Boho
at The Hop open-mic hosted by Rob
Sowden
"Simply The Best?"
I'm not sure if that wasn't best "Boho at The Hop" that I've been to. There was certainly a great atmosphere on Sunday. I particularly enjoyed Roger "Splodge" Watson's set. I shouldn't have been surprised really as his topical, caustic songs were bound to go down well with the customers of The Hop Leaf; it's probably the best reception I've seen him have with nearly all the pub's customers laughing. Also greatly impressive was newbie Helen Cuthbertson-Reid with her "country-tinged" songs; hopefully she'll be back soon. It was also good to see and hear again Jimmy "The Dog" Ferrie who travels some distance to get to Reading and I enjoyed Raji K's set with Matt Smith, their guitars really worked well together.
As for me, well perhaps a misjudgment on my part. I thought the covers such as Sympathy for the Devil would go down well in this pub particularly but the audience seemed nonplused. I think perhaps I've played the songs too much recently and I was going through the motions. Also perhaps I was trying to hit the audience with a "sledgehammer" whereas I should've calmed things down a bit; I actually got more attention when I wound my neck in a bit. Ah well you live and learn. An enjoyable night nevertheless.
My Set:
- Sympathy For The Devil (Jagger / Richards)
- Cold Heart
- Ashes to Ashes (David Bowie)
- Get Up!
Don't forget the showcase on the 18th
January. More details here.
