Reporter: Tony Sheldon
Date online: 12/06/2008

I run out of superlatives when I review a concert by The Old Fashioned Love Band, professional musicianship at its best, blending like a cohesive unit welded together!

Sunday at the Kingsway, the well-merited applause only confirmed a sad farewell and the hopes of a quick return visit in the New Year.

Led by Mel Hill on trumpet and vocals, his puffed out cheeks almost exploding into the auditorium, and joined on the frontline by the most relaxed clarinet virtuoso on the jazz scene, Eric Newton, who will spend January and February busking in Melbourne (Sweet Chariot, I hope!!!), plus accomplished trombonist and vocalist Mike Pembroke, we have perfection personified!

The rhythm backline of busy banjo/guitarist Jake Reeves with the vocal tones of the thirties, the double bass string talent of Pedro Robinson and the quietman drumming of Dave Timmis holding it all together.

Superb arrangements, classic styles, equally adept with driving aggression and slow adaptations it is difficult to pick out highlights.

Starting with their regular opener 'Streets Of The City', Pembroke's vocals were heard to good effect in 'Darktown Strutters Ball', 'Careless Love; and 'Dinah'. Newton's effortless clarinet shone through with 'Burgundy Street Blues' and 'Too Busy' in a superb "team performance".

Banjoist Jake Reeves in almost Al Bowlly Tones gave us "Action Louder Than Words', 'Rhythm And Romance', 'From Monday On' and 'When I Take My Sugar To Tea' apart from his instrumental solos with 'Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams', 'Marie Elena' and Isle Of Capri'.

Leading from the front with panache Hill's vocals and solos stood out in 'Old Rockin Chairs Got Me', 'Make Me A Pallet On The Floor', 'Way Down Yonder In New Orleans' and 'If I Could Be With You One Hour Tonight'

Add to the party the frenetic sounds of 'Ice Cream' and 'Pretty Baby' - no one would have noticed the cold outside!

The Old Fashioned Love Band
14 December 2003