Open Mic 24th March 2007 Eastgate Theatre
This Open Mic was, as usual packed with stunning performances! just when we think we've seen it all... you surprise us yet again!
RICHARD COBB took the brave decision to open the
evening's entertainment Yet again Richard (with new hairstyle!) took to the stage and
played us a mix of his beautiful songs and some covers, all delivered with feeling and style...well done Richard..see you soon I hope!
Following Richard was a newcomer to our Open Mic, KENNY McCRAW. Kenny sang and played guitar with real feeling.
It takes talent to fill the stage as a solo singer/player, yet Kenny seemed to fill the stage easily with his presence. Stepping in at very short notice to fill the gap left by a band that couldn't make it, Kenny gave a master class in how to tame an audience. What a clear voice Kenny has, complimented by steady finger-picking on the guitar he was a pleasure to listen to. We both hope Kenny returns to play for us again in the near future.
TOMMY and SIAN ASHBY were joined by well-known guitar virtuoso/tutor (and world Pelargonium breeder and expert) VINCE WOODS (check out www.vincewoods.co.uk). This trio have performed and stunned the Eastgate audience before, and they did it again, Sian has a beautiful clear voice that reminds me of Kate Bush at her best. Tommy's confident and subtle backing vocals and guitar work was such a compliment. Vince, as usual, gave a brilliant set, really as the strong, silent backbone of the group, never out of step, dependable and yet still providing all the fancy fingerwork we all love him for. Tommy's solo vocal was perfect...not much more to be said...When are you coming back again guys?
Ian Petrie had most of the girls in the audience swooning at his last visit...this
time he decided to spread the good feeling around by bringing his brother
(on keyboard and bass) and his mate (on drums). Lucy and I looked aghast
at each other as they prepared for soundcheck..we watched in horror as the
drummer put on Ear Protectors...Blimey! We thought we were in for a really
noisy time...how wrong could we be. This trio were really riding the surfing
waves of West Coast (Dorset) cool with a little contemporary singer-songwriter
almost Dougie McLean meets Blur. Very laid-back and smooth. Lets see what Ian
pulls out of the hat at Langholm next week?
STEP BACK AND TAKE TWO stepped forward into the spotlight (sans high heeled boots
and little black numbers) to give a fantastic set, Simon provided the driving rhythm
at just the right volume...so many drummers don't realise just how loud
they are but Simon hit it just right, great beat, great volume control!
Thomas and Sean played their skins off...not as flamboyant as we've seen
them in the past, but slick, together and entertaining. Sean's gravel-voiced
rendition of Doctor, Doctor...blew us away! Thomas proved himself yet again,
the wizard of the progressive rock guitar style, go Thomas, you just get
better and better!
The age range jumped a couple of decades to our next duo, RICHARD AND DON also known as Grateful Dad or
sometimes Jefferson Wheelchair. These two get together every now and again to delight and mystify the audience...delight
them with their singing, and mystify them with their ecclectic choice of material delivered with care and affection. everyone
loves listening to them. They really do transcend the age ranges! Lets hope it's not as long before their next appearance.
THE RAYS Suzanne, Glyn and Ian. Suzanne and Glyn are locals, but
this was their first time on-stage at an Open Mic....let's hope it isn't
their last...what a talent! Early note had to be taken of Ian's sympathetic drumming,
not many drummers can find the right place to put in a shimmer on the crash cymbals like Ian, it
took me right back to the Floyd's Albatross... he fed in mix of drumming so well-suited to
the songs that the only bit that stood out was his use of cymbals...thats saying a lot! If the
drumming was excellent Glyn's guitar work was stunning and was only outshone by Suzanne's
deliciously clear and note-perfect singing...What a voice! YOU MUST COME BACK!
Old favourites DANNY COCKROACH came all the way down from Edinburgh to give another magnificient performance that
just confirms their supremacy of the Open Mic. Lewis is the just a perfect front-man, full of confidence and
showmanship flanked by Bass player Duncan ...resplendant in leather jeans (mysteriously found on the green
room floor ...go figure) and Peter on Lead Guitar are a formidable line-up..whilst Jamie is the drummer all
other bands would kill to have...understated until it counts..then...watchout! No wonder this band has been
cleaning up all over! Check them out on http://www.myspace.com/dannycockroach and buy their album ZOO FARM.
Allways a pleasure gentlemen!
Well another Open Mic closed to rapturous applause...oor thanks go to Martin for manning
the sound desk, Richard for setting the lights and being an all-round best Techy to work with
and all the other volunteers.
