57th Birthday Bash

The 57^th Birthday Bash; and just to be clear, the 57^th Birthday Bash wasn’t the 57^th Birthday Bash, but my 57^th Birthday Bash, and was the first to be held at The Arnold Arms. Tina and Matt put on a delicious buffet, for which I am very appreciative and about which, many of the attending performers and audience were highly complementary.

Unfortunately, resident sound guru Craig was absent this evening, leaving a comprehensive instruction sheet for Shirley to follow in order to distribute the sound around the pub; unfortunately, not quite comprehensive enough. However, with many attempts by a wide variety of poking fingers, we ended up with a reasonable sound around the pub, but lost our monitors; you win some, you lose some!

For a change, and because I had to wait for Paddy, the bass player, to arrive, the first performance of the evening was given by Marian and Pete. They began with a bit of Elvis, 'You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me'. Their next was a fabulous rendition of The Manic Street Preachers' 'If You Tolerate This Then Your Children Will Be Next'. I have fond memories of the slightly disturbing video of this from when I was working in Munich and it was on MTV and Bravo quite a lot.

Back for the third month in a row, but without her regular accompanist Amie, Kristy once more stuck her thumb into MDF and this time pulled out John, AKA Grandad Banjo. They managed to get a bit of practice time in before they gave us 'Stuck In The Middle With You' by Credence Clearwater Revival and 'Rise Again', by Gabrielle. Ross joined them on cajon for Stuck in the middle but we don't need too many photos of him.

In what appeared to be a slick piece of organising on my part, John remained put on stage, swapping Kristy for Mike Newhouse. Together they are known, among other things, as 'IM 'n' 'IM', though I am always reminded of these pair, perhaps it is something to do with the jokes. Waldorf and Statler Tonight's set included a very creditable cover of Eagles’ 'Lyin Eyes' and then they went a bit country with Chris Stapleton's 'Tennesee Whiskey'.

Then John left the stage and Mike stayed on (seamless isn't it?) to be joined by David and Kathrine. For a debut performance by, 

the unbeknown to Katherine Palmer, 'Katherine Palmer Band' were up next. David's magic box of electronica meant that we weren't able to individually turn Katherine up for the solo bits, which was a shame, as she sounded far better than the rest of the band, and deserved to be heard in Kilsby. On offer this evening was The Who's 'Behind Blue Eyes' and then the song made for flut, 'Knights In White Satin' by The Moody Blues.

We bought a couple of microphones, on recommendation, especially for those with acoustic only instruments, and it was with some disappointment that we failed to get them working for Paddy Wex. Still, we got some sound out of the others and Paddy gave us two delightful ditties of an animal nature. Both of these songs are well loved by the regular collective, but new to The Arnold audience, and had they been a bit more attentive they would surely have appreciated the subtlety of Paddy's word play as well as the pleasantness of the delivery. Paddy's songs were his own compositions, 'The Trouble with Dogs' and 'Fun With Birds'.

Jason came all the way from Napton, and it was good to see him. He runs an open mic night at The Victory Hall, Napton. The next is 22nd October. Not only is the music great, but the beer is at club prices and there are complimentary chips courtesy of Barry.
Jason's set list is a guaranteed crowd pleaser, beginning with 'Nothing Ever Happens' by  Delamitri. This was followed by the anthemic

'Sit Down' by James. In the second half of the evening he continued in the same manner with Greenday’s ‘Time Of Your Life', 'That’s Entertainment', by The Jam and finishing with a belting 'Why Does It Always Rain On Me', by Travis.

The birthday boy himself, George, had some professional backing with Roger and Paddy of Danny Ansell and Co. Danny Ansell Facebook Page

I only did the one song tonight, and when Roger (on cajon) said that he and Paddy (bass) had been secretly practicing what could I say? It had to be 'Under The Patio' with a band.

I was so busy listening to the bass playing and percussion that I forgot the start to the last verse! It came back to me eventually, but it was a real joy to have the accompaniment.

I might have to find a band!

Dangerous Derrick was on his own tonight, his brother of the late hour being engaged elsewhere 

Chasing Cars Snow Patrol

Derrick has another gig at The Arnold Arms. We came to see the Midnight Brothers at their last one. It is well worth another trip out.

Derrick also has a regular Open Mic at The Wheatsheaf, Crick. It's an early start, early finish, ideal for those in mployment needing an early night for work on Monday.

Another new combo graced the performance area this evening were Mike, John, Ross and Kristy. They performed Creedence Clearwater Revival's 'Proud Mary'. Not bad for a first time out. I think they worked well together and we'll get to hear more from them.

Dave and Mike

toned down their angst from last month and delivered Bread's 'I Wanna Make It With You' and Eric Clapton's 'Lay Down Sally' in a much gentler way, with the possibly the longest acapella section owing to a bit of pedal trouble. 

MDF were missing Mike this evening, so they took the opportunity to sing all, or some of, the songs Mike doesn't like to perform. 

'Diggin' My Grave' by William Elliot Whitmore

King Bee  and I'm Your Bread Maker Baby by Slim Harpo.

MDF ended the evening with a few songs.

‘Can’t Get Over You’ by The Undertones' was first performed last month's Anarchy Night,  and it seems to have found its way on to the regular set list. This was followed by their favourite, 'Friday I’m In Love', by The Cure.

Unexpected calls for 'more' saw Ross scurry off down to the other end of the pub, returning with Guy Clarke's 'Baton Rouge' and The Valentino's, or if you prefer, The Rolling Stones', 'All Over Now'.

We could have done with some smoke for a big finish.

Next Open Music Night is Friday 4th October.