Better value than football! Words: Dave Whiteman, Pictures: Laurence Gale

I must admit to feeling a little bit sorry for David Moyes, sacked as Manchester United manager after only ten months. Not too sorry though; I am sure that there are ten million reasons why he will soon get over it, if estimates are correct. That works out at £1,000,000 per month…nice work if you can get it. Mind you, it’s the fans that will pay in the end, as they always do. Last time I went to a match, just a few weeks ago, with entrance and a programme there was little change out of £40. Infinitely better value down at The Navy for the Newport Open Mic, where the same forty quid would get you admittance, raffle ticket and drinks all night for at least you and three mates!

Interestingly, first up tonight Dan Corcoran started with a tribute to the aforementioned David Moyes with the great Bee Gees song ‘To love Somebody’ before closing his short performance with a Bert Jansch number…..a very nice start to the evening from this likeable Irishman.

Always nice to welcome newcomers to the club and Kreek, a four piece from Telford and Cannock gave us a superb high octane blues rock performance that had the audience shouting for more. A thumping rhythm section from John Evans on drums and bass-man Andy Plant perfectly suited the rocking vocals of Al Wood through a set that had everything from Black Crowes to The Who. Guitarist Rob Peach completed the line-up and told me they are actively seeking gigs in the area…check them out, you won’t be disappointed!

You can always count on Richard Evans to step up to the mark whoever he has to follow, and this week he dusted down his trusty, but rarely seen, 12 string guitar. He told me he intended to put the instrument up for sale, but as soon as he started playing it he realised he didn’t really want to lose it. Lots of variety followed, from Lindisfarne, 10cc and Bon Jovi amongst others…….he even found room to remix Neil Sedaka with Shaggy, an interesting combination! As a finale, he was joined onstage by a visiting Ed Sullivan on harmonica to close with a John Mayall classic. A superb set from this seasoned performer.


Olly Flavell has improved his stage craft massively over the last couple of years, not least because of his enthusiasm to get up on stage with other musicians and play things he isn’t totally familiar with. Steve Hammond on guitar persuaded Kreek’s bassist Andy Plant to join the fledgling band who now only needed a drummer. Andy Chapman had just walked in, and he was soon up on the drums to give us a very tight Scratch House Band, opening with Stevie Wonder’s ‘Superstition’….. never an easy song to attempt. Olly did a sterling job before handing over vocal duties to Steve to rock us through a very lively ‘Further on up the Road’, recorded by Eric Clapton amongst others.

So by usual Newport Open Mic standards it was a fairly quiet night, but it did turn up a gem of a band in the form of debutants Kreek, who, I am sure, will be back.

I suppose European football on the telly had an effect, but the smaller than usual audience certainly enjoyed the evening. Don’t forget every Tuesday at 8pm in the Royal Naval Association in Bellman’s Yard, un good old Newport Shropshire.

Till next time….keep it live!

Maturity and Youth at the Navy Words and pictures: Dave Whiteman

This weeks unabridged, in its entirity, Open Mic Report........ NOT as it appeared in this week's Newport Advertiser.

 

Jude

 

 

Newport once again made national TV last week as residents Pat Richards and Elaine Turner-Wiles appeared on Pointless, the popular tea time quiz show. They did manage to reach the final and win the coveted Pointless trophy, but sadly not the cash prize. One subject was music trivia and I it made me wonder about the huge amount of music info put out every week at the Newport Open Mic.

This week three bands, two duos and five single performers between them played a set list that had everything from Frank Sinatra to Imagine Dragons….and if you don’t know the latter ask your kids!

With a totally full board by 8pm it was Ben Garrott, first up to entertain the 60 or so audience. On guitar this week, he livened everyone up with an Irish singalong before Cork's own Dan Corcoran returned the favour with an English singalong...a good start to the evening.

Ian Simpkin runs his own Open Mic at The Star Inn, Copmere End, so it is always nice to get a little cross pollination across the live music scene. The Beatles ‘Nowhere Man’ was excellent, but it was the Pete Seeger rework ‘Pay Me My Money Down’ that had people joining in enthusiastically.

I have clothes in my wardrobe older than the collective age of the next two on stage. 11 years old Jay Harris is already a seasoned performer, but it was a first appearance for Liam Anslow, also 11, playing together as Late Addition. A lovely set included Guns & Roses and Eric Clapton was proudly watched by parents and family friends….amazing young talent.

Speaking of young talent, it is easy to forget that Melissa Severn is still only 16. She has been a regular at the club for quite a while now and her thoughtful self-penned songs show a maturity far in advance of her tender years. Her three song set was very well crafted and completely new…… highlight for me was ‘Sleepwalker’.

Shrewsbury’s Steve Hammond is a very talented musician, still looking for others to form a group. His Scratchouse band tonight did not sound like a debut outing with songs from U2 and Donny Elbert. If anyone out there needs a superb guitarist, come and check him out.

Our second Mellisa of the night, Mellissa Walford reached the final stages of BGT last year and it is plain to see why. Not only has her stage presence improved, her voice now seems to carry right to the back of the room and she seems much more confident. One of my favourites, ‘This is The Life’ by Amy Macdonald was the highlight of her short set.

Time to mellow things out now as John Minor played a couple of lovely instrumental piano tunes before resident bluesman took the audience back to the 60’s with a blistering ‘Hey Joe’. Olly Flavell joined the  Collister brothers, to make a great four piece.

Tony & Andy C then stayed on stage to perform with their regular band, Gaz & The Tones to finish off the evening with their original and quite excellent acoustic rock.

So whether you are looking to extend your musical knowledge prior to an appearance on TV, or you just want to get out of the house on Tues and listen to some of Newport’s finest musicians, The Navy Club in Bellmans Yard just off the Newport High Street is the place to be.

Till next week, keep it live!

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Bellmans Yard The Heart of Newport Shropshire.

The great thing about Tuesdays at the Newport Navy clubs open mic is that you never know quite what you are going to get. There really is a kaleidoscope of talent and many different music genres. You may be struck by the feeling you have found a hidden gem in the heart of Newport. For the modest price of a pound you get a chance to win the raffle and are entertained by a great evening’s entertainment.

This week proved no exception and the music was the usual high standard we are used to. Stepping up first was Richie T who always gives up a great eclectic mix of songs. Tonight’s offerings started with cocaine blues, this was followed by mash up of covers ‘Oh Carol’ by Neil Sedaka & The Monster Mash by Bobby ‘Boris’ Pickett and the Crypt Kickers. This worked surprisingly well and not something you hear every day. Rich finished his set with ’Gloria’ a Laura Branigan cover and a Clash number ‘White man in Hammersmith Palais’

Next up was the highly talented Olly Flavell. He produced his usual high standard of music which included three covers ‘Sunday Morning, Ain’t no Sunshine and Rehab’. Olly is also a talented songwriter and wowed us with some of his own works that included; ‘So in love’ and ‘You’re it’ At the weekend Olly came 2^nd with his band The Rivals in the fiercely competitive Battle of the Bands competition. A fabulous result for him on his musical journey.

Some great instrumentals were next by Robbie Pilgrim and Jobe Spencer. With Robbie playing rhythm guitar and Jobe on lead they played some superb pieces including covers such as ‘Lightning Bolt’ by Jake Bugg and ‘Get Lucky’ by Daft Punk. Steve Davis then accompanied Jobe with a self-penned number which was quite mesmerising.

Clare Amos who is the joint chair for this year’s Newport carnival on June 14^th was in attendance and was very impressed by the talented musicians on show. She was busily taking emails and signing up people for the music tent as there will be a plenty of live music at this year’s carnival.

We were entertained next by Alex Hislop playing his lovely Bouzouki. This eight stringed instrument originates from Greece and Alex showed his great skills by playing his own songs which included ’The Path’ ’Help me Please’ and ‘Patterns’

It was great to see Harry Woolley back at the Navy club and he was joined on stage by Dave Blu on lead guitar, Andy Clark on bass and Steve Davis on drums. Harry who originates from Stoke has met and is actually related to the American singer and actor Sheb Woolley who had a No1 hit in 1958 with his novelty song ‘Purple People Eater’. Last night Harry showed his talent as a performer with songs including ‘Digging my Potatoes’ and ‘Rock me baby’.

Next up was another scratch band and the versatile Dave Whiteman joined forces with Ed Young. The two guitarists where accompanied by Steve Davis on the Peruvian cahon drum.

They gave us a treat with some great covers including ‘Weather with you’ by Crowded House and Marvin Gaye’s legendary ‘Heard it through the Grapevine’.

Darcy Crawford and Sam Brizvela sang together next and impressed us with their harmonies with such songs as ‘Ho Hey’ by the lumineers and ‘Chasing cars’ by Snow Patrol.

The evening was rounded off by the talented Ben Garrott whose guitar playing is constantly improving and will soon match his keyboard and saxophone skills. He gave us a great rendition of Queens ‘39’ and John Denver’s classic ‘Country Roads’.

The music continued with many of the musicians jamming together and another great evening’s entertainment came sadly to an end. Please come along and support our live music scene you won’t regret it.

Words Grahame Weir

 

Music On Your Doorstep.  Report:  Jude Paton.  Photos:  Matt Thomas

I have, in the past six weeks, travelled over 6,500 miles for music fixes, from Colombia to Skegness. From romantic Spanish ballad crooners to Hairy Biker’s rock, both equally enjoyable in their given surroundings but on All Fool’s Day here on your doorstep at Newport’s Navy Club in Bellmans Yard over 80 people found themselves at Newport Open Mic being treated on a warm spring night to an evening of superb musical entertainment.

Off to an 8pm start with young band The Revenue 5 lads, all 14 year old school mates from Adams Grammar, making a welcome return to Open Mic with a big voice from Krish Srinivasan accompanied by Mick Withers on bass, Will Mennel drums, David Hatton rhythm guitar and Will Barton on lead.  The band had travelled from as far afield as Dudley and Stoke and included an original number called “Hooked” in an excellent set.

No sooner were Rich Evans and blues harp man Ed Sullivan through the door than they were up on stage to squeeze into an early slot as the board was full from 9 o’clock onwards. Hank Williams and Johnny Cash were followed by a different take on Whitesnake’s power ballad “Here I Go Again”.

Normally an 8 piece band but tonight only 4 members of Telford band Coaltrain were at the Navy. A  terrific performance from Deb, lead vocals, Brian rhythm guitar, Neil percussion which included bongos, maracas and bodhran and the second harmonica player of the night, Dave looking resplendent in grey suit,  red tie and braces – rockabilly style with class there Dave.   A great song written by Brian gently eased us in to “Valerie” and The Pretenders “Brass in Pocket".

Debut for Olly Flavell’s band, The Rivals, all 17 year old students from Stafford College and as well as our own Olly there was Olly Nicholls, lead guitar and vocals, Tom Downes, drums and some great slap bass from Kieran Delap. One of their own songs I particularly liked was “In the City Lights” sung by Olly Nicholls and finishing with Olly Flavell on vocals for “Johnny B Goode” and “Twist and Shout”. The 3 newcomers had to rush to catch the bus back to Stafford but I am sure The Rivals will be back soon.

 

 10 year old Jay Harris sang my favourite Jam track “That’s Entertainment” followed by songs from the Killers and Jake Bugg.  Raw young talent at Open Mic

Dave Blu put together an excellent scratch band with Ben Garrott on sax, Andy Clarke looking relaxed on bass, Andy Conway on drums and a great choice in Rich Evans on vocals.

 Good to see Ricochet as regulars now with a lively set from Sand, Scott and Cameron followed by Gaz and the Tones unusually doing some excellent covers which included “Norwegian Wood” and Slade’s “Goodbye to Jane”.

John Minor looking more relaxed than I have ever seen him on keyboards preceded Darcy Crawford who rounded off a wonderful evening of live music to include his signature song “Wayfaring Stranger”.

 Many thanks to all those that make it happen every week and especially Adam Brown on sound desk ably assisted this week by Dave Sandford.   

Until next week, Keep Music Live!

Sorry your TF10 mailing is late but your correspondent has been away!!

Music for Nothin'

 

Report Jude Paton and photographs Matt Thomas

 

“The best things in life are free” sang the Beatles in 1963 from the song Money (that’s all I want). Certainly many of the best things in life cost you nothing at all, a sunny day, having a cuddle, saying “I love you” or how about a walk along the canal or the super new path along the old railway line, now a delightful 15 mile walkway and national cycle route from Newport to Stafford. Those who make music every Tuesday at Newport Open Mic session do so for FREE at the Royal Naval Association in Bellmans Yard. And what a night this Tuesday proved to be, with just a glance at the running order the 50 or so present realised that they were in for a feast of great live music. A sound check from Dave Blu Sandford and his band got the evening underway in a superb jazzy blues style which included Olly Flavell on vocals with a marvellous rendition of Johnny B Goode.

 

A welcome return by a young 4 piece band from Telford, Two Pence Short, who have been busy rehearsing for Battle of the Bands which starts on 5^th April. There is nothing better than a live practice in front of an appreciative audience and Jamie O’Neil, Ben Bromwich, Ellis Holmes and Nigel Stevens did themselves proud with 4 self penned numbers.

 

A real treat to see Joe Nunn back after a long absence together with Jon Lloyd. Fiddle and acoustic guitar combined beautifully with Amazing Grace as their opening number followed by 2 songs written by John which included a favourite for many of us there, Suzanne.  Big Neil McPherson was next in the spotlight and plays his 12 string guitar beautifully and had the audience spellbound with the Christie Moore classic “Ride On”.  Hard to believe that he had just finished the 4am shift and left the cosy cab of his London Midland train.

 

Rich Evans by way of complete contrast combined reggae with hip hop with the unlikely accompaniment of bass and ukulele delighting the audience with his unique style.

 Guitarist Steve Hammond put together a terrific scratch band, with his friend Clive on bass, Nigel Stevens on drums and a great choice in having tennis legend Darcy Crawford as vocalist. A jazzy version of “Superstition” and John Mayer’s “Gravity” were outstanding. Dave Sandford and friends performed a great funky blues set with Steve Davis to follow with 3 songs of his own accompanied by the talented Ben Garrott on saxophone.  Regulars Gaz and the Tones surprised the audience by including a cover version of Elvis’s “Burning Love” in their set of popular original songs.
 

With the clock approaching the witching hour those of us who were not thinking of 4am starts were treated to a fine acoustic set from Darcy Crawford, followed by John Minor gaining more and more confidence on keyboards and finally newcomer Jim Paton finishing off a wonderful evening of live music with 2 songs acapella.

 

A member of the audience said to me as she left at the end of the evening “What a wealth of local talent. Forget watching the TV and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere and a great Tuesday evening of live music”. Thank you Pat. I know you’ll be back.
\Until next week Keep it Live!!