Band fest at the Navy    Words: Dave Whiteman, Pictures: Matthew Thomas

‘I never thought it would happen, with me and the girl from Clapham, out on the windy common, that night I ain’t forgotten’ Recognise the words? They are from the Squeeze song, ‘Up the Junction’ and I was lucky enough to see them perform last week in Birmingham. I am always amazed by lyrics, and the people who can write them, but their songs always seemed much more real…..like urban stories or poems put to music. It was this week in 1974, that a young Chris Difford put an advert in a shop window in Deptford, London, saying ‘lyricist seeks musician for co-writing’. This was answered by an equally young Glen Tilbrook and Squeeze were born. Clearly they still love to perform, evidenced by the gig at the Symphony Hall and the rapturous audience reception, so if you haven’t seen them play, I urge you to do so…..if you can get a ticket.

No tickets required at the Newport Open mic, held every Tuesday at the Royal Naval Association in Bellman’s Yard. A full board by 8.15 meant latecomer Richard Heywood, was destined to be disappointed, but such is the enthusiasm from this young guy, that we ‘squeezed’ him into the programme to provide two quick songs. Never one to shirk from a challenge his version of ‘Stairway to Heaven’ clearly needs a little bit of work, but come on….it is one of the most complicated songs ever written.

Newcomers to the Navy, Jan & the Noizy Boyz were next up and what a delight it was. I say newcomers, but guitarist John Cooper, sax Paul Mettem and bassman Andy Plant have all played here before in a band called Syatica. The addition of local drummer Andy Chapman and superb vocalist Jan Bagshaw, however, has taken them in a new and very entertaining direction……more jazzy and laid back. Opener, Buffalo Springfield’s classic ‘For What it’s Worth’ was understated and simply outstanding.

John Reynolds has been a consistent member of the audience for some time now, but this week he finally took the plunge and got up on stage to play a great Buddy Holly medley, ably assisted by Andy Clark on bass and Richard Thomas behind the drum kit……hope this is a regular item now John?

Haven’t seen Dave Blu, AKA Dave Sanford in ages, but it is always a delight to listen to him playing his particular brand of blues guitar…this week on acoustic. Not all blues though….a brilliant version of ‘Wind Cries Mary’ from Jimi Hendrix closed his set. Dave stayed on stage, this time on bass, to accompany another musician who we haven’t seen in quite a while, Steve Hammond from Shrewsbury, tempting Jon Newton to leave the sound desk for the drums and give us a lesson in busking with a Scratch House Band.

Nice to see a full complement of local band Vinyl Tap at last. Various members have performed over the last couple of months, with vocalist Alex Ash particularly busy, but this week we had the five piece band in full. New number ‘Listen to the music’ was the standout song of their set.

Not sure who Richard Thomas was aiming at when he sang his opener, ‘Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen’ but he was soon back to normal, displaying his punk background with great covers from The Sex Pistols and The Clash. Always entertaining, always unpredictable and always welcome…..he is a great supporter of Open Mic.

Just time for local band ‘Robbie’s in Rehab’ to play us through into the witching hour and it was new drummer Richard Nixon who caught the attention, forming a great rhythm section with bassist Alan Middleton…no relation to Kate.  Lead guitarist Roger Clark has always had a reputation as one of the best players around, but the band is now starting to sound really tight and clearly enjoy playing together.  Catch them at the Halloween party in the Navy club on Friday 30^th October when they will be playing their full programme.

Strange isn’t it? Some weeks we have a bunch of singer guitarists and no bands, but just like buses, you don’t see one in a while and then four turn up at once! But such is the variety of our Open Mic, we can more than cope with it. 

There are many Open Mics in the area….but ours is the only one where a full PA, monitors, amplifiers, drum kit and guitars are provided…….and a dedicated soundman. 

If you haven’t tried it yet, come on down and see what you are missing…..maybe like John Reynolds you will soon make the leap from audience to performer! Till next week, keep it live.