Oh Ate

Just a quick line to wish all followers of the OBB a very Happy New Year. The Band start again in early January providing the best in music and entertainment. It looks as though it is going to be an extremely busy year again, with the Band travelling around the country. Almost time for a roadie me thinks?
Back Soon.

Cough Splutter Sneeze

My PC is like Fort Knox with security. However some clever individual out there managed to include a Virus on a PC game, which took up residence in my Computer. These people who write these things are extremely clever, so I don't know why they don't go and work for NASA or the CIA or something more worthwhile, instead of exploiting your average Computer user. I also get droves of messages from Banks I am not in, asking me for Bank details etc. All this is, is theft and anyone ,who steals anything ,are the scum of the earth in my eyes. It has taken me about 2 hours but I have managed to kill the virus (I think) and I managed to play the Trombone at the same time, whilst waiting for recovery programme to download, so yes I am a man multi-tasking? a miracle hey girls!

I Do!

It's quarter to three, theirs no one in the place except you and me.....Ok it's a quarter to two but that don't rhyme. I should have been in bed an hour ago, and no doubt the rest of the Band are. However thanks to technology, I got lost coming back from a gig near Coventry tonight. I blame it on my satellite navigation system of which I affectionately have named Doris, and a gritter lorry near the M42. I lovingly call my Sat Nav 'Doris' when she gets me to my destination, but when I get lost I name her other things far to nasty to mention here! What I did not realise is, that the grit coming out of the back of the lorry affects the orbit of the satellites? That can be the only reason why I ended up on the M6 on the way home tonight. 'Doris' cheerfully asked me to do a 'U' turn when safe to do so.............ON A MOTORWAY???? I finally managed to get back on route after adding an extra 20 miles on my journey, and throwing Doris through my car window (which I should have lowered, before I threw it out) As it was, the Gig went well. It was a wedding, and they are not the easiest things to play for. It is a British law at a wedding that you must have at least 3 children running and sliding across the dance floor on their knees. This indeed was the case at this wedding, so we could safely carry on and play . I have to say that the Band sounded awesome tonight, and all in all it was another successful gig for the most entertaining Band in the Midlands. That was the last gig for 2007, so we have a well deserved rest until the 13th January when we will return to the Oak. Time for bed said Zebadee!!! Boing

Down Hill ski run

My life has always been very varied. At this time in my life I am working both ends of the emotional scale. One moment trying to keep people entertained with music and laughter, and the other end in Funeral Work. Although we have to keep a solemn face at a service, it is not always easy. There are quite a few incidents where I nearly lost it. One was sliding down the hill at a cemetery in deep snow, just after telling the mourners to be careful. I slid on all fours down the hill. The Gravedigger tried to catch me as well as the Vicar and one of the bearers, and if it had not been for a gravestone I would have made the road which was only about 100 feet away.Today we had a service in a church that was built in the 1400s. Now people in them days were allot smaller. To get the coffin in church requires only 2 bearers, as it has to be placed with one end on a pew and the other on a trestle just behind the organ player (who by the way regularly gets bashed in the head with the coffin.) It was a fairly heavy carry ,and as the church was packed ,was very difficult ,as no one would move out of the way.. In some ways it reminded me of a Laurel and Hardy movie. But we all kept straight faced and did the job the best we could. Managed an hours practice last night so all is well.

Spare Tyre

Well that's it, all over. 2 days and half a stone heavier with all the food and no exercise. It was a shock to the system driving to work this morning as it seems that 98% of the population are still off. Not had chance to blow for 2 days and I know it will be a struggle to get my lip back in as I lose it so quickly. I knew a Euphonium player who could put his instrument down for 6 weeks, then when he blew again his range was still the same as when he left it grrrr!! Despite popular belief I do not get all my jokes from crackers!! But I liked this one.
Who wears a Black Cape and goes 10.9.8.7.6
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. Count Bacula of course lol.

Joyeus Noel

A capacity crowd at our Xmas Dance last night, and I hope we brought some festive cheer to all those there. It only remains for me to wish everyone a Very Merry Xmas from the Ockbrook Big Band. Back Soon.

Xmas Wish

Christmas is almost upon us, and I am really looking forward to my 2 days off, although thanks to my boss, I now have a cold which may alter my Xmas plans entirely.
Although Xmas can be an exciting time for the majority of people as families come together over the festive period, there are many who spend it on there own ,and because of the occasion, it can seem more lonely than ever. So please spare a thought to those out there who have no friends and family, and hope that they can have the strength to get through this holiday the best that they can.

45 RPM

2 more jobs to go for the year 2007 and we have beat last years number of gig's so it is a record for the OBB. Our last job See's us travelling to the West Midlands to play at a wedding, and then that is it until early January when it all starts over again. However we are going to fit a Xmas social in before we start, a good chance for the Band to take Wives and Partners out as they support us all year round. It is almost like the Film Orchestra Wives sometimes lol.

Hat Dance

We sometimes think it is a dangerous job being a musician, but it is nothing compared to being a musician in Mexico. A Trumpet player was found murdered this week, and 2 more musicians were found shot in the couple of weeks before? So if by any chance we did get asked to play in Old Mekico, I think I will turn the gig down for the safety of our Band. Mind you I can think of one person I would send.
I got to Bramcote early today for a 'carry in' and was pleasantly surprised to see a Trad Jazz Band playing outside the other chapel. I did not know any of the musicians, but did bump into a fellow Trombone player, who informed me that it was the Funeral of a Pianist (he had not been playing in Mexico) who had actually reached a fair old age. I thought what a great send off it was for a fellow musician, and the Band did well to play outside in freezing temperatures. I hope that when I go, they have more instruments than Celestial Harps up there, as no doubt I would be on the 1000,000 stand down playing off beats?

Scrooge...

It is noticeable this year that there is a definite lack of Carol Singers. Talking about it at work today, it is probably not surprising, as one work colleague hides behind the settee with his family, and wont come out until they are gone. Another has a cauldron of boiling oil in the upstairs bedroom ready to pour out of the window to get rid of them. Myself, well I rush out and join them on my Trombone? never fails to get rid of em. Christmas , Bah Humbug.

Who Dares..... erm me!

Got to bed late night last night as played for a Glenn Miller night. The room was packed to the rafters. It still amazes me the pull that the 'Miller' arrangements still have. I often wonder that if Glenn had lived to a ripe old age, if his music would still been as popular today? A work colleague was also bleary eyed at work today, as his neighbours had kept him up half the night with loud music. It reminded me when I was taking part in Casualty Evacuation Ambulance duties. I was staying on an RAF Air Base and after a particularly stressful day, had got to my bed at about 1am. At 3am I was woken by 2 guys outside my room having a drunken row. Without thinking I shot out of the room in my shreddies and told them to please be quiet ( a bit more colourful than that actually) It was only at breakfast the next day and everyone was in there respective uniforms, that I glanced across at these 2 guys, and saw they were in fact SAS soldiers. I left my toast and the dining room fairly quickly!!!

Aisle Altar Hymn

It looks as though 2008 is going to be a bumper year for the Band. I took another enquiry today about a Wedding, and we are not out of 2007 yet? Not bad for saying that we do not really advertise, but depend on word of mouth and the web site. Talking of weddings, it's a fact that a man is not complete until he is married.........and then he is Finished!!!!!!!!

Hot Air

I realised that I was quite tired driving to work this morning. It was a busy weekend so I wasn't really surprised. At work their is no heating in the workshop, and seeing I was in there most of the day I figured I had to come up with something to heat the place as my hands were going blue. So in the best Blue Peter style, I found an Hair Dryer and some sticky Back plastic, and Hey Presto I had my own personal Blow Heater. I just hope my boss does not find out, mind you it is the only time I will use an Hair Dryer. We have also had some Nice e mails about our Xmas Concerts and feedback praising our tight and crisp Trumpet Section, the best they have ever heard, and I have to second that as they all are extremely talented musicians working together as a team.

Rovers

Second night at the Ashby Xmas Concerts saw a full house with people waiting for ticket returns to get in. Almost the end of the year now with only a couple of gigs left to do in 2007. Next year is filling up nicely as word of the Bands reputation as the Most Entertaining Big Band in the Midlands spreads. I am now really looking forward to my TWO days off at Xmas, but more looking forward to see what presents Roy V the Trumpet has bought for the Band when he dresses up in his yearly role as Santa, oh the expectation!

I'm Forever Blowing....

First night of our two night Xmas Concerts last night (that's 3 nights?) and the audience lapped it up. The overall comments on the Band at the end of the evening was that it gets better and better every year. This was the 8th year that we have appeared in Concert, and for many it is the real start of Xmas for them and the Band.. My heart sank last night when I noticed that the front row of the audience was occupied by about six 16-18 year olds as I thought they would be bored with our music and show. I have to say that they have restored my faith in the youth of today (Now I an sounding like my Dad!) as they had a great time, were polite, enthusiastic and thoroughly enjoyed the evening. The only downside to last night was our new very expensive Bubble making Machine, which cost a fortune. Only 2 of us knew about this in the Band, as I wanted to surprise them when we set it off in 'White Xmas' It certainly surprised them as almost everyone lost their place in the Music.....an amazing sight to behold, and no expense spared for true entertainment with the Ockbrook Big Band.

1st day of xmas

Managed about an hours practice last night, which left my lip like a bit of old liver? The Boss at work found a partridge road kill today (ok it was probably a pheasant, but it does not fit in the twelve days of chrimbo) so his family are having it for Xmas dinner! I started my new regime to reduce my stress levels today, after realising I can't change the world to be more considerate and thoughtful. However driving home from work I suddenly saw coming towards me, 2 lads on a push bike heading straight for my car on my side of the road. Now normally I would have done a handbrake turn and chased them down, but today I just smiled and called them 'little scamps' (well sort of!)

Many Happy Returns

I have been off the air for a while due to a major family illness, that involved the Intensive care unit and the dedication of many Doctors and nurses. Whatever God you believe in, his 'in tray' must have been full that day as the family member is recovering well. Anyone reading this who has not told a member of family or friend how much you think of them should realise that one day it might be to late. I have had a second chance to say what I have had to say, and not many people get that opportunity.
Due to the emotional roller coaster ride, I have not blown my bone for a week now, which will tell, with the up and coming Xmas concerts, so I will have to wing and a prayer it for now I am afraid.. I also have been dodging this virus that is going around, but it crept up behind me yesterday,and is now attacking my throat with barbed wire, as I type, but it wont stop me singing, which will no doubt disappoint some people!!! lol.

And Roses

Just deciding to go to bed last night when 2 more gigs came in by e mail. I am one of those people who likes to get things done straight away (will I never learn that the majority of the world is not like that) so I stayed up to organise the details, which is probably why I was late for work this morning. It was one of those mornings when you think 'just 5 more minutes'..... only I did not plan on falling asleep again. I managed a wash, shave, bowl of flakes and a coffee all in 7 minutes, not bad eh? ( Mind you I don't have to do my hair, so that saves 3 minutes at least) It also did not help that the traffic was bad due to a detour because of road works, or indeed every lollipop lady throwing herself in front of my little car to let 1 very slow child across the road, every 100 yards. I think I will ask Santa for a louder alarm this year?

Cream

Playing in the other Band last night, you never know until you get there, what pieces you are going to play. Last night was easy as only one solo, and that was the last piece of the night. The only downside now is I am getting home later, as they have now installed a new security barrier that wont open until you punch in the correct code, and although this code is announced at the end of the night, some of the more mature people have forgot it before they have got to the exit? This means a long line of traffic waiting to get out. Because I have a small one (car) I am considering having a go at driving under the entrance barrier! Well ,I have always fancied a convertible!

Suite

I really must get around to re-insuring my instrument as it is so easy to have an accident these days. A couple of years ago, I was playing at a Dance with the OBB, when a rather large drunk lady sat on my Trombone just before I was about to do a solo. I didn't realise how badly it had been damaged until I tried to move the slide, and it wouldn't! I went to speak to her in the break, but she did not want to know about the damage she had caused. The thing is with me I have a long memory, and in the end I did get my own subtle revenge lol. I also remember the Army Band travelling on a very long German bus. These were the ones that actually bent in the middle when going around corners. Unfortunately we had stacked the Bands instruments on the pivot point of the bus, so when it went round the corner it was like watching a nutcracker at work, as a Bass and saxophone was crushed together into a metallic mess. I have seen Trombone slides drop off on marches, instruments fall off stands, and even someone drive over there own instrument doh!!.
Now where is that policy.

Who ate all the pies?

I know the meaning of the song 'I don't like Mondays' as stuck in the same traffic jam for ages this morning, which was grey and miserable. When I got to work there was no heating (not that I ever get warm in my job!) as the boiler had broken down. This was followed by washing the Hearse in icy cold water, and to make matters worse I had forgotten my MP3 player so had to sing, which never goes down well at our place. Then a few hours in an icy cold coffin shop. But worse of all, the cafe had run out of mince pies so I have only managed to consume 4 today? I hate Mondays.....

Deliha

An excellent rehearsal tonight for the up and coming Xmas concerts/dances. Poor Colin our vocalist is suffering with the 'lurgy'. In fact everywhere I have been today people are going around sneezing and coughing, where is, if they just stayed at home these things would not spread! . I bet it was the same in the Great plague of London. " Oh I seem to have this Black Spot on me chest, but I will pop to the shops anyway...........??"
I have eat more than my quota of mince pies today, and frankly scarlet I don't give a damn, as I like them. So here is a cooking tip for you all. Get a mince pie, remove the top, and put in a slice of Stilton cheese. Then place in microwave for 30 seconds and if you don't become a mincepieaholic then I will eat my wig.

Ho Ho Ho

Well Xmas officially starts today I suppose. Drove to a Xmas craft village with Glenn Miller arranged Chrimbo music playing in car, and it even snowed a little on the way. Had lunch and then a trip around Lichfield. If you have never been to the Cathedral, then you don't know what you are missing. Also bought a couple of Trombone play along CD's, but annoyed when got home as all the tracks are with the solo line intact, which does nothing for sight reading. I know that Roy V our trumpet player always looks forward to this time of year, and can't wait to get his Blue Peter home made decorations up. Actually Roy had an accident when he was younger and swallowed a Xmas Bauble. He suffered from Tinselitus for weeks after!

Shoot

I have listened to music all my life. In fact 'Music was my first love' has always been an appropriate theme for me. I had this particular piece of music I used to listen to, that I used to fantasise jumping out of a plane and doing a parachute drop to. So one day, while on leave, I booked myself on a civilian course in a well known seaside town. The training consisted of jumping off a table and rolling on the floor. There are 2 things I remember distinctly. On the blackboard was a note to check parachute 11, and the other was being told by the instructor not to put our hands on the pilots seat whilst getting in aircraft. Come the time of the jump, I was to be first out of the plane, so last in. As I looked down at my parachute I noticed it bore the number 11!! being distracted by this I then proceeded to lever myself into the plane using the pilots seat... which was not fastened securely to the base of the plane, and promptly tipped the pilot back and almost on the floor. After a few adjustments we took off. I also forgot the piece of music that inspired me to be jumping out of a plane at 2000ft! I heard a chattering noise which I took to be the engine of the plane, but realised it was in fact my teeth. All of a sudden the green light came on and I was told to go. I went. A few seconds later there was a mighty kick to my gonads as the chute opened. Approximately 60 seconds later I was approaching the ground at 100 miles an hour (ok it felt like that). After I hit, remember looking down at my foot and realising it was pointing the wrong way. All this to an approaching siren from the ambulance. It took me about 6 months to learn to walk again, and also get back into running. So the motto is, if a piece of music inspires you to do something, then chuck it away quick!!!!

Jeans

I would love to be able to trace my family tree, but what little time I have spent trying has proved fruitless. I do know that my Dad is the only musician in a few generations (he is a drummer...ok musician and Drummer may be a contradiction to some lol) But I have recently started asking questions about the past. I do know that my Dad and his Dad were undertakers! so the family have gone full circle there. I also know that one of my Dad's brothers was one of the first soldiers to liberate Belsen. Again a coincidence that one of my first postings was at Bergen/Belsen and I visited the camp, an experience I will never forget. I share my fathers hairstyle which is of course bald, but then again while at school I was voted the schoolboy most likely to recede? One day, if I get time! I will sit down and start searching my history, as I am sure some of it lies in Ireland!

78s

Yesterday seemed to be popular for folk ringing to enquire about the Band for bookings in 2008. I always seem to be in the bathroom when the phone rings, which has always puzzled me. We have also taken a re booking for a return trip to Barnsley next year which we are all looking forward to. I am often asked if we have made a CD. Well many years ago we did make a tape (remember them?) and also a live recording at Ashby that was put onto a CD. However anyone wanting to hear the Band 'live' has a multitude of locations they can see us. Just have a look at our website obb.org.uk and look at events for 2008, we will be happy to see you and discuss your requirements.

Branching out.

Seeing I have only my cockatiel left now I thought I would buy a new perch for him. Went to a garden centre where they also sold pet stuff. They had adapted a tree branch and put a metal fastener on the end that would fasten it to the cage so it was ideal for my purpose. I picked one up and started to look at other things in the centre. I am usually quick off the mark with complete strangers if they speak to me, and a chap came up to me and asked me if I was water divining? I said no but I did need the toilet, so it could be that.. Then a lady came up and asked me why I was carrying a piece of tree in my hand? I quickly said it was my 'comforter'. These ribald interchanges went on for most of the time I was in the shop. It was only when I got home that I realised that people actually might have thought that I was a nutter walking round a garden centre with a large twig in my hand? and did not realise it was a cage accessory? doh!

Eye Eye

A cosy intimate concert at the Oak last night. Very nice to see Eric the Alto back after his cataract operation. The doctor has told him that he has to blow quieter whilst his eyes mend, we also added to his prescription that he has to play all the right notes and in tune lol. Eric is a stalwart of the Band and has been with us from almost the start, a character and real gentleman.

Gracious

The Band took part in a Concert last night to celebrate The Queen and Prince Philip's 60th Wedding Anniversary (they were not in the audience disappointingly!) First up was a Female vocalist who had travelled all the way from Hampshire, to tell the story of the Blitz through words and music. The Band then played a 75 minute concert with music including Glenn Miller,Count Basie and Frank Sinatra. It was a great evening and the Band got a standing ovation at the end (it was either that or they had all got cramp from sitting down to long.) The Band were awesome last night, doing what they do the best, entertaining. I would like to thank Roy the Trumpet who gave me a lift last night. I used my Sat Nav to get us there (which I have nicknamed Doris!) unfortunately for Roy, my partner turned up at the Concert unexpectedly so I had a lift back with her, forgetting that Roy did not know the way back. Apparently he will be home a week on Tuesday.

Rip Van Winkle

Those that know me, know that I am not the worlds best sleeper. It started in the Forces, and I once went 5 nights without sleep, which believe me was not pleasant. However things are better now, and I do look forward to my Weekend 'lie in', so imagine my surprise when I received a phone call from a female that roused me from slumber (early) and she said in a sultry voice...Is that Glenn...(yes I mumbled) I would like to plug my i pod into your system. Well I thought, I have had worse offers than this, so I said yes, and what time could she be round... Turned out she is the support act to our Band in a Concert we are doing. I almost got excited. Seeing I was now wide awake, I trundled off to support my partner at a Xmas Fayre. Here I met a lovely lady who's birthday it was. She was 88 years old, but very sprightly. She said she had heard all about me and that I was a musician....bless her. She then ruined the moment, and asked me how long I had been playing the BUGLE!!!! So I then mentioned I was also an Undertaker, and we were stock taking, so to keep moving......cruel but fair I thought???

Noah

I have to say as a bloke I have never been wolf whistled at, and really that is a great relief. That was until last night, when I was in the shower. This came as a great surprise as I was in the house on my own? However, since my budgie is now flying around in the great aviary in the sky, my cockatiel has never left my side, and never been upstairs, that is until last night? I looked up to see my large feathered friend sat on the shower rail looking down at me and wolf whistling, a little disconcerting, but did my confidence the world of good. Which brings me on to my worse two animal jokes. 2 birds sat on a perch, one said can you smell fish...think about it....and worse still...2 Goldfish in a Tank, and one said to the other,,, can you drive this thing.......sorry!

Some like it hot!!!

Today's blog will be very short as all I have done today is get cold wet and up to my neck in things you really do not want to know about. It was good to hear from an old Army buddy today. Found an e mail from him when I got home. Another Trombone player who got married and stayed in Germany after leaving the Army, we will have a bit of catching up to do. Which reminds me. I learned to drive whilst in Germany, and although I did not have a car, my instructor arranged for me to loan one from a civilian, who was working and living on camp. The condition was that I collected the car keys myself. What he failed to tell me, was this guy also liked to dress as a woman in his 'off' time.. So when I knocked on the door I was greeted by this fellow wearing a red satin dress, high heels and make up, but sporting a full beard....... I went straight out and purchased my own second hand car after this incident!!

Radio Ga Ga

Driving home from work listening to a local Radio Programme, a chap came on to talk about a forthcoming Concert the OBB is doing. He mentioned that the Band would be playing music from the 1940's including the famous Moonlight Sonata!!...........Arghhh......I was shouting at the radio and almost crashed the car. I had to contact the programme so they could mention it was Moonlight Serenade, just in case hundreds of classical music fans turned up to listen. I played last night with half a tooth sticking into my gum, and was really glad for once, that the mic still did not work properly.

Fairy

Feels more like Friday 13th today as my Budgie that I have had since leaving the Army, has gone to the big aviary in the sky. Plus part of my wisdom tooth has fallen out. My poor Budgie was 12 years old, and had survived escaping from the house and flying into my pet Rat's cage. Being in the business I gave him a decent send off as is to be expected. In fact when I move house, if anyone digs up the garden they will find deceased Pet Rats,Mice,Gerbils,Hamsters and a Budgie. As for my wisdom tooth, that cost me £££ to fill, will no doubt have to be ripped from my head with a pair of pliers, that is of course when I can get an appointment. Oh Happy Day.

Winter Wonderland

I have to salute the audience who turned out on a very cold and snowy night to watch the Band. Seeing as I lose 85% of my body heat through the top of my head, I didn't do bad either crawling out of my warm and cosy hovel. All our trumpet players had a solo last night, and a splendid job they all made of them as well, drawing much applause from the crowd. I was thinking today.....!!!!! If Lawyers are Disbarred and Clergymen Defrocked, then Musicians would be Denoted! But that is ridiculous as Dry Cleaners would become Depressed Tree Surgeons Debarked and Cowboys Deranged.....I think I will stop there as the Nurse has just arrived with my medication.....

May the Farce be with you.

My partner plays clarinet and she has a John Williams play along CD of themes from Superman and Star Wars etc. All written in Treble Clef. Big Band music is written in Bass Clef for bones, and the only other time I have played treble clef is in the Army or Brass Bands. I had an excellent teacher called Tommy Holt, who is sadly no longer with us. I can't even remember how he taught me the other Clef, but it has certainly stayed with me as I have just spent an happy hour, out of the cold miserable rainy day, playing with a full orchestra on my CD player. I am having a break from the 'mic' tonight as it is always good to concentrate 100% on the music, and not be thinking what you are going to say next. You see us blokes can multi task, but we do need a rest occasionally!! Someone asked me the other day what ambitions I have. Well, it is to be the last man on earth, just to see if all them girls I knew in the past were telling the truth in what they said.

Oh Dear what can the matter be!

Friday Night gig's are always difficult especially if you have been out to work all day. With a set up time of 7.30 we were given just 15 minutes to set up as much kit as we could due to a change of plan by the organisers. Our performance time was set at 9.30pm so quite a long wait, and plenty of time to use the lav if required :-) As always though with Dinner Dances we were prepared for a much later start than was planned, due to speeches and slow eaters etc. At 10.15 we still had not got on the stage. Suddenly we were given the nod to go on. I mentioned to the Band that we would now do 1 straight set lasting for about 1hour 15 so if you need the lav, be quick. I did not expect 12 of the Band to all go at the same time!!!! I am now stood on the stage with one sax 2 trumpets and a couple of others. The organiser is frantically waving his arms for us to start the first Dance for his honoured guest. Finally we have all bums on seats, or so I thought. I suddenly realised the drummer was missing........ I said 'Oh dear the Drummer is missing' or something much shorter and similar. We had no choice but go for it, so I counted in and leaped for the Drum kit at the same time. Now I am no drummer, so hit almost everything in sight, and seeing the first Dance was a Waltz, I may have created a new sound... Turns out our poor drummer had locked himself out of the venue and could not get back in. Ah stress it is such a lovely thing.........Not!!!

Passing

I was very saddened to hear about the sudden death of another Big Band Musician today. This Gentleman was a a fine drummer and had helped the Band out on many an occasion. He also used to e mail me with jokes he had heard, and I have used many of them in the past. From all the Band ,our sincere condolences go out to all of his family.

What a Fiddle

Finding new jokes and material for the Band is getting harder these days. I have numerous joke books which I have purchased, and spent hours on the Internet trying to find new material. The poor suffering guys at work are the guinea pigs for my jokes and in turn they tell me theirs. However 99% of the jokes they tell me can't be used, unless of course we have a Big Band ladies night, and get Eric and Duncan, Derek and myself doing the Chippendale's act??? The thing is these days, if you tell a joke about another country then you are racist. If you tell a joke about a Male or Female, then you are sexist, and if you tell a joke about Nigel Kennedy, then your a violinist!!!!!

Zzzzzzzz

This is the busiest time for me at work and playing as well, and to quote a phrase from work 'We are up to our necks in it' My stress levels are rising like one of Mrs Beatons cakes in a hot oven! However, I rushed in from work last night, a quick tea, and down the big road to a gig. Actually my lip felt good last night, so probably being exhausted is the way to go? oh and by the way my microphone.......yep it didn't work. Roll on my 2 days off at Xmas.....

Great? Britain

I just can't believe what I heard on the news today. That you will have to have a license to listen to a radio in the work place? One poor lady was hounded to pay £100 and only 2 of them worked in the business. Surely this then means ,if you are in a company vehicle travelling with work colleagues ,and the radio is on, then you will have to have a licence to listen to the music? I wonder when all the decent people will wake up ,stand shoulder to shoulder and say 'enough'

Rothmans King Size

Sunday nights at the Oak are always a great night out, so if you have never been ,you really are missing out. Last night though was awesome. We played numbers from Splanky to Skin Deep with an outstanding solo from the son of our regular Drummer. We also played a War Time singalong in respect of it being Remembrance Sunday. I was even given some money to play a request for some people from Cheltenham, and then found out ,that actually it was my money I had dropped out of my back pocket!!!The audience were awesome and the Band were smoking (What do you mean it is banned in public places?) and everyone enjoyed themselves, and do you know what.IT IS ALL FOR FREE!!!! yes something for nothing in this day and age. But that's the OBB bringing live entertainment to Big Band lovers everywhere, and loving every minute of it.

Wind in the Willows

Big Dance for the Gurkha Welfare Trust last night. A few of the Regiment travelled all the way from Aldershot to show the audience some traditional Gurkha Dancing. I was informed by the organiser that they were ready, so I gave them a big build up on the microphone' " Ladies and Gentleman please welcome the Gurkha Regiment" This then became very much like the scene in 'The Sound of Music' at the music competition when the Von Trapp family had legged it! over the mountain to safety. Ladies and Gentleman 'The Gurkha Dancers............Nothing. No one to be seen. Apparently they were still setting up the CD player for their Dance. So I stood there like a lemon for a while, with my stress levels gradually rising to optimum levels. Finally the Dancers appeared and performed the Dance then went straight back to Camp. We then took over and played until Midnight. They also provided buffet for the Band including Curry with mushy peas. I have to tell you that the atmosphere on the stage after this was lethal to say the least, and I am sure I heard quite a few notes that were not produced by a musical instrument.

Couldn't make it up.

Had to work on a Saturday today, so not a happy blokie. Broke my own rule of going into town on a Saturday afternoon today it was manic, and grey and cold and miserable. The only thing I enjoy listening to is the buskers, but even they had stayed in bed. There is a great sax player out there, and a Romanian female singer and a bag pipe player. Free music for all and a wealth of talent. I did some busking once with a trumpet player and Bass in Guernsey. After 5 hours we had collected £7.50 and a button!!! and I think that had fallen of the Bass players jacket?

Lampost on the Corner

Suddenly it is starting to get very busy at work, and also the Band are playing most weekends now. I have found myself grabbing meals when I can this week. One of the best inventions I have is a small grill endorsed by a famous boxer. I can chuck anything in their and wait for my smoke alarm to go off indicating it is done. Soup is a little harder in the grill because it keeps running out of the slots. I have renamed my cooking device, The George Formby Grill because when I open the top to see what I have cooked I can say 'Turned out nice again'? I am getting much better at this cooking lark, and have only poisoned myself once this week, so eat your heart out Jamie Oliver.

Can't beat the vocalist

Having played in a few Bands in my lifetime, I have always been fascinated with an audience phenomena, (a subject discussed with many a musician over a tonic water or two )of which I think I now know the answer. In every Band there have always been soloists, be it from the Sax, Trombone, Piano or Trumpet etc, the solo usually bring forth generous applause from the audience. However, if a vocalist sings a song or a drummer has a solo, the applause is always longer and louder. And now I come to my life long theory. The majority of the audiences do not understand a Trumpet or Trombone or Sax. They probably think we blow push a valve or move a slide or press a key, and the music goes round and round la la la la(cue song) and comes out the end? However, they can identify with a singer or percussionist, as they have either sang in the car or bath to a song on the radio, themselves or, hit objects with a stick? to some sort of rhythm? I think I am going to publish my findings in a University Thesis and become incredibly rich, or, and most likely just keep moving my slide up and down as I have done for years lol, cos I can't sing, and as a kid, my Dad would not let me play his drum kit, so I am probably just jealous!!

Mike comes back, or not!

Played last night, and only one main solo. One of my favourites 'The Nearness of You' had a new microphone and a new lead. What could possibly go wrong? Half way through, that thought went through my head again " This is going well" and then.........the mic cut out. So as Frazer said in Dad's Army We are doooooomed. Actually it is quite amusing, and many years ago I would have got stressed with it, but in fact the job I do puts life into perspective, and where is ,I can lose it sometimes, some things are really not worth worrying about. As they say, If it don't kill you, it can only make you stronger!!!

Elephant

My mind has been drifting back to my time with the Army Band, and how creative and adaptable musicians can be. On one occasion we had to travel overnight by coach, from our base in Germany to Holland. Before any trip, I used to stand at the front of the bus, and go through a verbal kit check. Uniform,Music,Lyres,Instruments etc etc, and even though this was 2am in the morning, the reply would always come back 'Yes Sergeant Major, we have it all'
We then settled back for a 6 hour coach trip. On our arrival in Holland, at an unearthly time of the morning, we were just entering the town we were due to play in, when a young Bandsman came up to me and said ' Sergeant Major. I've forgotten me clarinet' There is a course for Band Sergeant Majors that teaches you a certain way of communicating with problem individuals like this. Basically he was told to jump in a taxi, find the nearest Army/Navy/Air force Base that had a Band, and get back here within 2 hours with a clarinet. Now this long sentence was interspersed with certain phrases that are unprintable here. However, within 2 hours the Bandsman was back, with a borrowed clarinet. he had also been given a meal and a cup of tea , and a lift back with a Danish soldier. Now that's blooming good thinking!

Midnight Express

It was nice, for a change, to sit back and just play last night. Our lead alto made a superb job of fronting the Band at the Oak, and it is good we can swap around occasionally, especially to give them a rest from my awful jokes. The Band 'sight read' some new numbers last night, including One 'o' Clock Jump and Night Train. I have to say our trumpet section played a blinder throughout the evening, and they are all coming into their own as individual soloists and work together so well as a balanced section. Night Train is an awesome number, and will go well as a Concert piece at some stage. Our keyboard player was thrown in the deep end with the new 1 o clock arrangement, but as always he rose to the occasion, drawing much applause from our enthusiastic audience. A Great Night.

Spot the difference.

Watched the X factor last night, mainly because it was Big Band night. It was great to spot a musician in the Band who I have had the privilege to stand next to, and who is now making a name for himself in the pro world, as he is a phenomenal player and deserves to be at the top. What really amused me though, was during a female vocalists number called 'All that jazz'. A member of the Band came out onto the stage to play quite raunchily with the female vocalist.(I mean play his instrument by the way) When one of the judges summed up the performance, he said that it was a shame the Trumpet Player had to be involved in the number..........I was shouting at the TV, as that Trumpet player was a Trombone player. Mind you if I had that judges money I probably wouldn't care which player it was either!!!!

One Man Band

One of the great motivators for practicing, is playing along to a CD that has a full orchestra, but with the solo line missing. With a good imagination, and a device called Silent Brass you can almost imagine you are sitting in the Band. It puts it into perspective though, when you listen to the experts play the piece, Trombonists like Mark Nightingale,Dale Cheal and Jack Whigam (who are all phenomenal players) just how much more you have to learn to be able to play like that. I reckon if I make it to 129 then I may be up to the Jimmy Edwards standard? or maybe Douglas off the old Lurpak ad's!!!

It Wheely happened!

Anyone that knows me will tell you that I love animals. My main wish is to have a dog, but with work and Band it would not be fair. I used to drag dog's home when I was a kid and tell my mum and dad that it was a stray, even though it had a collar and lead, and an old lady on the other end of the lead. In which case I have had to make do with small animals, fish, budgies,,Rat's,Gerbils,Mice,Baboons....??? When I was serving in Germany, my mate sold me a Male Hamster. Only it wasn't male, and I got back into my room in the Sergeants Mess to find out it had had 8 babies! The mother unfortunately was dead in the cage. My first problem was to find someone with a female hamster who had babies, and this I succeeded with after many calls around the Regiments families. The next job was to bury the Female Hamster in the Sergeants Mess Garden (I wonder if this was my first steps towards the job I do now?) This I did at 11pm in the middle of Winter in the pouring rain. When I finally got to bed, I started to read my Hamster book to try and find out what went wrong. I then read a paragraph that made my heart jump...It said that sometimes female hamster during Birth often go into a type of coma often mistaken for death........ At 2 am I was back out in the rain , in my Pyjamas with a flash light(note my pyjamas did not have a built in flashlight) in the Garden trying to find where I had buried the small rodent. It was then that the guys on guard duty saw me.......... I really don't think they accepted my explanation, and I was given some funny looks the next day. By the way I never did find the Hamster.

Dika Dum Dum

Been a very busy day at work today, and lots of running around in the works vehicle. Depending on who is driving, depends on what music you have to listen to, and this can range from Meatloaf to Beethoven, and Queen to Des O Connor (ok that's mine, and strangely I don't get to drive much?) I also took a call from the organiser of last Saturday's Gig. He was poorly so did not attend the Dance, but he said he had taken loads of calls saying how brilliant the Band were. He confirmed another gig in 2010, and also is trying to organise another in 2009. Word of mouth is always good about the OBB, and it is great to get feedback. Just log onto obb.org.uk and read some of the great comments about the Band.

Genevieve

Music, is an international language. Without it, the world would be a very bleak place. Remove the music score from any film, and the story being told would ,no doubt, lose it's impact. We are soon to do a Funeral of a Gentleman, who played the spoons and the Harmonica. I do not know the history behind this, but I am sure, that over the years he has entertained many an adult and child alike. My firm belief is, that if you are given a talent, no matter how small, then you should use it at any opportunity to entertain, and if you can bring a smile to someones face, then you have done some good in life. I have been making people laugh with my playing for many a year, I really must get the hang of it one day!

Wrong Number?

If you own a mobile phone with blue tooth technology, it is always fun to scan a room full of complete strangers to see what they have named their phones. Mine quite simply is 'The Undertaker' which is scary enough anyway I suppose. But at a recent Dance these came up. Chimp! Superman! Belch!!! BigBoy (Must be one of the Band) Snuffles. Sexonlegs? Talula Bumkins???? Mufty.... and Miss WhipLash. This last one was quite worrying as the average age of the audience was 65+. Anyway next time you are in a crowd, just try it, and then try to put a face to the phone, it's great fun, honest.

Vick is required.

A good rehearsal last night for the Band. Even though we were at it for 3 hours, we only managed to get about 6 numbers up and running. Each new piece has to be taken apart bit by bit, section by section, until it sounds correct. Some pieces will still be a work in progress, but I know all the musicians in the Band practice religiously every night ;-). I think our vocalist did well over this weekend. Although full of cold (which had gone to her chest...) she never faltered. However on Sunday night, her voice had deepened by 2 octaves, so we gave her all the Barry White numbers to sing! Somehow she wasn't impressed?

I'd walk a million miles.....

Last night we played for a Dinner Dance near Rutland Water. We were booked to play from 9-12, but as is common, the meal went on for longer than expected, so we did not start until after 10pm. Whilst setting up we noticed every one was dressed in 1920's clothes, and the theme was in fact everything to do with the 20s. Strangely we are a 1940s Dance Band. Luckily we have the Charleston in our pads, so we played this 36 times, and in 36 completely different ways!!! Only joking. In fact it is amazing how many connections our music has with the 20s, that with a bit of imagination we managed to get away with. Take 'Manhattan' it was written in 1927. Also The lady is a Tramp, sang by Sinatra, well he was sort of born near the 20s. String of Pearls, was arranged by a guy who was 19 or 20........ To be honest the Dance floor was full from start to finish. Only one lady asked if we were going to play 1920's music. I asked her to name me 5 pieces from that era and we would. She couldn't, and agreed that music written 20 years later was the best.

Orders are Orders

One of the most time consuming things about being in a Big Band, is putting your music pad in order for each new gig, and then putting it all back in order again once the job is finished. We can usually get through 30-40+ per gig and these are taken from a library of over 250 numbers.Allegedly Harry Connick Junior and his Big Band have fully automated music stands. These are almost like self contained PC's with a screen, and the music is programmed into the computer for each concert? Therefore, just push a button, and there is the music up on the screen. I think it will be a long time before we can afford these luxury items, so it is back to manual sorting for the time being!

Inflation Proof

All of us at work, were sent to get new work trousers today. My waist size has hardly changed in the last 20 years or so. However,I found that I had to buy trousers 2 inches bigger today? Now this is an unknown phenomena called ' Diaphragmatic Stomach Syndrome' caused by taking copious intakes of air into our stomachs to enable us to fill our instruments with the correct amount of breath to produce the notes!. To set the record straight, it has no connection at all with the copious amounts of beer, us Brass players drink. Just thought I would point this fact out to fellow musicians everywhere!

Groundhog day 2

OK, last night I travelled to a village that I had travelled to 3 times before. And for the third year running, I ended up in the wrong village, and for the third year running, had to ask a lady for directions. I am convinced it was the same lady I asked last year and the year before, and if so I really must send her a Xmas card. Got to venue with just enough time to spare. Unfortunately the Bass player also went to wrong village and wrong venue. Anyway, first solo up was the horrendously high 'I've Got you under my skin' Stand up to play, going well......same mic as last night, and............ you guessed it, off it went. Going to stay into tonight and colour coordinate my sock draw, much less stressful. Mind you only have 2 pairs so wont take long.

My friend mike

It is very, very rare that everything comes together playing wise with me. Ok, I practice every day ;-) and try and keep a consistency in my playing. Not always achievable, but once just once, it all comes together. Last night was it, my lip felt good, the acoustics were fine, and the solos chosen were going to be enjoyable to play. So as I stand up for first solo (Lonesome Road) it is going great. I really should not have thought that to myself, because as soon as it flashed through my mind, the microphone went off? Now I am presuming the microphone was a critic, and didn't think it sounded good at all, because of the 4 solo's I had, it cut out every time. I remember once standing up to do a massive solo in Hamburg, with the Army Band. Half way through, that thought popped into my head again ' This is going great' at that point the wind caught my music, I lost my place and the rest was a disaster (ok I bluffed it to the end) So the lesson is, always expect the unexpected, and then stamp on the 'mic'!

Formation Dancing Team

Had a question from an organiser of a Dance we are doing next year. He wanted to know how to make a Bandstand, I said just take away there seats! Actually on some gigs, where it is too far to go for a recce, we never know if there will be a stage or not. Or indeed how we are going to set up, in relationship to the shape and size of the room. We have played in v formations, pyramid formations, in 4 rows, 2 rows in fact the Red Arrows have nothing on us. Whatever the challenges though, the Band always adapts to the situation. So the lesson here is, that if you have got a room, whatever shape or size, the Band will fit in. We do draw the line though of Derek our bassist having to sit on Andy the drummers knee. You see he would keep going up and down when Andy played the high hat, and he gets sea sick very easily

Happy Bidday

Very pleased to say, that the lady who bid for the Band on the Radio Derby Money Mountain appeal, and won, has been in touch.
She had seen us play before, and was very excited to secure the services of the OBB. We will look forward to playing at her Birthday Bash in the new year, and at the same time we have all achieved a bit of good for the worthy charities connected to the appeal.

Hats the way to do it!

You know, if I had a hat, I would have taken it off, in respect to our guest vocalists tonight. The Oak was packed for a truly entertaining evening, as 8 vocalists sang there hearts out, and some for the very first time, in front of our 17 piece Big Band. The songs ranged from Ain't that a Kick in the Head to Moonlight Serenade (yes it has words) and from Crazy to The Summer Wind. As far as I know, we are the only Band in the area that does this type of thing, and it looks as though it will remain a regular feature in our calender. The standard was excellent, and we hope that we made some dreams come true for our brave songsters. Once again the OBB is living up to it's name of The Most Entertaining Big Band in the Midlands.

Get yer hair cut

Not very often I get a mourner fling their arms round me and kiss me, but it happened yesterday. I suddenly realised it was my ex RSMs wife from my old Regiment. She had come all the way from Germany for a Funeral, and I hadn't seen her in a decade. It brought back memories of the RSM trying to get the Band to do Guard Duty, and us thinking of every excuse under the sun to get out of them. He always managed to win though. The worse stint was the 4am to 6am duty (2 on 2 off throughout the night, then straight to work the next day) especially in the winter time. Your body was saying it should be in it's deepest sleep, and yet there you are in minus 10 conditions patrolling an airfield or ammo dump. I wouldn't have missed it for the world though as it was some of the best years of my life.

It's not the size that matters

I was having a chat with an ex professional musician a couple of days ago. He was telling me a few stories of his experiences in pro Bands. He said he had met his fair share of prima donnas, who thought they were pro's but when it came time to produce the goods, they did not make the grade. He also said some of the most insignificant looking players would turn up to dep, and be real stars. In some cases it all came down to the size of mouthpiece or instrument they were playing on, and of course the size of their ego's. In the old days an 'MP' marking in music was played as it dynamically should be, and not blasted ala 'Mighty Powerful' The Band leaders in the 40s stood for no nonsense and you were out the door fast if you messed up. I mentioned that for years I have been blowing a large bore bone, and I know I should be on a medium, as the register I play in is sometimes in the 'God's and it takes some filling these days. However, it is like an old friend ,as it has been all the way through the Army with me from Northern Ireland to Cyprus, and has even been 'sat on' at a Dance (yes it was probably a critic!) so it is really difficult for me to swap after so long. But he did make a lot of sense, and it was fascinating to listen to his stories of how it was.

The Last Dance

I have lost count of the times that I have carried a coffin into a church to the strains of Glenn Millers 'Moonlight Serenade'. And yet, casting an eye around the congregation, I hardly ever see a face I recognise from an audience ,while I have been playing in the Big Bands. It is a shame that some people do not realise, that there are some fantastic Big Bands out there, recreating this music, and it is 100% live, and much better than a CD in the living room. We can't complain with the OBB, as we always get great audiences, but I wonder how many people are missing out on this great experience and tributes to the Big Band legends?

Voices in my head!

You know technology is a marvelous thing what with e mails and mobile phones , i pod's and of course my new black and white telly (It was Roy's old one). But the best thing is this blue tooth gizmo that you stick in your ear to take mobile phone calls. As I was driving down the Motorway, I had to put down my sandwich and coke to answer it, but a fantastic device all the same.It was a booking enquiry for a gig in a different part of the Midlands, which if confirmed, will possibly be one of our first gigs in the New Year. Still not heard from our mystery bidder from the Money Mountain day, but hopefully the date they want will be free when they get in touch.

Jobs for the Boys

I can't say my job is one of the happiest in the world, and I often find it easier to think of other things whilst carrying out some duties. I was thinking today why the Band is so successful. I am convinced it is down to team work, as so many people do a job within the Band, for the Band. In fact it is like a recipe from a well known shopping chain.
Take 2 tablespoons of Eric the Stand Man and Alto sax who carries all the Band stands to gigs (when he remembers lol) add a sprinkle of Duncan the Tailor who plays Trombone and carries the 'dep' uniforms. Add a liberal amount of Tim the Pad who looks after the library and also plays the bone. Mix in Dave the Prog, who sorts out our playing lists and is lead Alto and Clarinet. Stir in a mixture of Dave the keys our P.A Expert who sorts out all the sound system and Colin our vocalist, who loves the ladies, we keep telling him to use the Gents ,but he wont listen! Prepare a side dish of Pete the professor who runs our cracking website and has the biggest instrument in the Band, and also plays the Bari Sax! Simmer for 5 minutes Derek the Cheque book who looks after any donations we get to the Band fund, and also plays Bass and works as a bouncer in Mothercare in his spare time. And finally serve with a side dish of Roy 'The Wallet' who looks after Trumpet Stands and speakers,. Plus many others who contribute to the Bands success. This is not just a Big Band, this is the Ockbrook Big Band.

One flew over the cuckoos nest

Back to the real world today, from the pit to the Funeral Directors. Sometimes I do not have time to get changed, and once nearly scared one of the Band half to death when I visited him in hospital stood there in my Undertakers gear. (Just thought if you get scared half to death twice, is that it?) Anyway had to rush into town today to get my flu jab, still dressed in work gear. After the jab I had to wait 10 minutes outside. this was probably to see if I turned green or started to grow an extra appendage. An old lady came up to and asked me if this was the right place for the Flu jab, I said yes, and she asked me if I was the Doctor, and I said no an undertaker, and she promptly left the building??? Anyway the winner of the Money Mountain highest bid lives in Chellaston so hopefully we wont have far to travel. Back to practicing now, and get rid of my 'pit' lip and hopefully get a Dance Band lip?

The Hills are alive with the sound of Cash

It was the Radio Derby Money Mountain appeal today. The Ockbrook Big Band have kindly offered their services free to raise money for this worthy cause. I managed to listen to our 'lot' being described, but was a little worried their were no bids coming in. Ten minutes later I switched back on to hear a bid of £175 (which was 175% rise from two years ago, when no bids were placed) Very pleased at the end of our item to see we have raised £320 for the charity, and many thanks to the mystery bidder who no doubt will be in contact, from somewhere in 'Derbyshire'!. Today is the last time to register for the guest vocal evening which is taking place on the 21st October, and we have 9 victims...I mean volunteers who are going to sing. I am sure it will be an enjoyable evening for most, if not a nervous time for some. Kick off for that is at 8pm and of course it is free to get in.

Coffin Tales

Two shows today, which was a blow and a half on the old chops. Because the orchestra was behind the stage, you still have to stay quiet in between numbers as the 'mics' pick up everything. One of the musicians had a coughing fit, I named it 'Pit Cough' it's a bit like Kennel Cough, but more musical as you tend to cough on the beat to cover it up. He pulled through though like a real pro, although we all felt for him. Again it was a real shame that audience numbers were down, especially for the last performance. I have a theory that Amateur Companies need to put on the more popular musicals that everyone know and loves. It's like the OBB, we could play 'In the Mood every Sunday for a year, then have a request night, and someone would still ask for it. The shows need to send the audiences home whistling the tunes, but unfortunately in Mack and Mabel there are only a couple of familiar melodies. It was a pro performance from the cast and director though, and they certainly deserved more support from the public.

Stay in and Watch the box!

I have been playing in the pit orchestra for a show all this week, at the Assembly Rooms. The Good Companions have been putting on the musical Mack and Mabel, based on a true story about Mack Sennet and Mabel Normand. It is a real shame that audience figures have been low for the week, which has, no doubt, financially had a bad effect on the company. It takes thousands of pounds to stage a show like this, not to mention many hours of rehearsals. Indeed one company ,decided earlier this month, to pull a show because of poor ticket sales. This is live entertainment at it's best, but it would seem that most folk just want to stay in and watch the telly, which is a real shame. Musically, playing in a show is a complete change from Big Banding. A totally different technique of playing is required, and certainly lots more concentration. As the orchestra are behind the scenes, it was interesting in the interval to overhear a couple talking, and because they could not see the musicians, thought it was backing tracks being used for the show? They obviously did not hear me dropping my straight mute on the floor earlier in the week!!!

Groundhog day

How come a car knows when it's warranty is about to expire, and things start going wrong? Early start this morning to take car in ,and see Dentist. Both problems fixed, but ended back up in the new Westfield Centre again at 9am, and still packed with shoppers. A couple of buskers in diffrent parts of town. One wearing a kilt and playing the peeps, and a sax player playing jazz (thought it might be Eric in disguise!!!!) I knew it was a mistake last night, to start working on the guest vocal prog. Putting names to songs they want to sing took me a while, only to find out this morning that one vocalist can't make it, will I never learn to leave it until the last minute?

Till you drop

Been to the new shopping centre in Derby today. Very impressive, but I was shocked with the amount of people who seem to have taken the same day off as me!!! and have the time to visit town...frightening.My mission to get a new 2008 diary to start collaborating the gigs and organise the regular dance at the Nunsfield. Strange to be finding the date for xmas 2008. but then again we do have a reserved booking for 2010. Also pleased that 9 years ago we played for a ladies 70th birthday, and she has now booked us for her 80th in 2008....I will have a pint of what she is drinking. Which reminds me, I saw an old boy in the doorway of Burtons in town, wrinkled and hunched over, I had to ask him is secret of getting to a ripe old age. He told me it was down to smoking 60 fags a day, eating burgers and drinking 12 pints a night. I asked him how old he was....he said 32!!!!

Brave Souls

The phone has been ringing these last couple of days with volunteers wanting to sing at the guest vocal night. At the last count we have 9 vocalists taking part. I have to admit they are extremely brave. It is not a competition, but just a chance for folk to realise an ambition to sing in front of a 16 piece Band. Closing date for entries by the way is the 14th October

Tooth Fairy

How come as soon as the Dentist gets hold of you, you get problems. Had a filling a couple of weeks ago, even though I did not have toothache. But what have I got now, yup, chronic toothache. Mind you it only hurts when I eat ,drink, walk or blow, so I should not moan grrrrr.

Nudge Nudge Wink

A busy weekend for the Band. Starting with Saturday, an early set up at the Masonic Lodge led by the advance set up team (dangerous job, and all highly trained personnel) it was a late start for the Band though. As most people were probably thinking of going to bed, the Band were going on for their first set. It was a cosy set up, with not much room, but the acoustics and the audience were brilliant. We shared the gig with a Disco, and finished our second set at midnight. Nice Gig. Sunday night and our regular gig at Nunsfield House. The Xmas tickets went on sale tonight, and we only have a handful left (I will be checking e bay). Used a new number called Sway as a cha cha cha!! it's a nice vocal for Michelle, and it went down extremely well. We had a guess the age comp of a celeb. Because no one was getting near, I gave the audience a subtle clue that the celeb was aged between 76 and 78.... the next person to guess said...........wait for it............83!!!. I sometimes lay awake at night in a cold sweat.

The Blue Oyster Club.

WE are trying to get hold of a copy of YMCA to play mainly at weddings. I can just see Roy V Dressed as the Red Indian, Derek as the Sailor, Peter as the Construction Worker... and wait for it Eric as the Biker!! Oh boy we are going to have fun.

Adios to a fellow musician

A few of us have been to Bretby Crematorium today to say goodbye to another musician Roy Buckley. Roy was brought into the chapel to the sounds of Moonlight Serenade. On his coffin along with family flowers, was his Trombone, and a OBB USA Hat . The ceremony told us about Roy's life and how originally he was a trumpet player. In the middle of the service 'A String of Pearls' was played and the service concluded with 'In the Mood' It was a tremendous send off . The crem was packed with family and friends, a true testimony to his life.
Roy Buckley A true gentleman, musician and all round good bloke. R.I.P Roy.

Veal Meat Again

Received a copy of the Good Old Days DVD today featuring the 40s weekend at Edith Weekend 2006. For the techno's out there we are featured in the 13th (!) chapter of 14. The DVD focuses on the whole weekend, and contains a Vera Lynn impersonator, Winston Churchill look alike and of course the Battle of Britain Memorial flight. The Band section shows almost everyone at some point, including a part that always fascinates me...Eric standing to play a solo!!!. Also, I have a horrible suspicion I am losing my hair, from what I have just seen of my side profile?
You can purchase the DVD from www.sovereign-videos.co.uk if you are interested.

A Khazi Chat

Hard to believe, but we are already working on obtaining new Xmas Music, which reminds me I must take my decs down from last years festivities. Tim the pad was in conversation with an audience member in Buxton. Talking in the toilet, as you do, the guest said ....."You know what makes your band so good?", .........."it's cos' you play for the audience, not yourselves.................
Very true, and whats more, we all still enjoy it, even after all these years. 18 Musicians all going in the same direction, you can't ask for more.

Lovely Lady

Recently found out from some of the Band that a video was taken of the War Time Weekend in Edith Weston (this is a place, not an old flame of Eric's) in the year 2006. Have tracked down the shop that sells them and a complimentary copy is winging it's way to the Band. It's always the same with these dvd's though, they always focus the camera on the best looking section in the Band, which is of course the Trombones....ok it is 2 for 1 at spec savers. Anyway keep an eye on our official web site and you may see an excerpt

Yo Ho Ho

The Xmas Dance at Nunsfield House is always popular, and more importantly, always a sell out. We have now had to make the Dance 'Ticket Only' The xmas Dance takes place on Sunday 23rd December, and you can get tickets at our next Dance on Oct 7th at Nunsfield House. See OBB web site for details.

Obituary

It is with deep sadness that the Band learned of the death of a fellow musician who had played with our Band on many occasions. Roy Buckley ,Trombonist, passed away peacefully after a long illness bravely fought. He was passionate about his music, and was a true Gentleman. Rest in Peace my friend.

The last 2 weeks

15th September 2007, A smaller version of the Band turn up to play for a surprise 70th Birthday Party at Studio One Long Eaton. The Band is cut down in size to 2 Bones 2 Horns 3 Sax's and 3 Rhythm with one Vocalist. It was cosy on the stage, even at this size Band. The Guest who thought he was going for a Chinese Meal, walked into a room decked out like an Air Raid Shelter, complete with an Air Raid Warden, Sound effects of Bombs going off and an 11 peice Swing Band. I am pleased to say that he survived.

22/09/07 From an audience of just 60, to an audience of 700 at the Victory Show in Cosby. This is a premiere gig for the Band and our third appearance at the Dance. Very pleased to be on the same Bill as Paul Harper an Ensa Entertainer, who has just had a Cameo appearance in the Film Atonement.


29/09/07 Down a very long and windy road for this gig, and to Buxton, and the Palace Hotel.
The occasion a Dinner Dance for NODA (No not Noddy) this stands for The National Operatic and Dramatic Association. This was once again an excellent showcase for the Band, although we did not start playing until about 10pm. The Derbyshire Born Actress Gwen Taylor was guest speaker and there was also a Cabaret spot by the Stowerbrige Operatic Society. It is worth mentioning that a road closed sign 4 miles from the venue, sending the Band on a 10 mile detour is never a good thing. It was worse for one musician who ended up back on the A6 as he should have been, but heading back to Derby!!!! We like to do the odd Barn Dance or 2, and on this occasion made it progressive. As always I announce that the ladies should take a step forward after the 'clap!' strangely this time it looked like a pile up on the motorway. It was soon realised that just one lady decided she was stepping backwards throwing chaos onto the Dance floor, because she said and I quote ' I have medals for dancing and have been taught this way' Ah well you can't win em all.

The Adventures of the Ockbrook Big Band

I wish I had started this Blog 13 years ago when the Band first started. However there were no such things as Bloggs then, and I was to poor to own a PC (Although I did own a trendy Acorn Electron Hmmmm)

This is the Story of the Ockbrook Big Band, its ongoing mission to provide Music and laughter wherever they perform, to boldly play where some Bands have not played before!!!!!

The Ockbrook Big Band was formed in 1993 at The Royal Oak Ockbrook, by Geoff Ruddle. Formed mainly for a 'Beer and a Blow', no one could have imagined sitting in that back room, that one day the Band would be taking the Country by storm (Not this country, but we are very big in Serbia?)
Over 20 musicians turned up for the first get together. A multitude of Bones and Horns and a Gentleman with a Jews Harp? (he had got the wrong night).

To cut a long story ever so short, the Band was shaped to the standard 17 piece Big Band that everyone knows and loves. All the musicians were kitted out with original USA uniforms (From Belgium) and music was purchased to provide music from the 40s and swing era. Glenn Miller-Count Basie-Stan Kenton-Duke Ellington-Peter Kay............................Ok we have to do 'Is this the way to Amarillo for weddings.

Over the 13 years the Band has travelled all over the Midlands playing in Town Halls-Tents-Churches-Concert Halls and Back Gardens!

This is the diary of the Band starting with a big leap from 1993 to the 8th September 2007