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!