Wednesday 6th February 08 - Open Mic Night at The Locomotive Inn, York (3/3) By Michelle Dee

(1/3), (2/3) (3/3)

Photograph Gallery   Gallery 1,   Gallery 2,

Next tonight at the Locomotive was more classic tunes from guitarist Victor Gray, a pretty faithful version of The Boxer by Simon and Garfunkel and a welcome blast from the past with Durham Town by Roger Whittaker. During Victor's set the raffle was drawn and wonder of wonder, Mike who'd never won a thing won a platter of meat.

A guitarist called Ramon Rae (Flashback, Bryan and the Easybeats and Raemix) originally from Andover stepped up. Be Bop a Lula by Gene Vincent with fast top end high jinks and Ramon's the place starts a rockin'. I almost got up and danced during The King's, Blue Suede Shoes the guitar sound was true to the era and Ramon knew how to get the best out of it. Mike C, who needs no invitation to get up and join in, is on a violin bass and travelling up and down the fret board with panache.

You feel safe in their hands, as the three men, Ramon, Mike C and Benny once more hitting the skins, you just can't go wrong, baby. Ramon is a character and after a note-perfect Twenty Flight Rock, a test for any guitar aficionado, he tells us a few stories from his colourful past. He's sixty six nearing sixty seven, been playing guitar for 42 years, played Hank Marvin's guitar in '53 and was a member of the original line up of The Viceroys and lead guitarist in Flashback.

Incidentally, Ramon told me that the guy who wrote Cliff's Move It was from Hull, can anyone confirm this? Back in the day Ramon played at the Jackson Club in Hull, anyone remember this venue? He also played at the Church of Our Lady on Beverley Rd, now apparently part of St Mary's. Ramon regaled Jane and me with more salt of the earth stories that warmed us to him more. In fact he made such a lasting impression on all of us we are considering making Ramon Rae our official thisisUll mascot!

The highlight was for most, the suave Barry Thompson doing Gimme Some Lovin' that had more than a few up singing along - me included. Check out his groovy sound on You Tube. Never let me have more than three beers, boy he says to Mike C. This boy can play and then some. Effortless, cool and guitar solo's follow straight out the top drawer, genuine showmanship and stage presence.

It's funny how you find some of the best talent midweek in a back water pub. As we left a trio were just starting on an acapela version of Dream A Little Dream covered by The Beautiful South and was a B-side to Don't Marry Her. We left as they started on a cartwheel back flip somersault remix from The Doors.

The Locomotive Inn welcomed us, if a little tentatively at first, with open arms and we were asked back by more than just the organizer Mike Collinson. Check out the galleries of players and performers and the videos and pictures taken on the night by Cilla. For more info contact nosnilloc_bob@hotmail.com OneMikeStand Promotions Acoustic Nights, Band Nights, Disco Karaoke, Guitar Lessons and PA Hire www.onemikestand.wetpaint.com

Check out the Youtube Videos: Barry Thompson at The Locomotive, York Come On You 'Ull By Mike Watts

Photograph Gallery   Gallery 1,   Gallery 2,

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