self penned numbers “By My Side” and “I Don’t Know Why” to conclude an excellent performance. Don’t forget Olly hosts a fortnightly Open Mic session at the Bridge Inn, Newport, the next one being on 5^th December.

Young Nathan Davies started his set with “Best Day” by Taylor Swift accompanied by Angel Day who sang really well. This was followed by a song written by his father Martyn “The Revolution Song”, concluding with his own “If I Could Change at All”.

Newcomers Nicola and Chris were the acoustic duo Elmore Row, two guitars and lovely vocal harmonies from these talented teenagers, bringing a fresh slant to some old standards by Aimee MacDonald, Little Talks, One Direction, The Lumineers and Guns ‘n’ Roses “Sweet Child of Mine”.

An extended set allowed a five piece band Freeze from Wolverhampton to showcase their tremendous ability singing and playing some rock and indie classics by  The Who, Beatles, Green Day, Free and to finish “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC which had the audience rockin’ in the aisles. Great lead vocals from Chanel Lamb, with Henry Rowbotham on lead guitar, Kris Collins on rhythm, Andy Morris on drums and female bass player Drew Allen. A brilliant tight set and vocal harmonies from a teenage band aged between 15 and 18 and looking to go far.

Dave Sanford and Friends (Olly Flavell, Andy Clarke and Pete Sherriff) followed with a classic blues set, with Dave in fine form on his new guitar. All the numbers these lads played were  self penned by Dave and you could feel the blues oozing out into the room, great little band indeed so well done to you all....I loved it as did the crowd

Now regulars at Newport Open Mic, Gaz and the Tones played original songs with Pete Sherriff ably stepping in on drums. These local lads are coming on in leaps and bounds and have become a really tight little band with good guitar work from all the lads as well as a good range from Gaz with his vocals. I have to admit that I am not ashamed to say that I am a big fan of these lads and “Go” is in my mind a single waiting to be recorded. 

 Always nice to see a 12 string guitar getting an airing from Gaz and by coincidence this was followed by another airing of a 12 string, this time electric, from Graham Dabbs playing with his band Sherriff’s Men, who haven’t been seen together at the Navy Club in nearly 3 years. No one would have guessed that Graham was nervous to hear him sing and play wonderfully well on his 12 string with Pete Meyrick on fretless bass and Pete (The Sherriff) driving the set along on drums. A set of 60s classics included “Walk in the Room” by The Searchers, “Mr Tambourine Man”....the perfect song for the jingly jangly sound of the 12 string to finish off a Beach Boys classic “Sloop John B”, originally a West Indies folk song but made famous by my all time favourite band in  1966. A trip back in time and a real treat for me as I found myself singing along but regrettably having to restrain myself from joining them on stage to join in on vocal harmonies....maybe next time. 

An evening of lively and varied music from talented youngsters to the more experienced oldies amongst us and always good to see new faces who are prepared to travel a not inconsiderable distance for 15 minutes of fame! Before I leave for a nice cuppa rosie lee a big thanks to not only those who turn up and play but also to those who, week in week out, set up, man the sound desk, the door, take photographs and stay up into the wee small hours to write up a report.

A reminder that next Tuesday 26^th November Open Mic at the Navy will be acoustic so although there won’t be the full drum kit down from the loft there will be the use of the cahon, so bands, feel free, to do an your set “unplugged”. KEEP MUSIC LIVE.....cheers!