Old Fashioned Love Band

The original Old Fashioned Love Band from the Potteries was very much part of the 1960’s jazz scene. The current band, re-formed in 2002, has two of the original band members – Mel Hill and Jake Reeves – and two fairly recent recruits in Harri Foreluis and Mike Turner. All their members have one thing in common – their love of New Orleans ensemble jazz, which was the catalyst for the band’s ‘rebirth’. All widely experienced musicians in their own right, they place emphasis in the band’s style on the kind of collective improvisation pioneered by the likes of George Lewis and Bunk Johnson in the USA, and Ken Collier in the UK. The result has been a highly entertaining and professional outfit, proving immensely popular with jazz audiences.

Band Members

Front Line

Mike Pembroke – trombone/vocals

Mike’s playing career took off when he became leader of the Savannah J.B. in the 1960’s
He later formed the Mike Pembroke Hot Seven Jazz Band
His many achievements include backing Humphrey Lyttelton and 100 Club appearances.
Also played with the Smoky City Jazz Band
Mike always puts lots of energy and enthusiasm into his playing; super trombonist!

Mel Hill – cornet/vocals

Career began in the 1950’s
Founding member of the Ceramic City Stompers
Joined the original Old Fashioned Love Band in the 1960’s
Many radio broadcasts; presents Radio Stoke jazz programme
Has backed Bud Freeman and Wild Bill Davison
Apart from The Old Fashioned Love Band, has his own group, Fine and Dandy
Talented singer and composer
Great input to the front line and makes all the announcements

Mike Turner – clarinet, soprano/alto saxes

Mike took an active interest in jazz towards the end of the ‘trad boom’
Playing in various jazz sessions across the Midlands, his main influences then were the Second City Jazz Band (Wolverhampton) and the Johnny Parker Band (Islington)
Most of his playing has been at 'The Trumpet', the legendary pub in Bilston which has been presenting live jazz for nearly 40 years; mainly with Swing Parade
Has played with Tommy Saunders and Bruce Adams

Rhythm Section

Dave Timmis– drums

Started his playing in the 1950’s
Member of the Ceramic City Stompers
Jazz came second to a highly successful business career
Had a major influence in the ‘rebirth’ of the Old Fashioned Love Band
Favourite musician is Moondog
Now retired, Dave thoroughly enjoys playing New Orleans style jazz with the band

Jake Reeves – banjo/guitar/vocals

Member of the original Old Fashioned Love Band
Other bands he plays with are Jazz Junction and Fine and Dandy
Very skilled on both banjo and guitar
Also has a reputation as a blues player
Has a varied range of vocals, that includes various obscure twenties and thirties tunes

Harri Foreluis– double bass

Harri is the latest band member, joining in late 2004
Musical talent developed in native Finland, initially with guitar but then with double bass
Founder member of DDT Jazzband, which achieved fame in Finland, including a pleasing jam session with Louis Armstrong
Came to England in 1966, not returning to playing until1990 because of work commitments
An accomplished musician, Harri is a great asset to the OFLB ryhthm section.