The wonderfully named Telephone Bill and The Smooth Operators take to the stage with their sweet bluesy swing on Wednesday at Baldock’s home of folk.

Music Live at The Orange Tree hosts the five-piece, who originated as the much-loved even better named Duke Duke and the Dukes in the 70s.

BBC radio presenter Nick Barraclough who heads up outfit said the band, which split up in 1981 “over musical differences, girls and a lost bicycle,” reformed to play at the 2001 Cambridge Folk Festival.

“Lacking wind instruments, very high voices and dresses, the band then spotted Paula Welham when her band The Floozies opened for them in Bury St Edmunds. She helped out at a couple of gigs then we wouldn’t let her go.

“Back in the 70s, Telephone Bill and The Smooth Operators were hailed as being 30 years ahead of their time. That makes them now only a few years out of date.”

Entry is �10 on the door from 8.30pm for non-members. Children go free.