Offbeat Collective

There’s nothing better than stumbling across unexpected live music during a pub crawl. On Friday night, my ears led me to the Louis Marchesi, as I heard the sweet sound of soul, funk and reggae filling the street, inviting me into the already jam-packed pub. On the stage were a lively eight-piece band who had a stage presence you simply couldn’t ignore, Offbeat Collective otherwise known as ‘OBC’ and formerly known as Norwich Reggae Collective.

The group varied in age, as did the audience, reflecting how reggae and soul music is loved by all generations, not just those who grew up with it in the 60s and 70s. They claim to ‘redefine reggae in a melodic, big-band style’ and although this was OBC’s first gig of the year, their confidence was not lacking. You could feel their excitement at being back playing live. The most noticeable thing about OBC was how much was going on. The eight members play a variety of powerful brass instruments such as the trombone, the trumpet and the saxophone, but the list goes on - there was also flute, percussion, bass guitar, drums, piano and rhythm guitar. And, of course, not to forget the wonderfully talented lead vocalist. As a young female who enjoys singing, I was both captivated and inspired by OBC’s lead singer, Catherine Brown, who best revealed her impressive skills of juggling, singing and playing the flute during their fast paced, lively take on Fleetwood Macs ‘California Dreamin’. Another defining detail was pianist Andy Gatfield’s pork pie hat, reminiscent of Ska and 2 Tone legends The Specials, whose style and influence shone through OBC’s performance.

Despite the room not being overly huge, the atmosphere was carefree, allowing the crowd to dance and bop freely to familiar soul and reggae classics like You don't love me (no no no) and Aint no Sunshine, as well as sing- alongs like Lets Stay Together and Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da. Played with an increased tempo and rhythmic twist, they were all performed with incredible amounts of passion. After many “this is our last one” announcements, and then an encore, I realised it was past midnight. We had been entertained for three hours. Afterwards, I spoke to guitarist Aron Saunders, who told me that the highlight of a gig is “seeing people engage in something positive and feeding from the energy off of the people in the room”, something that totally encapsulated my experience.

OBC have so much energy to give that you can’t help but leave one of their gigs filled with joy. I heartily recommend you go and see their next one at The Marlborough Arms on the 14th of March. This was the most captivating gig I've been to in a long time. My next experience with them will certainly not be accidental.