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