The Jive Aces
The Jive Aces are one of the hardest-working bands in show business today, performing over 300 shows a year in the UK and abroad, and they have appeared on hundreds of TV and radio shows all over the world.
A group of lads from London were drawn together by their love for a style and music that outclassed anything around. The music was hot jive that had the beat, energy and enthusiasm of rock ‘n’ roll and the fun and rhythm of big band swing all rolled into one.
Their musical journey took them from Elvis Presley to Bill Haley and from Louis Prima to Frank Sinatra. This was the sound that excited the guys so much that they quickly started dancing and would often be seen tearing up the floor when hot bands came to town. The dancing became a musical learning ground with one common theme - foot tapping, swinging, spirit-raising fun. The lads loved dancing but it was difficult finding bands that they could really swing to, so they turned their talents to making hot music themselves.
They began as the ‘Aces of Rhythm’, a guitar based rhythm band. Adding a horn section they became the ‘Emperors of Rhythm, and soon had a good following in London changing their name again to the ‘Blues Busters. This latest name change didn’t last long, however, as there was already a band of the same name. By popular request they recorded their first vinyl single and the record company wanted to know what to call the band.
"The something Aces", said Ian hastily, "but what?"
"Jive! The Jive Aces", shouted Ken down the phone to the record company. And so The Jive Aces were born.
From their first concert on the 14th January, 1989 in Paris, the Jive Aces were a hit. Their wild, high-energy floorshow soon became their trademark and people of all ages came to see the lively band give them what they wanted - pure entertainment.
Their unique sound comes from a combination of their own original tunes in true swing style as well as fresh arrangements of classics from the swing era made famous by such greats as Louis Prima (Just a Gigolo), Louis Jordan (Five Guys Named Mo), Cab Calloway (Minnie the Moocher), Count Basie, Benny Goodman and Louis Armstrong.
The Jive Aces have performed at countless major events including Montreux Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, The Royal Ballet's 50th Anniversary, World Lindy Hop Dance Championships, The Lord Mayors Spectacular, Vienne Jazz Festival, City of London Festival, Cannes Film Festival official party, Cork Jazz Festival and many, many more.
They have been featured on hundreds of TV and radio shows including special features on CNN, BBC1, ABC's ‘Good Morning Los Angeles’, Channel 4's ‘Holy Smoke’, BBC Radio 2's ‘Paul Jones Show’, Jazz FM, the one-hour PBS Special ‘A Swingin’ Christmas’ and an eight week residency on the hit Italian show ‘Niente Popo Dimenoche’.
The Jive Aces have worked alongside many of the top names in the business, including John Travolta, Isaac Hayes, Van Morrison, Count Basie Orchestra , Buddy Greco, Jamie Cullum, Kirstie Allie, Acker Bilk, Jack Dee, David Suchet, Lee Evans and Juliette Lewis to name just a few.
The Jive Aces are:
Ian Clarkson - Lead Vocals & Trumpet
"Big" John Fordham - Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, Clarinet
Alex Douglas - Trombone
Vince "Professor" Hurley - Piano
Ken Smith - Double Bass
Peter "Bilky" Howell - Drums
"The Jive Aces are very high calibre musicians that amazed the Montreux Jazz Festival crowd with their spectacular show combined with perfect technique"
Willie Zumbrunnen - Montreux Jazz Festival
"The Jive Aces put the cherry on the festival with their fantastic mix of jazz, swing & jump jive. Their performance, as slick and exciting as ever, put the large crowd under the Jive Aces spell. The use of an acrobatic stage show, which is interspersed with forays into the crowd, had the crowd calling for more. The Jive Aces ooze talent, presentation and professionalism, obviously honed during their recent world tour. More than a band, a performance to grace any stage"
Chichester Real Ale and Jazz festival
"The Jive Aces were definitely the most exciting act to play at our 2003 festival. They came onstage at 7.30pm on a Sunday evening & absolutely blew the house away. They were the first band I booked for 2004!"
Gary Hood, Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival
"Great band with a jumpin' hot sound which went down a storm"
Liz Carter, Hartlepool Maritime Festival
"They give the best jive and swing show around & they really do live up to their reputation as the UK's No. 1 jive & swing band"
Simon Selmon, London Swing Dance Society
"The Jive Aces are really spectacular, not only clowning about and putting on a real show, but their musicianship is rock solid, they cover everything from Joe Houston to Louis Prima via Joe Turner. I strongly suggest you get to see them if you can. We saw them at the Great British R&B Festival & were all knocked out"
Tony Watson, Blues & Rhythm Magazine
