Newport Open Mic Review of 2014 Words: Dave Whiteman, 

Pictures: Laurence Gale, Matt Thomas & Dave Whiteman

What a marvellous year this has been for Newport Open Mic. Every Tuesday, whatever the weather audience and performers have made their way to the Royal Naval Association in Bellman’s Yard for a weekly fix of local live music. With just a brief look back at some of the highlights, it has not been possible to mention every one of the hundreds of acts….but you know who you are and we could not do it without you!

January: Happy New Year and back to business at Newport Open Mic as Malcolm Purvis from Leeds got the club off to a lively start with his songs of love and angst. A crowd of around 60 was a good indication of what was to come for most of the year. A young five piece band from Newport, The Revenue, with a combined age of around 60, played at the club for the first time and had the audience rocking with classics from Oasis and Arctic Monkeys.

February: Remynie Faith brought her new band Feorh, to play at the Navy for their first live performance. Their name translates from Old English as ‘live principles of soul spirit for eternity’ and nervous glances were seen around the room as the first heavy metal chords belted out. No need to worry as a couple of lively self-penned songs, ‘52 Hertz’ and ‘Widow’ preceded a very lively Black Sabbath classic, ‘Paranoid’. Ozzy would have been very pleased!   Another new band, Click, made their debut with Mick Skinner on guitar and Clive Roberts on bass. A good crowd of around seventy heard a great set from these experienced musicians.

March:  A real treat for our Open Mic audience as Wolverhampton duo Jade & JP made a very welcome return. Experienced guitarists in the audience were shaking their heads in wonderment as JP made one guitar sound like two and Jade's super vocals filled the room. Something different was provided by Alex Hislop, who played his own folky compositions accompanied by his eight stringed instrument that looked like a cross between a bouzouki and a mandolin.

April:  Great to see half of Telford band Coaltrain back at the club. Their unique mixture of rock, funk and blues featured guitars, harmonicas, bongos maracas and a bodhran. Crowd pleasers ‘Valerie’ and ‘Brass in Pocket’ finished a very lively set.  Our youngest performers of the year Liam Ainslow and Jay Harris, both aged just 11 years made their debut as Late Addition. Proudly watched by parents and friends their superb set included songs from Guns N' Roses and Eric Clapton…songs that were released long before these young lads were born!

May: A little gentle arm twisting brought a debut a cappella performance from Jim Paton, no relation to Open Mic stalwart Jude! An unusual song about Mountjoy Prison was based on a piece of prose by James Joyce but a beautiful lullaby, ‘The Parting Glass’, almost brought the house down. Speaking of stalwarts, Dave Blu, AKA Dave Sandford, turned 60 this month and this amazing blues' guitarist celebrated in fine style with a Scratch House Band that included Steve Black and a grinning Andy Clark on bass.

June: One of the club's founder members Mervyn Williams made one of his all too rare appearances with his band Bang to Rights and lifted the room temperature with some high octane rock. There is a saying that ‘you cannot please everyone’ but with their energy and enthusiasm as well as a really varied programme, I think they did just that. Nice this month to recognise the contribution of one of our most enthusiastic live music supporters, Jude Paton.Whatever is happening in our town whether it is playing, booking live bands or helping to organise Newfest, Jude is involved in all things musical.
The look on her face was priceless when she realised that the Newport Open Mic had been hijacked to provide a wonderful surprise birthday party and say a big thank you for all her great work.

July: A bit of cross pollination this month as Andy Appleby and Martin Jacks, regular players on Thursday night at the Navigation Inn, brought their band Dream Ticket to the club for the first time. With stand-up bassist Neil Wells and multi-instrumentalist Ben Garrott, the band is packed with talented experienced musicians and although the name sounds a bit too American presidential for me, the music is first class.  Another debut band was one of the winners from this year’s Bandslam, The Kooz. Guitarist Josh Sole and percussionist Jason Latham delivered a superb original mix of music that had the audience shouting out for more. With just acoustic guitar and cajon, they fill this sound with great vocal harmonies and terrific arrangements…..a real talent.

August: The Etta James blues classic ‘I Would Rather Go Blind’ was the fantastic opener from Wellington singer guitarist Kim Smith, returning to the club for the third time. A lovely cover of an Amy Winehouse song preceded a couple of her own compositions….clearly she can write and not just sing.  A real treat this month had a rare appearance by local pianist and singer, Chris del Manso who treated us to a fantastic medley of popular covers before giving us a preview of ‘A Taste of Chris del Manso’ his latest EP.

September: I always like to see musical collaborations and one of the best I have seen this year was when ‘Dave the Barge’ otherwise known as Dave White, got up on stage with Ed Conway and his band. It was difficult to believe that they had never played together as they performed the Waterboy’s classic, ‘Fisherman’s Blues’ to a packed audience of around sixty. Another newcomer to the club was Chris Ruddock, who had never before played in front of a live audience, but supported by seasoned performer Sam Brizuela, he played a solid set of covers from, amongst others, Michael Buble.

October: 76 years young Eddie Maiden had been coming to the club for months, without ever giving a hint that he was a seasoned performer. As lead singer with sixties band The Biancos, it was obvious from the first few notes that he knew what he was doing, and a couple of belters  including the Neil Diamond classic ‘Sweet Caroline’ had the crowd singing along. A mere sixty years younger is guitar virtuoso Tom Boddison, from Priorslee. With just his Fender guitar for company he delighted the crowd with an outstanding instrumental set….certainly one to watch for the future. 

November: A first appearance for Stacey Rich from Market Drayton, who was clearly nervous…but not for long. The crowd loved her soft guitar and soaring vocals, and I am sure that with the reaction she received, she will be back. Also playing this month, one of my favourite female performers, Claire Shaw from Telford.  Claire once again gave a master-class in understated guitar and beautiful vocals…keep it simple could be her motto, she does it so well.

Throughout 2014 we have had singer songwriters, guitarists, keyboard players, duos, bands, and all with one thing in common….a love of performing live on stage in front of an audience.

 

Many thanks to everyone who helped throughout the year, lifting equipment down from the loft, selling raffle tickets, repairing instruments and just generally supporting live music here in Newport….without you the club would not exist. And to the band One Nation who played out the year at our annual Christmas Party.

Please note that there will not be an Open Mic between Christmas and New Year, or the first two weeks in January……the next one will be Tuesday 20^th January.   Let’s see if we can make it even better in 2015…..keep it live!

Report Jude Paton and Photographs Laurence Gale

Newport Open Mic organisers held a Christmas Party Night at the Royal Naval Association in Bellman’s Yard on Tuesday by way of a thank to all those supporters of Open Mic over the past 12 months, the last Newport Open Mic live music event of 2014 and the highlight of the year. To entertain us was one of Newport’s outstanding new bands One Nation, all experienced musicians in their own right, having played with bands including The Jumps, Driftwood and Don’t Lick Larry. The sound they have now is unique and superb having taken elements from their previous bands to create a fusion of rock, pop, reggae, blues funk and soul and of course the ever popular Christmas songs…in short, something for everyone.

Walking into the Navy Club was like walking into Santa’s Grotto – a mass of sparkling tinsel and lights as well as the presence of Mr and Mrs Claus and an elfin helper. Well done Mark, Gail and Remynie for getting into the Christmas spirit! Navy Club member Mark Rowley catered for about 70 party goers with delicious homemade chicken korma and naan breads which was available throughout the evening. I spotted young Jay Harris having at least three helpings.....does your mum not feed you Jay?

A collection for the Severn Hospice raised £110, a charity very close to Newport Open Mic hearts, remembering Robbie Woolrich, Roy Hodges, Carol Murphy, Paul Nicholas and especially John Allan with the anniversary of his death being on this very day, 16^th December.

Thanks to you all for your support in 2014, the musicians, singers, members of the audience, the Royal Naval Association and helpers in any way but special mention to Adam Brown and Jonathan Newton with their help on the sound desk, Laurence Gale and Matt Thomas for photography and of course out own Dave Whiteman for EVERYTHING. A fantastic evening of live music bringing another brilliant year to a close.

Newport Open Mic will be back at the Navy Club on Tuesday 20^th January 2015 so until then be safe, be happy and have a wonderful Christmas and New Year and of course KEEP MUSIC LIVE and our music venues ALIVE! 

 

HAVE A GREAT CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR. SEE YOU ALL IN 2015.

Slim Pickings at The Navy    Words: Dave Whiteman Pictures: Matthew Thomas

Is it me or has it been socially very quiet this December?  I was speaking to the landlady of a local pub recently and she told me it was the quietest start to the festive period that she could ever remember. Maybe it is the chancellor’s austerity measures, or simply that people are saving their hard earned cash to spend at Christmas, I don’t know….but crowds in the pubs and clubs seem to be a little bit more sparse of late.

That was certainly the case down at the Newport Open Mic in the Navy Club this week, with only around twenty people turning up. Now, for some hostelries in town, 20 paying punters on a Tuesday evening might be fine, but we have come to accept a good bit more than that at the Newport Open Mic, so it was a bit of a disappointment. Perhaps it was the football?

Nonetheless, however many turn up, you are always guaranteed a warm welcome whether performer or audience, so with the kit safely out of the loft….thanks Jay and Russ,….we were ready for another evening of local live music.

Jay Harris started proceedings….the only performer I know with a guitar that is almost as big as he is! Watched by his Dad and Grandma, he gave us an excellent opening set, heavily influenced by one of his favourite bands, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. Jay has only been playing guitar for a few years…..I was 15 before I picked up my first guitar….. so who knows how good he can become, if he continues to improve at this rate.

A bit of early Christmas cheer next, from regular John Minor and his keyboard. He gave us a flavour of what is to come with a set of festive instrumentals, including old favourites Jingle Bells and Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer. John has been a great supporter of local live music…he rarely misses an Open Mic, he really looked the part with his own battery operated flashing red nose. Having seen Jeff Wayne last week, a tribute to him, The Eve of the War from War of the Worlds, closed a fine set.

I love seeing next act, Richard Thomas on stage. He has to be the most unusual and inventive performer ever seen at our Open Mic.   Standing there with his long ponytail, beard and Motorhead T Shirt, the sight of the ukulele he was holding seemed somewhat incongruous.  A brilliant original mix of the Sex Pistols, Gloria Gaynor, Mud and even The Village People would not be top of everyone’s choice of music…especially on a uke, but he did it in such a way that you could not fail to be entertained.


First Scratch House band of the evening, and great  to see Andy Clarke back up on stage. He has been without his usual musical mentor, Dave Blu, for quite a while, but was persuaded to join Remynie Faith, on drums, and ace guitarist Roger Clark for a lovely but all too short set. Songs from the Stones and Steve Miller put a big smile on his face!

Roger stayed on stage to be joined by his usual musical cohorts, Alan Middleton on bass and Spence Pollard on drums to give us an entirely unrehearsed busking set of Rock & Roll. I don’t think I have ever seen Al taking lead vocals, but he did a fine job, rattling through a couple of classics before finishing with ‘The Only Thing That Looks Good on Me is you’ from Bryan Adams….not an easy choice but very well sang. I shall look upon you in a different light from now on Al!

So quiet it may have been, but the players enjoyed themselves and the audience certainly appreciated it. This was the last Open Mic of 2014; next Tuesday is the Annual Christmas Party, featuring top local band One Nation. ….make sure you get there early to grab a seat. Entry is free and there will be chicken korma and naan bread at around 9pm so DON'T have a big dinner beforehand!
Also a raffle with all proceeds going to the Severn Hospice



Till next time, keep it live!

Stadium time for our young performers.

 Words: Dave Whiteman, Pictures: Laurence Gale

Only a few weeks ago, I was mentioning in this column that a number of our young musicians were moving on to great things; performers such as Melissa Severn who has been playing festivals throughout the summer. I said that, in my opinion, it would only be a matter of time before one of our youngsters would be playing in stadiums……well it looks like that prophecy may come true sooner rather than later. Olly Flavell has been a Newport Open Mic regular since he was 14 years old and now at the tender age of 17, he and his band, The Rivals, won through to the National Battle of the Bands Final held in Birmingham. Not only did they win this prestigious award, but they were also voted the best band on the night by the stage crew…..and with this came the opportunity to play in front of around 1500 people at the LG Arena. As if this wasn’t enough, they now fly to Sao Paulo in Brazil next year to represent the UK in the INTERNATIONAL Battle of the Bands and potentially could be playing in a stadium with an audience of up 50, 000!   Heady stuff indeed!

Rather fewer than that at this week’s Newport Open Mic, but nice to see that both Olly and Melissa were on the board to play. As I said, the latter has been playing festivals all over the place so it was nice to catch up and listen to some of her new material. Melissa’s stage presence has always belied her tender years, but she now looks even more polished in front of the microphone. Highlight of her set, new song ‘Hurricane Mouth’ was quite superb, and I am sure it will only be a matter of time before she is picked up by a record company.

Mike Collins from Perton was making a welcome return, and performed a great acoustic set featuring Big Country and one of my very favourite bands Del Amitri. Mike is becoming something of a regular I am pleased to say, and seemed to enjoy his performance, as did the crowd.

Our youngest performer 11 years old Jay Harris next up, and even a technical problem with his guitar did not faze this confident young man. Mark Owen’s ‘Four Minute Warning was the pick of a very nice set.

Next up, the aforementioned Olly Flavell who delighted the audience with a few new compositions, including his opener, ‘Hannah’. No problem in writing a song like this at the same time as having a girlfriend called Lois, I asked him afterwards?

First band of the evening and good to see Vinyl Tap back on the Navy stage. I have to compliment VT drummer Remynie Faith here. It is quite easy in a room of this size for the power of the drums to ‘overtake’ the band, but she played at just the right intensity and volume to remain underneath the vocals and help to create what was a crystal clear sound. A really good spot from this popular band.

I am always pleased to see Alan Turner in the club with his guitar, because I know I will get a Beatles fix. Like me he is a big fan, but stays away from the more ‘popular’ tunes and always does a great job with a less well known number, in this case ‘Fixing a  Hole’ from Sgt Pepper. The Navy is never a totally quiet place to play, but Alan’s lovely soft vocal and melodic guitar carried above the hum of the crowd.

Time for a reunion of sorts and it was nice for me to get up and play with a reformed Robbie’s in Rehab’ for the first time in many a year. Roger Clark had been booked to provide a band for the Dickensian Market in the town on 12^th December so he contacted old bassist Al Middleton, new drummer Spence, and with the Blues Brothers idea that he was on a mission to reform the band, how could I refuse? I have to say that the years melted away as the band, driven by Roger’s superb guitar riffs, rocked through a great set of covers from Bryan Adams, Stereophonics and Dire Straits amongst others. Catch them outside the Market Hall next Friday around 8pm.

So from busking on the High St to the LG Arena, Olly has shown it can be done….you just have to make a start. That start could be down at the Newport Open Mic held every Tues in the Navy Club, where you will be given all the help and encouragement necessary for you achieve whatever you are capable of…you will never know unless you give it a try!  Till next time, keep it live!

Where have all the bands gone?  Words: Dave Whiteman, Pictures: Laurence Gale

I have a very vivid memory from thirty years ago, driving up the autobahn with an energetic but very impatient seven year old in the back seat, on our way to Dortmund. We were living in Germany at the time and our daughter Lizzie could not understand why we had to drive all that way, from our home in Monchengladbach, to see ‘my friend Bryan’, and clearly, she was not in the best of moods. That changed when we pulled up outside the magnificent Westfallen Halle and she saw the signs for Bryan Adams….in concert that night on the Reckless Tour. Fast forward to last week and my daughter gave me one of my best ever birthday presents (just a couple of days ago, seeing as you asked!) with tickets for the same performer at the LG Arena on his Reckless Anniversary Tour. What an amazing show. He is now 55, but the way he flies around the stage in a two and a half hour performance would shame many half his age, and I can only say if you get the chance to see him…..take it.

Our first performer onstage this week is almost exactly one third of Bryan Adam’s age, so has plenty of time if she is to reach the dizzy heights of stadium entertainment, but wow, what a voice. Stacey Rich from Market Drayton was appearing at the Newport Open Mic for the very first time, but I am sure that with the reaction she received, she will be back. Admitting to me afterwards that she had felt very nervous at the start, those nerves soon disappeared when she realised that she simply had to plug in and play. It is the job of the soundman to make sure that what goes out through the speakers is good, so she was able to concentrate on her music and fill the room with her searing vocals. The Navy audience appreciates a great vocalist, and the loud applause confirmed that Stacey had done a terrific job.

Resident lensman Laurence Gale was without his usual musical collaborator this week, and tried a couple of new tunes, more suited to just the one voice. He still likes to take a risk though, does Lol, and his version of ‘Lay Down’ by The Strawbs may have been ambitious, but he should still be proud of taking on such a difficult song and making it work. He is massively enthusiastic supporter of local live music is Laurence, and it is quite nice to see him with guitar instead of camera in hand.

Local musician Ed Conway is pretty much a legend in Newport, with two very busy bands on the go, Tap the Keg and also The Unlawful Men, so it is quite unusual to see him alone onstage with just a guitar. Many years of stage craft have taught him, however, that you are only as good as your last gig…..and on this performance he is very good indeed. He can entertain a crowd with or without a band around him, and although he played a few audience singalongs, from The Everley Brothers and Bob Marley, it was a self- penned song, ‘Paper Boat’ that really silenced the crowd. Brilliant stuff.

Roger Clark assembled this week’s only Scratch House Band, with Alan Middleton on bass and the aforementioned Ed Conway on guitar and vocals. Needing only a drummer, step forward resident sound man Jonathan Newton who proved that he is equally at home behind the drum kit as he is behind the sound desk. A very lively Monkees classic, ‘I’m a Believer’ set the ball rolling and another crowd pleaser ‘Stand By Me’ had the audience joining in and sent them home happy.

In 1984, the tickets for Bryan Adams cost around £15 each..….last week my daughter paid around £90 for the pair and well worth it I have to say. But if your budget doesn’t quite stretch to stadium rock, you could do a lot worse than visit the Newport Open Mic, held in The Navy Club every Tuesday……at just a quid for a full evening of live music and cheaper beer than the NEC, it represents great value!
                                 
Till next time, keep it live!