One of my absolute favourite programmes of the 70’s and 80’s was the Old Grey Whistle Test. It was commissioned by David Attenborough in 1971 and focused on more ‘serious’ rock music. According to presenter, ‘Whispering’ Bob Harris, the name came from a Tin Pan Alley phrase from many moons ago, when newly pressed records would be played to the old doormen at the building, the grey suits….or greys. If they could remember and whistle the tune after hearing it only once or twice, that passed the Old Grey Whistle Test. At the weekly Newport Open Mic, I hear lots of self-penned songs, but it is extremely rare if I can hum or whistle the tune…..maybe that’s just my age!

Good to see Stacey Rich from Market Drayton back at the club. She made her first, quite nervous, appearance a few months ago, but there were no nerves on display tonight. A lovely opening set featured a couple of little heard numbers including The Foals ‘Spanish Sahara’…..a great start to a busy evening.

Remynie Faith is our resident musical all-rounder. She plays keyboards, drums, and guitar, and in addition is blessed with a gorgeous voice. Accompanied by boyfriend Gaz Giles on guitar, she wowed the sizeable audience particularly with her final song….a reworking of Cher’s ‘Bang Bang’. Believe me if this version was released as a single it would be massive.

A new band next on stage. Sam Scott and Tom Bond have recently made a few appearances at the club but tonight joined by Mick Hucknall lookalike Dave Minor, they took it to a new level. Although all very competent guitarists, with three instruments it can be very easy to ‘mash’ together, but they gave each other space and the overall sound was very good.  Remynie joined them onstage for a first live outing of Ed Sheeran’s ‘I See Fire’ and the end result was simply an outstanding example of close harmony singing.

We often have musicians from Stafford, Wolverhampton and Stoke but the ones who travel the furthest have to be brothers Gary and Darren Nettleton who drive all the way from Manchester. They run their own Top Dog Open Mic in the city and were introduced to Newport by a regular at both venues, Steve Davis. Steve joined them onstage for their set and they soon had feet tapping with their versions of songs from The Jam and Peter Sarstedt. Their final number was yet another example of fine harmonising, ‘Nowhere Man’ by the world’s best band ever…The Beatles since you as. Not an easy song to do, but they were note perfect….a very good set indeed.

It was proving to be a very busy night as next up, local band Vinyl Tap launched into ‘Time is Tight’ the Booker T classic.  Remynie, now behind the drum kit, held a great rhythm with bassist Jude Paton and the crowd enjoyed joining in, particularly with their parting anthem ‘Mustang Sally’ The band have a few local gigs coming up soon….look out for them at Moreton Millennium centre in a couple of weeks.

Olly Flavell made a video in Hey Jude’s at the week-end……check it out on You Tube… and this week he gave us more songs from his own pen including new number ‘What’s Your Name?’ His performance was somewhat ‘stripped down’, no effects or processors, just a guitar and a great voice….do you really need anything else?

Steve Davis next up, and Gary Nettleton repaid the earlier favour by joining him onstage for a cracking set. Steve has an amazing vocal range and can sing falsetto without it sounding ridiculous. ‘Old Man’ is probably my all-time favourite song by Neil Young, and he did a terrific job, particularly at that time of night when the crowd is a little noisier and it is sometimes difficult to hear a soft voice above the conversation. 

Graveyard shift tonight for resident lensman Laurence Gale, who was without his usual musical collaborator Rob Bryon. Lol decided to leave his camera at home this week and concentrate on his performance instead……a  performance I have to say, that is steadily growing in confidence. One thing about Laurence is that he is never afraid to try something difficult…..  ‘Is it Like Today?’ by World Party is particularly tricky, but he never shies away from taking on something so challenging.

So another brilliant evening of live music at the Newport Open Mic, with more than fifteen guitarists, singers, keyboard players and drummers providing more than four hours of superb entertainment. If you have ever had the urge to get up and sing or play, why not come down on a Tuesday and have a look? We are also always on the lookout  for helpers, whether it is just humping the equipment around or helping to publicise the event.

Maybe you fancy writing an article like this? Come and give it a try! Till next time, thanks for your support and keep it live!