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