All About Magazine - Issue 11

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Hey Jude’s sessions inspire local talent
by Nichola Leeper & Matthew Thomas -
March the 7th 2015 saw the first of what would
become the Hey Jude’s Sessions. Olly Flavell from
Newport performed a selection of original songs in
the cosy bustling music shop known as Hey Jude’s,
situated in Newport’s local market, in order to
promote his recently released album ‘Lo-Fi’.
With a backdrop of vintage vinyls, CDs and music
memorabilia; the vintage aesthetic of this local
business inspired the very idea to invite musicians
to visit Hey Jude’s and perform 2-3 songs, which
are professionally produced by local photographer
and videographer Matthew Thomas and feature on
YouTube and Hey Jude’s Sessions Facebook page.
The main purpose of these sessions is to promote
the awe-inspiring talent in and around Newport. We
have had phenomenal and captivating performances
from musicians such as: Rich Evans who played
an impressive set featuring his own hand-crafted
instruments, a warm soulful performance from
singer songwriter Alexandra Jayne who has recently
supported James Blunt’s Moon Landing tour. Not to
forget Martin Dale, who took a flying visit all the way
from Denmark, delivering a comical and entertaining
session, including an impromptu harmonica solo
from a passer-by on The Raggle Taggle Gypsy. To
name but a few!
Sessions are relaxed. Jude Paton the owner of Hey
Jude’s welcomes musicians to perform within her
shop, or upon the market’s balcony for larger groups
(3 or more musicians). Performers are invited to play
an instrument ‘off the wall’ for their session, or in the
case of local drummer Paul Crewe an egg maracas.
Alex Jayne performing with Phil James & Sarah Chatterley
30 AUGUST 2015