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.
