Variety is the spice of life!   Words: Dave Whiteman, Pictures: Laurence Gale

I don’t know about you, but my musical tastes seem to be shifting somewhat. I have lots of albums, CD, vinyl and MP3 but it is very rare if I listen to a recording from start to finish. Sting, Elton, Paulo Nutini, Springsteen, they all have space on my shelf, but more often than not these days I tend to listen to compilations rather than individuals. Even my Ipod is almost always set to shuffle….so why is that? I love my music; it’s just that I get a little bit fed up of listening to the same voice for an hour or more
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I was thinking about that this week and realised that on a typical Open Mic evening, the audience will listen to album ‘compilations’ with usually around ten acts playing maybe three or four different tracks each. And if it is variety you’re after, then this week’s playlist featured such a wide spectrum….from Roberta Flack to Led Zeppelin…can it get any more diverse?
 
First up this week, Jay Harris has asked me to stop going on about his age….happy to oblige. But when his opening number, ‘Sandstorm’ from Nineties’ band Cast is considerably older than Jay himself, it is reasonable to wonder about his Dad’s music collection! It is a pleasure to see Jay to the Open Mic…..he is always asking questions, getting involved and is eager to learn. I reckon in around twenty years and still only around thirty (oops, sorry Jay!) he will be running his own Open Mic and encouraging the next generation to perform on stage.

An earlier slot than usual for keyboardist John Minor, bringing a nice bit of variety to our playlist with an instrumental compilation of his own. Oasis features regularly in his act, and this week he added a very nice excerpt from Jeff Wayne’s ‘War of the Worlds’ before finishing with a Queen crowd pleaser. A very good set, well received by the generous Navy Club audience.

 With Mark Langford on guitar and Steve Smith on bass guitar, we were down to just 50%, of local rock band Bang To Rights. Never mind, the recruitment of brilliant local drummer Andy Conway made for a talented trio that rocked through an all too short set. Songs from Peter Frampton and a little heard ‘Sister Seagull’ from Be-Bop Deluxe had Mark demonstrating an advanced guitar technique, pinch harmonics……see, this column can be educational as well!


I don’t mind a bit of gentle arm twisting now and again, so when photographer Laurence suggested a sore throat prevented him from playing, a Fisherman’s Friend, the loan of a nice guitar and the threat of violence helped him reconsider. ‘Lay Down’ was the first hit single from The Strawbs’ album ‘Bursting at the Seams’ in 1973 and is a great opener. Laurence is a man of many talents…. a great supporter of local live music and also responsible for the photographs on this page….many thanks Loz!

Time for my favourite part of the evening, the Scratch House Band. It is always a pleasure to be asked to join experienced and enthusiastic players on stage so how could I refuse ace guitarist Steve Hammond, bassist Steve Smith and aforementioned drummer Andy Conway came calling? Guitarist Steve had put together this week’s set list and the look on everyone’s face as the keys and chords were lazily discussed was quite priceless. He seems to be getting more adventurous as his choice featured never before heard numbers from Bowie and the Doobie Brothers. No need to worry, any potential flat moments were filled with blistering lead guitar solo breaks. Rehearsals? Who needs rehearsals?

No compilation album would be complete without a little bit of metal, and who better to unleash that than Pippin Henderson, Rob McDonald and the very busy Andy Conway once again on the drums. These lads have always been a talented bunch but experience has now taught them stage craft. Yes, they are loud (ish) but music of this type should never be played at low volume…it just doesn’t work. They have now learned to play at the RIGHT volume for the venue….I didn’t see anyone with their ears bleeding! A rock jam segued seamlessly into their signature tune, ‘Whole Lotta Love’ and this in turn blended into Voodoo Child which still sounds as fresh as it did on release in 1969.

So another brilliant live music evening in the Navy. Don’t forget there is a Soul, Motown and R&B night this evening (Fri) at The Navy starting at 7.30pm, £2 entry on the door and profits going to the Severn Hospice, but if you do decide to stay in, pour a glass of wine, put your feet up and listen to some music….make it a compilation!

Till next time, keep it live.