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!