OFLB    A B O U T  T H E  B A N D    OFLB

When Stockport based trombonist Mike Pembroke joined 5 Potteries musicians for a “one-off” gig in the Spring of 2002, the evening was such a success that we all agreed that it should be replicated. Too lazy to think up a name, we resurrected the Old Fashioned Love Band, a successful Stoke on Trent group of the 1960s that had featured several of us at that  time. Circumstances and the venue dictated that the style was based on the music of Ken Colyer, Bunk Johnson and George Lewis. However, as the band widened its geographical appearances, so did its repertoire. 

The band is now fortunate to have four excellent vocalists, all with as vast reservoir of varied songs. Audiences at an OFLB concert will now be treated to a programme that can include everything from little known tunes from the 1920s to original compositions from the pen of cornet player Mel Hill. We naturally do not neglect jazz classics, but we do give them the now tried and tested OFLB treatment. 

As a result of development within the band we have extended our appeal to jazz audiences as far apart as Scotland and the South Coast. We regularly appear around the country at events as diverse as major Jazz Festivals and concerts in Village Halls and Small Theatres. Most importantly we receive repeat bookings at all the jazz clubs within striking distance of our base in Stoke on Trent. 

We have recently released our fourth CD  “Rhythm and Romance” which we think offers a taste of the wide range of music that we embrace, and which has made the band so popular. 

Audiences really appreciate our professional presentation and our obvious enjoyment of playing together. This is demonstrated by the fact that we have often requested permission to start playing before the appointed time.