Chuffed

The Band are back on the road with a bang. We travelled to Yorkshire last night to play for a 1940s Dance. The floor was full from start to finish and with an ENSA entertainer providing the interval entertainment it was a brilliant night. The only downside to this is, the organisers provided Pie and MUSHY PEAS for the Band. I will leave it to your imagination. After many years of having my Sat Nav, Doris ,abused by Roy the Wallet for getting us lost, he has purchased his own. He calls it Daphne!!!! and she speaks allot more refined than my Doris. However she still took us on a scenic route on the way adding at least 200 miles to the journey..... I am expecting a reply from the Wallet.

Cocaine

Me and DIY have never really got on. Today was no exception as I tried to put some cement into a few structural cracks. However this involved me hanging out of my upstairs window by my feet and dangling precariously over a 20 foot drop. Of course the cement I had mixed was old, and as soon as I slapped it in the cracks it fell out and slid down the roof!!! Anyone walking past my house would have been treated to a fine selection of profanities that I have learned over the years. My advice. get an expert in and I will stick to the trombone.

Kaput

We are back on the road tomorrow after our Summer break. Even more gigs coming in for 2009 and still for this year as well. Just when I need my printer it has decided to commit Harri Kari and so now it is off to the local supermarket to buy another one! Whatever happened to making lists by hand? I have not got in as much practice as i would like to, but this is down to being extremely busy at work (excuses excuses) but i will try my best to do a bit more.

Take Away

Shows you what a small world it is. I was watching a TV play about Albert Pierpoint. I knew that he was a great great uncle of one of my work colleagues. But it also turns out, that the last woman he hung is also a long connected relative of another work mate? Another thing that is fascinating is, they say that 1 in 4 people are Chinese. Well I know it is not me, or my Mum or my Dad, so I am beginning to think it is my Sister Lo Chi Wan?

Ping

Easy night playing last night. Just the one solo which was jazz, or my best attempt of it anyway. I have a mystery at the house. There is a strange odour omitting from the inside of my porch? I can't track it down, but I think something has demised in the garage behind it. I don't even know who it belongs to so I can't ask. I have been burning loads of incense sticks to try and take away the pong, but to no avail? I am presuming it is an animal of some type, that is laying feet up having shuffled off into the unknown. Just hope I don't get guests until I find out what it is?

Bath Time

I have signed a petition on the Governments web site asking for an extra Bank Holiday a year. In fact I think we should have one every month! I have thoroughly enjoyed this weekend what with parties, meals and a visit to an antique shows (I had to keep moving cos they were stock taking) Even back at work it has been a great day with a trip out to the Derbyshire Dales. If every day could be like today at work, it would be great. But we have to make the most of all the special days that are sent, because that is what makes them so special.

Around the World

I was at an 80th Birthday part for a well known local musician last night. The room was packed with his old friends and invited musicians. Inside the room it was like an oven but at 80 this guy still got up to play some remarkable jazz. It was unfortunate that later into the evening this chap took poorly and an ambulance had to be called. He is ok, but I know he was upset. Parties can be stressful at the best of times, and when it is your own ,you feel honour bound to try and talk to everyone. Add to this the the stress of playing in an unhealthily hot room and it is no wonder he felt ill. He is ,and always will be a stalwart of the music world.

Gazele

Wandering around town yesterday I stumbled upon 3 musicians busking on the street corner. One was playing a sousaphone another the banjo and the lead was being taken by a trumpet player. All trad jazz and very good. It prompted me to throw some money into the case in front of them. All the musicians were wearing hats and as I threw the coins into the case I got some verbal from the Trumpet player. Turns out I know him and he has helped the OBB out on many occasions. If I had realised who it was I would have taken change out of the case!

Doctor

August has almost left us and it will soon be time to restart the Concerts at the Oak. Went for a drink there last night and the car park was packed. It is like the Tardis inside as when we went into the lounge it was almost empty. A party was being held in the function room where we normally play and it surprised me how many folk you could get in that room. A marque had been set up outside awaiting one of our musicians to perform over the Bank Holiday weekend. He will be playing Rock and Blues and I hope to get to seem him perform.

Wacky Races

I don't know where today has gone as we have been so busy. I had to go and pick up my bosses wife as he has had an operation on his hands. I ended up taking his 7 stone dog for a walk, or should I say he took me. I asked my boss if he had been to the loo and I was informed that he had I would not need to take bags.... Of course this dog had a sense of humour and we must have stopped 3 times for what I can only describe as needing a JCB to move it? Thanks Mutt.

Beckham

I spent at least one hour on the piece I was having difficulty with on Tuesday, and I am pleased to report that I still can't play it!!! Will I give in? Probably.
A few of us at work hate wrong doings i.e Drivers using a mobile etc and try to do something about it where possible.. But today we watched 2 ladies (sic) throwing their drinks cartons into bushes. We had a quiet word with them and all we got was abuse back. I was shocked...not.
Is it me or is the UK slowly going down the pan. A TV programme called Golden Balls ends with 2 people deciding to split or steal a large amount of money. Last night it was an old lady and a mother of 2. They both said they would split, but the young mother stole all the cash. At the end she said she had done it for her kids??? All she has done is taught them how to be liars and thieves. Rule Britannia.

Pork

You never know what you are going to get on Tuesday night Band. Last night I had a new piece of music to sight read. Looking at the first page I thought it was not to bad. However the arranger had saved the worse to last. A few Trombonist's I have spoke to say, that top Ab is the worse note to hit securely on there instruments. Just happens that the second page of the solo had lots of em! To be honest I started with the Band and finished with the Band which is the main objective. can't say I made a particularly good job of the solo though, which of course frustrates me, So a bit more practice needed me thinks. I know a well know Trombonist who packed in playing as it was getting harder and harder to keep his chops in. I know the feeling.

Square

Occasionally, we have to dig holes in Churchyards! Now it doesn't matter if there is not a tree within 50 miles of where we are digging, but you can guarantee we will find a root. As was today in the pouring rain. What should have been a 5 minute job, turned into an hour. We were soaked and covered in mud trying to cut through a massive root. Anyone walking in and seeing us would have thought we were a couple of tramps living rough? It's a great life!

Sea

Nothing to write about, only that I hate Mondays....and Tuesdays etc. Friday's are ok and the weekends even better. A large turn out for a Funeral today and it was a pleasure to bump into Roger the Piano. This guy spent many years with the OBB and is a fine pianist. Also bumped into 2 members of the audience. I must stop waving when I am carrying a coffin!!!

Bots happening?

It would seem that I have been the victim of a 'Spam Bot' I now have no e mail facility to speak of and having received over 3000 e mails a day, have had to shut down my old e mail address.. Of course this could have had a big impact on the Band, having to sort through the genuine mail. However we are cleverer that that in the OBB and between us have still managed to run the bookings system, with a bit of tweaking, and some invaluable help from Pete the Bari. It was very spooky though when I contacted my ISP. They took over my PC remotely and did a bit of investigating as to the cause of the problem. I have found this fascinating and have learned allot more about PC's. Also I have had some great advice from Tech support on the Internet, and have been taught how to address the problem if it ever happens again. I have a new address now and am running multiple accounts, impressed or what.

Blast off

Looking forward to a lay in this morning but wide awake at 6am (did not go to bed until 1am) Had a very pleasant day in Loughborough and the park. They do a mean Greek salad and chips! I have to get down to some serious practice tonight but I have so much to do. I am still sorting my PC out after a minor problem as I now have no e mail facility.. I am also trying to construct a personal web site ,but it is taking ages ,as I have so much to write. Maybe one day I will get around to launching it.

Nigel

Today has flown by as we were very busy. I did not envy the grave diggers today as they had to cut through lots of stone and all by hand. Mind you they don't need to join a Gym as that was a massive workout. The church we were at was very similar to the Vicar of Dibley one, apart from some crazy person had taken a corner to fast and gone through a wall that has stood there for 100s of years, thus destroying it?

Bull

More jobs coming in for 2009. It would seem that the Bands popularity is growing and growing. It's a shame it is just a hobby. I was really looking forward to sitting down last night and watching a DVD with a cold beer. Put it on, and it was all in Spanish. It took me half the film to work out where the sub titles were? still as it was a 'jump out of your seat' movie I got the general idea, and to be honest the old Spaniards make a decent film. I have just booked tickets to see a well known medium on stage. I have watched this guy on the telly and however he does it, it is very clever. I want to see him live, to see if I can spot if it is a trick, or to be convinced it is real. It would be nice to think the latter.

USA

Their are a couple of numbers in the Tuesday night pad that I dread coming out. Last night one did. I wont say the title as people might keep requesting it for a laugh? As it goes it went ok, but the 3rd player did not believe that I get nervous before a solo like that? I must be a good actor then. Actually I suppose that is what I have done most of my life. I was an actor in the Army (having to discipline your mates etc and look angry, whilst hating every minute of it) An actor when I was an Engineer, trying to look as though I was getting real pleasure out of making a 1000 bolts on the lathe! At work, with a solemn face as well, is all an act (mind you I have always looked miserable) Most important act is on the microphone, and only my closest friends know why. So if ever there is an Oscar going for real life acting, then put me down for one!

Canine

My partner is an avid Dr Who fan, but while she is watching an episode, I am listening to the music. I have just purchased the series 3 CD and reading the sleeve notes, it only took 3 day's for the Orchestra to record. Now when you listen to it, some tracks can easily be compared to the best Classical music. No doubt in years to come, Rose's theme will be on par with some of Chopin or Bach works. On a different note. There was a Hit and Run in the town that I work. I just wonder how the person who has done this, can go to bed at night and sleep? That really goes for any thief or criminal. But I firmly believe that what goes around comes around. It's just a matter of time.

Great Balls

They all think at work, that, because I am a musician, I am the ideal chap to play requested tracks off CD's at Funerals. The last time I did this, I asked the verger if the equipment was ready. He said it was but there were no lights in the room that I was using it in? I managed to open the CD tray and put the CD in, all by feel. I set the track to the requested one. As the bearers and family started to come into Church, I pressed play, only to hear a completely different CD and Artist singing heavy Rock Music, and not the Ave Maria as requested????? You could smell the fear in the room I was in. Some quick thinking, and I realised that someone (The Verger) had forgotten to take a CD out, and I had put mine on top of that. Stressful this Undertaking lark.

Sunshine

I am going through a phase of buying solar lighting at the moment. I have got a set in the front garden, and have just purchased a house number solar light (Think of the electricity I am saving Roy) All I need now is a Solar Car/TV/Fridge and Heating and I will be well away. Managed an whole hour of practice yesterday, and absolutely none today? which is disgraceful, but I can live with it. The weekend has flown past and it is back to the grindstone tomorrow. This could be an interesting and decision making week for me, and I am feeling apprehensive, but we will see what fate brings along!

Xmas

I would hazard a guess that 75% of my CD collection is comprised of Film Soundtracks. This time around though I have purchased a CD and not even seen the film. The new Batman movie received much attention in the press, and I only had to see the composers name to know it would be a great Soundtrack. I wasn't disappointed, It's funny, because I used to play Batman and Robin with my mate next door. The outside toilet was the Bat Cave and we had all the kit. We used to run down the back entry into the road, singing the Batman Theme and startling passers by. I suppose it was a bit immature at 18 years of age...Oh well.

Bob

Well, the Olympics are now under way. It will be our turn next, and already the doubters and mickey takers are starting to ridicule Britain's attempts. But I tell you what, once the Olympic Stadium and Olympic Village is finished, it will be the proudest day of 2013!!!!
Went to get some quick shopping at a well known Supermarket today. I love using the self scan aisle. It asked for my money and I put in a £20 note. It returned my change dispensing a new crisp £10 note. The thing that amused me was, it came out with the words 'Jesus Loves You' written on it. I hope he does, cos I have a few questions when I get to see him!

Sinking Feeling

Have had a mad few days ordering CD's on the tinternet. I heard a track on the Classic channel and ordered the CD on the strength of it. It is called the Amadeus Project, and boy is this a different kind of music. The musicians on this are the cream of the crop, and it was only when I started reading the sleeve notes, that I realised I knew one of them. I first met this guy (who's name I will keep private) on a New Years Eve gig and he had just finished using the loo, when he came up and shook my hand.....I shook it cos I was in awe of this chap, from all that I had heard about him. ( There is more to this story but I will spare his blushes). I have been every night this week, so looking forward to a relaxing evening practicing.

Jumper

During the course of it's history. the OBB have travelled near and far to entertain folk. We have to draw the line somewhere though. Last night I took a call from a lady in Jersey!!! who wanted to book the Band for 1 day. Now I had to think quickly about the logistics of all this. For instance, we would have to book an extra seat on the plane for Roy's wallet. A large trunk would be required for Eric's cardigans, not to mention Peter's huge instrument. Then of course all the Band kit would have to be transported.. I had to turn the good lady down, and I am sure the Band will understand, as it was also a mid-week gig!!!!
Last night the original lead Trombone player came back to dep on second. I could not let him do that as he is a superb player, so I gave him all the solo's. He did not turn them down, so he must have enjoyed it.

Rolf

A friend told me this story today.
A friend of his had suffered with a very bad leg for many years. So much so, that it had to be amputated. He was admitted to hospital, and when he awoke from the anaesthetic, he found that they had removed the wrong leg. It was unfortunate that the bad leg still had to be removed as well.
When he had recovered sufficiently from this shocking ordeal, he went to the courts to fight for compensation. Apparently he did not get a penny as 'he didn't have a leg to stand on'?

Fritters

Very busy day at work, so the time has flown past. I hope to get down to some constructive practice over the next few weeks, although it will probably be the same old story...get home from work, do the Gym thing , cook and then veg out.... As you get older, it gets harder! (then why do I keep getting e mails about Viagra?) to motivate one's self. So as my old teacher once said, as she took my writing slate off me 'Try's hard, could do better.

Pier

They say it is a small world? Well it's very true as the OBB 11 found at tonight. We were booked to play an hour's spot for a countryside hotel's summer ball. Turns out that the cocktail pianist was a young lady who also has played sax with our Band. Young, extremely pretty and very talented, she played a varied programme of music. We only had an hour to play, so it was fast and furious. In the audience was a famous 70s footballer, which made Dave the Trumpets day and I am sure he would have hounded him for an autograph? Even though the dance floor was about 5 feet square, we got people up dancing. An unusual occurrence of the night, was seeing Peter the Bari, having sex on the beach....... OK it was the name of a cocktail, but boy did he enjoy it ;-) Bit of a break for the lads and lasses of the Band now, who have all worked extremely hard over the last 8 months. There have been no issues or drama, in fact, as I have always said, theses guys are the real pro's, who use team work to make us the most successful Band in the Midlands.

Och Eye

Have been Dog Sitting today. I would love my own dog, but have had to resort to looking after them when it's owner is away. We went for a very long walk, which also went past the Graveyard where his master is buried, Strange thing is, the Westie lay down beside the grave, and refused to budge for quite a few minutes! It reminded me of Grey friars Bobby. He is a smashing Dog and had a great time playing fetch the stick, or should I say, I had a good time playing fetch the stick. We must have the shortest Concert in History tonight (now that it is finally confirmed) It's only and hour!!! so I have made the programme fast and furious. It is going to take us longer to set up than play?

Daddy

Strange ways around the world when it comes to Funerals. In Sicily, there is a mausoleum ( The Capuchins Catacombe)that everyone can walk around and is filled with hundreds of mummies. Some are embalmed and some have been treated with secret processes,making them look as though they could get up and walk away? I don't think it could catch on over here. Mind you Eric the sax is still going strong at 103 and we have had him embalmed. Plus he can still stand and play cracking solo's! Don't think he is Italian though, although he does get his cardigans from there.