Bohemian
Night open-mic hosted by Rob
Sowden
"A Nice Surprise"
When I was a fledgling open-micer full of nerves a few years back I clearly remember a group of diners generously cheering me on from my stage left as I sang Get Up! Little did I know that an hour later they would take to the stage as Jakabo and blow myself and the rest of Deja Vu (as Bohemian Night was called then) away with their versions of old soul / blues classics. I was therefore pleased to discover Maria Megally, Jamie Sandison and Paul Baker (no Adam Robins as he was unavailable) waiting to take to the stage last Wednesday night. Unsurprisingly with Maria's powerful soul voice, Jamie's unbelievable guitar (I've heard musician s far more knowledgeable than I say he's the best guitarist they've seen) and Paul providing the beat on cajon, they gave an energetic performance that even surpassed the last time I saw them. It was really great to see them again. Other highlights of the evening for me were Jodie Slade Thomas from Reading University Singer songwriters (RUSS) who with her lovely voice did superb covers of a Pixies song and Laura Marlin song, and Maija who did a sublime "nail on the head" rendition of her own song Don't Love Me. As for me, well I'm hoping Jakabo could see a difference in the "let me have another drink / can we wait a bit before I go on" performer the first time they saw me. I certainly feel different, particularly recently, almost as if a switch has been flicked on, though I'm not sure I'm still connecting with the audience as much as I'd like.
My Set
