Last month I went to the Great British Rock and Blues Festival in Skegness and over two and a half days had the opportunity of seeing 54 bands or solo performers. Choices had to be made and I ended up hearing 17 legendary blues and rock performers including Paul Jones of Manfred Mann and now fronting The Blues Band at the age of 72 and looking every bit as young as he did in the 60s. Also Dr Feelgood, Band of Friends - celebrating the music of Rory Gallagher, Steve Gibbons Band, the wonderful Martin Barre from Jethro Tull, Scottish singer/songwriter Jim Diamond, best remembered as the lead singer in PHD and the song “I Won't Let You Down” were all superb but certainly up there in the highlights of the rock and blues weekend was the four piece band Babajack with the beautiful vocals, African drum and cahon from Becky Tate, slide, harmonica and “winebox” guitar from Trevor Steger and on drums our very own Tosh Murase, landlord of the Wheatsheaf in Chetwynd Aston and performing at this prestigious event just 3 days after the birth of his son.

150 miles west of Skegness the atmosphere and talent was every bit as good last Tuesday at the regular Newport Open Mic session at the Royal Naval Association. Great to see Roger Price back after too long an absence with an opening set on keyboards and great vocals transporting us back to the Big Band and jazz standards of the thirties and forties. “How High the Moon”, “Moonlight in Vermont” and “Fly Me to the Moon” being very appropriate with the wonderful full moon we had earlier this month.

Something totally different this week for Rob Brown and Matt Miles performing as an acoustic duo. Matt is usually seen behind his drum kit but was centre stage and lead vocalist alongside Rob playing guitar and vocal harmonies. And what a delight too with songs by Police, Simon and Garfunkel and Ultravox's “Dancing With Tears in My Eyes”, not a song I have ever heard performed at an Open Mic session before. Matt was clearly out of his comfort zone but absolutely no need for nerves as the pair were outstanding.

12 year old Jay Harris always brings something different to the table and this week was no exception with the first outing for his new Gibson Les Paul and “Run to You” by Bryan Adams. A quick change to acoustic guitar with the assistance of his roadie Russ (Dad) saw his set out with songs from Echosmith and the Welsh indie rock band Catfish and the Bottlemen. Jay is really performing with attitude these days....well done young man.

Loyal supporter of Newport Open Mic, John Minor was back this week on guitar and demonstrating his talent on this instrument as well as keyboards, his first instrument of choice. Oasis is one of his favourite bands and their debut single “Supersonic” was performed really well. A good set from John ending with John Lennon's best selling single of his solo career “Imagine”.

5 piece band Khamouflage appeared last year at Open Mic and this week were back for an extended set of high octane rock and blues. Travelling from Crewe, Stoke and Stafford, Helen, Dave, Darren, Geoff and Steve (Blackie) put together a polished and powerful set of classic rock from Lynyrd Skynyrd, Gary Moore, T Rex and Stealers Wheel but the outstanding songs in the set delivered by Helen, Little Miss Dynamite, were Alannah Myles' “Black Velvet” and “Radar Love” by the Dutch rock band Golden Earring - superb drumming from Steve Black on this one. Ginger Baker eat you heart out.

A night not only of great diversity but of great talent too with the tempo being brought right down by 24 year old singer/songwriter Sam Scott. Last heard at Newport Open Mic 8 years ago Sam is a young man of exceptional talent. A lovely opening song “Who Says” by John Mayer was followed by 2 self penned songs. “Seren” meaning Star in Welsh was a song he wrote 7 years ago and Sam had the crowd transfixed by his beautiful melodic voice and finger picking style. If you have not seen or heard of Andy McKee before look him up on youtube – you will be amazed and Sam's launch into “For My Father” was ambitious indeed. Terrific stuff from this young man who promises to be back next week.

Cameraman for the evening, Laurence Gale rounded things off nicely with some lovely ballads including “Cat's in the Cradle” by one of his favourite singers, Harry Chapin. 

Once again a wonderful evening of live music and thank you to all those who contributed in whatever way.

Till next week KEEP MUSIC LIVE!