Perth open mic nights get thumbs-up

Nov 3 2009 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

MUSICIANS and gig-goers have given open mic nights in Perth a resounding thumbs-up.

Music Scene last checked out the weekly sessions back in June and, after a visit to Greyfriars Bar last Wednesday, we are pleased to be able to inform readers that they’re still going strong.

Hosting the event once again was the ever-popular Davie Rollo and he proved as entertaining as ever, despite being a little under the weather.

His first guest at the mic was local singer Pamela White, who delivered a stirring rendition of The Bee Gees’ To Love Somebody.

Next up was a new name, Simon Boyd, who took up the guitar 10 years ago following encouragement and support from well-known Perth musician Jack Kelly.

Simon’s sensitive, emotional and slightly tense style was perfectly suited to a selection of covers, including Coldplay’s In My Place and the Razorlight number Fall To Pieces.

Although things went slightly awry when Simon attempted the Ray Lamontagne song Shelter, he persevered like a pro and was rewarded with the biggest cheer of the night for his efforts.

Floyd followed as he took time off from working with his band Henghist Horsburgh to play a solo acoustic set.

The old friend of Greyfriars’ set included an excellent Buddy Holly medley and the Status Quo classic Sweet Caroline, as well as one of his own songs, Now I Talk.

Then it was the turn of another local artist, Jason Gibson, who gave an airing to a couple of John Martin numbers, Over The Hill and May You Never.

Both went down really well with the enthusiastic-as-usual audience packing the tiny lounge, and no doubt many will be planning to attend Jason’s own open mic nights elsewhere in Perth.

The busy songsmith also writes his own material and produces and records other artists in his own studio.

A final treat on the night was the beautiful close harmony work of a trio of young musicians calling themselves Neònach.

Their line-up includes Sandy Stirton on guitar and vocals, with the voices of Aileen Ogilvie and Jamie Hird.

Citing influences such as Pentangle, Fairport Convention and Steeleye Span, this outfit produce some beautiful sounds with tight, melodic harmonies reminiscent of The Mamas & The Papas.

The highlight of their all-too-short set was the Arlo Guthrie song Coming Into Los Angeles.

Neònach are back at Greyfriars on November 26, before they play at Perth College Union on November 30.

Meanwhile, the South Street venue’s open mic nights are set to continue on Wednesdays.