One of the best nights EVER  at The Navy. 

Words: Dave Whiteman, Pictures by Matthew Thomas

You may remember that last week’s column related the BBC news that so many live music venues were closing and those that were still open had falling attendances? Well the day after, I received an invitation from The Navigation at Gnosall to their re-opening party and what a feast of live music it was. The Navi always did have a great reputation amongst local musicians, but when the tenancy changed a while ago, the place closed for refurbishment and with it went the music. I am pleased to say it is now back and I feel a new Open Mic will rise Phoenix like from the ashes.

And what about dwindling audiences …what do I know? Walking to the Navy in the pouring rain on Tuesday, I wasn’t optimistic, but it turned out to be one of the best live music evenings in many, many years and a sheer delight for the sixty or so audience.

We knew it was going to be something special when the sound-check kicked off. With regular Dave Blue on guitar and vocals, Mikey Collins on bass and newcomer Lauren Hughes, just 16 years old from Shifnal on drums, the stage was set for a brilliant opener with tracks from Robert Johnson and Jimi Hendrix before  Mike senior joined them for a couple from Foo Fighters and Green Day.

Last time we saw Conor Ross, he was guesting with the band Coaltrain at just 9 years old!  Still only 12, he is developing into a heck of a guitarist. He travelled over from Stoke with Dad Steve, and gave us a virtual masterclass with covers from Kygo and Deep Purple. Proof indeed that practice really does make perfect.

One of Newport’s great singer guitarists and an Open Mic regular Martyn Templeton moved away a while back when work took him to the Middle East, but back home visiting family he couldn’t resist the pull of the Navy. ‘Maybe Baby’ had the crowd singing along but his signature tune ‘Bad Bad Leroy Brown’ that had them calling out for more.

We haven’t seen Duncan Talbot in quite a while, but together with new recruit, guitarist and singer Tracey Wynn, they were next up. Tracey admitted to me that she was very nervous….first time performing in front of an audience, but there was no need to worry. ‘I’m Gonna Do it all Someday’ the little known song by Karine Polwart was her opener and the audience was in her pocket. 

Clearly  the standard tonight was going to be very high, and next up Alexandra Jayne, who recently supported James Blunt at the NIA confirmed that notion. I have heard many versions of The Beatles ‘Helter Skelter’ but hers was one of the best, simply outstanding. She reminds me at times of Amy Macdonald, but, make no mistake, she is an original local talent and will, I am sure, go far.

When professional musician Matt Woosey met Jude Paton at a gig a few weeks ago, she never thought that he would take her up on an invitation to visit our Open Mic. I can truthfully say, I cannot remember seeing a more accomplished musician on stage at the Navy…. the class was there for all to see….and hear. His guitar playing is simply awesome and his bluesy soulful voice had the crowd spellbound. Playing originals from his latest album, ‘Black Smoke Risin’ was simply outstanding but his follow up ‘Love is the strangest Thing’ was even better. I don’t know if we will see Matt again as he will shortly be moving to Germany, but I certainly hope he comes back to see us at some point.

How do you follow that? Well, with a legend or two of our own. Rich Evans and Ed Sullivan are well used to playing large crowds and soon had the Navy audience clapping along with Folsom Prison Blues followed by a couple of crackers from Gary Moore and Whitesnake. The audience would not let them leave however, so a ‘folkie’ finale with photographer Matt Thomas on bass pedal had the floor full of Riverdance trainees! Excellent stuff from these musical stalwarts. 

Just when you thought it was all over Melissa Walford, after some gentle persuasion, finished off a spectacular evening of live music with Ed Shearan's "The A Team". Great to see her back in Newport.

Wow! As I said we have had many great evenings at Newport Open Mic, but this was one of the absolute best. More live music on Friday (tomorrow) at the Navy as Robbie's in Rehab entertain at the Halloween Party. Entrance just £3 on the door, why not get dressed up and come and see? 

Till next time, keep it live!