The Jive Aces

Friday 29 February 7.45pm

Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury

“The Jive Aces cruise into town on a tidal wave of adulation and rave reviews” Evening Mail

From their first concert in 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.

The UK's top jive and swing band are still upholding this and are bringing what promises to be an exceptional show to the Gulbenkian Theatre. Playing songs made famous by such greats as Bobby Darin, Louis Prima and Sammy Davis Jnr, they also feature a selection of superb originals.

This in-demand six piece have worked with Van Morrison, Status Quo, John Travolta, Chuck Berry and Isaac Hayes as well as performing for HRH Prince Philip. The band has brought the house down with their high energy stage show at thousands of festivals, theatres, and dancehalls throughout Britain, Europe, USA and beyond.

“Very high calibre musicians that amazed the Montreaux Jazz Festival crowd with their spectacular show combined with technical perfection.” Montreaux Jazz Festival

We'll also have our dance space below and in front of the stage so you can Jive with the band.

Tickets £12 Concs £10

Booking Office 01227 769075

On line bookings www.gulbenkiantheatre.co.uk

Ends.

www.jiveaces.com

For images contact Frances Moran, Marketing Manager, F_dot_Moran_at_kent_dot_ac_dot_uk

Press Contact:

Peter Howell: bookings_at_jiveaces_dot_com 07793122646

Notes to Editors:

Biography:

The Jive Aces are one of the hardest-working bands in show business today, performing over 300 shows a year in so far over 25 different countries. They have appeared on literally 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 which was later added to by horns becoming the “Emperors of Rhythm”. Soon they had a good following in London and changed 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 as they had the disc on the press and no name. “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. After the release of their first CD, “Jumpin’ with the Aces” in 1992, the groups’ popularity spread like wildfire throughout Europe and the UK and since that time they have continued to tour every year.

The Jive Aces are: Ian Clarkson – Vocals & Trumpet
Ken Smith – Double Bass
Vince Hurley – Piano
Peter Howell – Drums
John Fordham – Saxophone
Alex Douglas – Trombone

The Jive Aces’ unique sound comes from a combination of their own original tunes in true swing style as well as fresh arrangements of songs from the swing era. Classics 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 first hit America in 1996 when they were invited to perform at the Olympic Games celebrations in Atlanta, Georgia. Since then they have returned to America many times and performed all over the States including Hollywood where they recorded their albums in the famous Mad Hatter studios.

Infectious rhythm, screaming horns and slapping bass all add up to being the favourite band of dancers across the globe. Consequently, the Jive Aces have performed with many of the top dancers and dance troupes around including; The Jivin’ Lindy Hoppers (UK), DC Swing Dance Society (USA), Norma Miller (USA), Frankie Manning (USA), Hop, Swing and a Jump (USA), The Rhythm Hotshots (Sweden), Zoots and Spangles (UK), Christian Perry (USA).