Thanks to Rachel Rocks for this music review from The 1st Floor, Newport. Ed
On the coldest night in January, music lovers descend to the Learn Jam Perform event, run by Jay Fletcher. This is a night to give aspiring musicians the opportunity to perform live in a friendly and nurturing environment with the support of more recognised and accomplished artists.
Quirky and cool, with a hint of Talking Heads’ David Bryne is Conrad Lewandowski. With Bill ‘Billy’ Spurr on drums, they get the evening started with enthusiastic performances of David Bowie’s ‘Heroes’ and Maroon 5’s ‘Sunday Morning’ warming the crowd up in a very chilly venue!
Seb Sebotage Clark then takes to the stage to play bass as newcomer Emily Bowden sings an exquisite ‘Sebotage’ rendition of Portishead’s ‘Glorybox’. With her beautiful porcelain appearance and ethereal, mesmerising vocals, she sings with a maturity beyond her years. Hard to believe this is one of her first live appearances!
The atmosphere becomes altogether rockier as Seb introduces Alisha Blue. With her striking turquoise hair and Ramones T-shirt, this young singer is pure class as she belts out Imagine Dragons’ ‘Radioactive’. She has a commanding stage presence and a powerful rock voice full of soul, bringing a new dynamic to the song.
Rock turns to metal as the fabulously eccentric Will Camm delivers a unique set. One of the more experienced performers of the evening, his metal renditions are almost operatic and worthy of a West End show! With a voice so unbelievably loud he belts out System of a Down’s ‘Toxicity’ with a passion that could have been the mainstage at Download, not a tiny room above a snooker hall on the Isle of Wight!
But it’s his comedic version of Gotye’s, ‘Used to Know’ which is another highlight of a very fun night. Despite Conrad saving the day by giving Will the lyrics after he admitted he didn’t know them, Will decided to stick with his own expletive filled rendition, sung pitch perfectly to the adulation of those watching and singing along.
Finally it’s the man everyone’s here to see. Seb Sebotage Clark takes to the stage in his own right for his headline set, after teasing us all night with guest appearances with the other artists.
The banter continues with Will, as Seb brings him back to guest on Oasis’ ‘Wonderwall’. The power in their harmonies is like the metal equivalent of a rap battle, without overpowering the tenderness of the lyrics.
So far the night has been one of fun and laughter. However, Sebotage’s haunting version of David Bowie’s, ‘Lazarus’ brings a silence and stillness to the room and you could hear a pin drop. Sending shivers down one’s spine, we’re reminded that we’ve lost a musical legend too soon; a pioneer and icon who has inspired generations of music lovers.
Sebotage continues by demonstrating his musical, technical and lyrical ability by showcasing an original which fits into his set perfectly, much to the approval of his fans. As a graduate of Platform One, his knowledge of song composition, vocal ability and musicianship shines through, making him exemplary of what Isle of Wight musicians could achieve, and highlighting how great nights like tonight are in giving young performers the opportunity to perform alongside more experienced artists.
Sebotage finishes the night with a rousing and raucous rendition of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, inviting everyone to sing along which they enthusiastically do!
Learn Jam Perform was a fun night of musicianship, touched with poignancy in celebration of the Star Man himself.
Images: © A.S.M. Photography
