Another Bandfest at the Navy. Words: Dave Whiteman, Pictures: Laurence Gale

What seems like just a couple of weeks ago, I was writing my regular music column for The Advertiser, which happened to be a review of 2014….in effect a ‘compilation’ of all the Open Mics of the last year. It was quite a difficult job as it turned out, having to sift through around 500….yes, five hundred different acts and highlighting just a couple of dozen. What was very apparent was the number of bands that turn up on a regular basis. Many Open Mics have a couple of microphones, a small PA and a very small space, but at the Navy we are blessed with a huge stage and plenty of equipment to fill it. Well, here we are almost a quarter ways through the year and I am pleased to say our popularity with bands shows no sign of abating.

Good job this week as no fewer than FIVE groups competed for time on stage, giving us a very busy evening at the Newport Open Mic.

First up though, brilliant singer/songwriter Sam Scott who captured the audience within seconds as he sang Ed Sheeran’s ‘Wayfarin Stranger’ a Capella, just using a loop to multi track his amazing vocal range. I think we knew we were in for a great evening at that moment.

Jay Harris is still our youngest regular performer and I look forward to around ten years’ time when he will be a 22 year old ‘veteran’ and probably running this Open Mic. Supported by Mum, Dad and extended family, Jay didn't disappoint with a great set from Catfish & The Botttlemen.

Yet more new numbers from regulars Vinyl Tap, who have clearly been polishing their skills. The Carole King musical ‘Beautiful’ is running in the west End, and VT performed one of my favourite tracks from the show, ‘Up on the Roof’ which has been covered by everyone from the Drifters to James Taylor. A great performance from this hard working group.

Cath Butler then left her keyboard available for John Minor to entertain during a short break with a couple of piano instrumentals, before our first newcomer of the evening, 

Louie Davies from Wellington, took to the stage. He admitted to me that he had a few nerves about performing after seeing the talent on display, but there was nothing to worry about. Where did such a slight figure get such a deep fantastic voice? His tribute to Johnny Cash was excellent, particularly when he enlisted the help of Jon Newton on drums and Andy Clark on bass for a rousing finale of ‘Folsom Prison Blues’  You are welcome anytime Louie.

Black Country boy himself Dave Sanford can always raise a good Scratch House Band and with the aforementioned Andy C, he recruited Baz Webster on drums and superb harp player Ed Sullivan for a cracking set with Dave and Ed swapping solos in a blistering blues performance.

Steve Davis may have started on stage alone with a lovely number from Scottish rockers Runrig, but it wasn’t long before he too, succumbed to the band temptation, with Jude Paton providing the bass for another great Scratch House Band. JJ Cale’s ‘They Call Me the Breeze’ a fitting finale for this first time five piece.

I commented a few weeks ago about the ‘electrification’ of Perton’s Mike Collins new band and it is good to see he is not resting on his laurels. A complete new set managed to mix Jimi Hendrix AND Blur…no easy task, and son Mikey, this week on acoustic bass held a great rhythm with drummer Nigel Tidy. If you ever go back to just an acoustic set Mike, it is going to feel a little bit flat after this!

Big man Steve Reynolds had waited patiently all evening for an opportunity to perform, but so full was the board this week he had to wait for the ‘graveyard’ shift before getting a chance to play. Boy was it worth it, and you could see some of the audience who were thinking of slipping away soon sat down again. His lovely guitar style segued effortlessly between Crowded House, Adele and even Eric Clapton, but the delighted crowd was in no mood to let him leave. A lovely soft and original version of ‘Sweet Child of Mine’ brought the house down and sent the punters home happy.

I am often amazed at the sheer depth of talent at the Newport Open Mic. Singer songwriters bare their soul, acoustic players quieten the room and individuals form first performance bands and all for the love of live music….they certainly don’t do it for the money. No-one gets paid…your £1 admission pays for the raffle and goes some way towards maintaining and replacing the equipment. 

Many thanks to those who turned up at 7pm to help set up and those who stayed till 11.30 to put the kit away…you help to make the Newport open Mic what it is. 

Till next time, keep it live!