Old and new faces at The Navy.  Words: Dave Whiteman, Pictures: Matthew Thomas

One of my favourite publications ever, was a music magazine called ‘Q’, started in 1986 by David Hepworth and Mark Ellen.  It was always a fantastic read, and I like many thousands of others, never got rid of the hundreds of back copies which still adorn the shelves of my ‘man room’. I picked up an old copy the other evening from around 1993 and enjoyed an article about a new female artist who had just toured as a backing singer with Michael Jackson and the article went on to predict a great future for her. Her debut album, Tuesday Night Music Club was a smash and she went on to sell more than 50 million albums worldwide. Her name? Sheryl Crow and the journalist must look back now and think ‘I told you so!’ given that so many artists in the same publication were tipped for great things but disappeared without trace.

I have repeatedly sung the praises of some of our young local talent and it will be interesting to see if I am proved right, but this week it was time for the ‘old uns’ at the Newport Open Mic. Icebreaker this week was John Minor who found himself without guitar or keyboards, but no matter. There are plenty of experienced musicians who will accompany singers and John soon warmed up the crowd with a great version of ‘Wonderwall’.

Neil WiIlday hasn’t been around for quite a while but it was great to see him back on stage with his band Diamond Geezer. Seasoned pros Roger Clark on guitar and Al Middleton on bass were joined by birthday boy drummer Baz Webster…..60 years old but don’t tell anyone! A lively set included classic ‘Whisky in the Jar’ and the crowd could sense we were in for a super evening.

We have seen bassist Mick Keefe many times at the club, but this week he gave us a preview of his new band Kakuma and what a treat it was.  Singer guitarist Olugbala Kakuma and drummer Ken Champken may have been only a three piece but their authentic reggae soon had the dance floor full…a remarkable achievement so early in the evening. Olugbala certainly looks the part with his 18 inch dreadlocks, but he has the super voice to match. Gregory Isaacs ‘Night Nurse’ was my favourite from a superb set.

It must be about a year ago that popular singer guitarist Martyn Templeton upped sticks with his family and moved to Abu Dhabi. Back for just a short visit, he borrowed a guitar and wowed the club once again with his effortless vocals. ‘Pebbles on the Beach’ by Paul Weller, has for a long time been one his excellent repertoire, but it was ‘ Bad Leroy Brown’ that had the crowd singing along and demanding more. Hope to see you again soon, Martyn.

One man who has made the jump from Open Mic hopeful to regular gigging is Rich Evans, and it is plain to see why. He always was a good singer and guitarist, but he has now added a great stage presence to the mix. He also knows how to get the audience onside and his opener, an 80’s classic from Jilted John proved that everyone remembered the refrain!

Time for a bit of a reunion, with Baz Webster back up on stage with the band ‘Robbie’s in Rehab’. The band probably only play a couple of gigs a year, never rehearse or practice, but when they get together the musical sparks still fly. Set closer ‘Money for Nothing’ highlighted brilliant guitar from veteran Roger Clark.

Another Rich, this time Rich Thomas equipped only with his ukulele, and if you have never heard punk/thrash metal played this way, come on down for a listen! Always something original from Richard.

Alex Ash is the singer with local band Vinyl Tap, but having recruited yours truly as backing guitarist he showed how good he can be with just a stripped down accompaniment. James Taylor’s ‘You’ve Got a Friend’ had many reaching for their tissues…….excellent stuff.

Putting in the graveyard shift this week was Telford’s Claire Shaw, who is, in my opinion, one of the best local singer songwriters around. It must have been getting on for 11pm and the time when many people are thinking of heading for home, but no-one moved from their seat as her lovely vocal filled the room. Songs from Birdy and The Vamps were very good, but once again it was an original composition that pinned my ears back, ‘Heavy Heart’. Claire may not achieve the same heights as Sheryl Crow, but believe me when I tell you she has the talent to go far.

So once again another brilliant evening of live music at the Newport Open Mic. None of it is possible however without the hard work of the regular supporters. So if you feel that you would like to make a contribution to what is already a superb local music scene, whether it is humping and dumping equipment, helping with the sound or even writing articles such as this, your input is very important to us….have a word with anyone at the club.

Till next week, keep it live!

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