Echoes in the Cellar (Open Mic #8)

Overhead the albatross

Hangs motionless upon the air

And deep beneath the rolling waves

In labyrinths of coral caves

An echo of a distant time

Comes willowing across the sand

And everything is green and submarine.

Deep beneath Cellar 88 is a hidden gem of a keeping cellar which lends itself superbly to acoustic music.  So this month I took the decision to use this setting for my open mic and provide nothing more than a space in which to enjoy music among the company of others – not so much an open mic, more an open space.  I was knocked out by the result, with a range of quality performances that entertained and enthralled.  This is something we will do again before my tenure is up at the cellar.

But first of all that reference above, the lyrics from Echoes by 70’s prog rockers Pink Floyd, and those words appeared on this night tattooed to the back of a lovely audience member who came along to listen with friends.  It made me appreciate that the acoustic angle brings in a whole new crowd, people who have never been to my night before and are switched on to listening or playing without the aid of ‘electrification’.

There was Jess (pictured right), who played some of her own songs that had the audience melting in the August warmth.  There was Martin (pictured below - people say he looks like Jesus) who played a song about looking like Jesus in the style of the Bee Gees (because he also looks like a Bee Gee).  This random excellence went down a storm.  And there was Rich, on his way to work in Spain via New Mill, who played jazz tinged pieces from the heart. 

Fishing for Compliments also made a welcome return with three country tinged pieces including the very awesome Murky Waters.  Eileen from Fishing for Compliments has a lovely voice.  Mick and Alan (also in a country vein) provided harmonica, guitar and some fine harmonies on Constant Sorrow.  And there was heartfelt song writing from Lucy Roberts.

I also have to give a shout out to some of my wonderful regulars including James, Linda and Andy, Tim, Jim and Terry.  In fact, Tim played a challenging piece by Steve Howe which takes us back to that 70’s prog rock theme.  Steve Howe used to be in the 70’s band Yes and played intricate and complex pieces because that was what the world was into in the land before punk rock coming along and sweeping it all away.

The good thing about an acoustic night is that the audience will generally give the performers the attention they deserve and the audience here did just that.  In these settings, seasoned performers can enjoy themselves and new performers can also have a go in a safe environment.  Liam joined us to play a song and this was the first time he’d ever played in public and I very much hoped it wouldn't be his last because people genuinely enjoyed his contribution.

The next open mic will see a return to ‘electrification’ at Cellar 88 and a night of collaboration with the Holmfirth Arts Festival on 26 September 2013.  There will be music, comedy, theatre  spoken word and art all under one roof - please come down and take part in my ninth beautiful open mic.