Busy, busy, busy at The Navy   Words: Dave Whiteman, Pictures: Matthew Thomas

I read this week that one of Britain’s most successful and enduring bands, The Zombies are reuniting for a world tour. Whenever I go to a pub or club to hear a band, there is a better than evens chance that they will play The Zombies greatest hit, ‘She’s Not There’. As is often the case, money caused them to break-up, with songwriters Colin Blunstone and Chris White earning much more from royalties than the rest of the group did from performing. They folded in 1967….ironically just before the release of their most successful album, Odessey and Oracle. Paul Weller amongst others cites this as one of the best recordings ever released, but it wasn’t until all the artwork was finished and covers printed that they discovered that Odyssey was incorrectly spelt! They will be playing Birmingham in December, check it out.

Dave Blu, AKA Dave Sanford, once again provided a great sound-check before John Minor kicked off a very busy evening, with a selection of Oasis classics. Nice to see him relaxing more in front of a live audience.

Always good to welcome a new face, and after a little bit of a technical hitch trying to find the appropriate backing track, Josh Whitmore from Gnosall gave us a fantastic vocal performance of ‘Take Me To Church’ by Hozier. He hardly needed a microphone to reach the back of the room and I am sure we will be seeing more of him, good stuff Josh.

From first timer to established singer/songwriter Olly Flavell, who has been very busy since releasing his debut album ‘Lo-Fi’. He seems to be gigging every week these days, so it is nice to catch him on home territory. A new as yet untitled song, sounded very good on its first outing.

Even younger, Jay Harris aged 12 years, continues to impress. A great mixed set followed, highlight of which was ‘Sacrifice’ by ex-Coral frontman, James Skelly…..good consistency and variety from young Jay.

I don’t think we will be able to call Dave Blu’s band a Scratch House band for much longer. With bassist Steve Bennett and drummer Steve Black providing a solid foundation, Dave is then free to express himself with brilliant guitar work. Always tricky to play Jimi Hendrix, but this band made it look easy. Get a name and get out gigging fellas……you are now officially no longer a Scratch House Band!

With around sixty in the audience, the background noise can climb in direct proportion to the alcohol being drunk, but a sure way to shut everyone up is to put Remynie Faith on. As soon as she starts to softly strum her guitar before adding her beautiful vocal, the noise dies down…….always. Ed Sheeran’s ‘I See Fire’ was terrific and very well received, but when she played a special request, ‘Hallelujah’ you could hear the proverbial pin drop. Not many people have this talent…..Remynie has it in spades.

Once again it was time to welcome old friends back to the club as a temporarily reformed Robbie’s in Rehab took to the stage. With original member John Freestone back behind the drums after at least six years, it was as if they had never been away. Variety is the key with this band, and with songs from Police, Squeeze, Doobie Brothers and John Waite, we got plenty of that. Time for another local gig perhaps?

And just like local buses, you don’t see one for ages, but if you wait long enough another band that we haven’t seen for a while turn up and continue to rock the house. Vinyl Tap carried on in the same way, finishing a superb set with the anthem crowd pleaser ‘500 miles’….great stuff.

The clock was fast approaching 11pm as Richard Heywood took to the stage. With a full board, Rich had waited all evening to play, but he was still enthusiastic as he launched into opener, ‘Lady Madonna’ and then gave us a taste of one of his own compositions with ‘She Only Wanted to Sing Him a Love Song’

Our fourth musical bus then turned up in the form of Telford three piece, Ricochet. Sand Kumar and his band can always be relied upon to play something a little ‘off the wall’ and this time it was a song released more than fifty years ago. ‘Sherry Baby’ was originally recorded by the Four Seasons in 1962, but like all good songs, they can be revamped, reinvented and redone. Ricochet’s version was faster, louder, more energetic and nothing like the original….but quite brilliant!

So once again, thanks to the helpers, before and after, who set up and break down the kit….we could not do it without you. Till next time….keep it live!