If you are needing a pre-Christmas pick-me-up this could be just the ticket!
After the success of their West End debut show in 2019, the award-winning Jive Aces are back with a brand new big swingin’ extravaganza on 12th Dec at The Aldwych Theatre in London for a night of classic cool swing and rockin’ rhythm and blues with a few festive favourites thrown in for good measure. Lots of special guests too!
The Jive Aces need almost no introduction. They are without doubt one of the world’s best-known Jumping Jive outfits and have been performing around the globe since 1989. The June 2015 issue of Vintage Rock magazine described them as the “UK’s number one jive and swing band”.
They were Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalists in 2012 and have released eleven albums, as well as compilations, EPs and singles. They have performed for Royalty and entertained celebrities, as well as working with some of the world’s most famous musicians including Van Morrison, Count Basie, Jamie Cullum, Buddy Greco etc.
The band was founded by vocalist Ian Clarkson, drummer Peter Howell (who went to school with Ian in Billericay), bassist Ken Smith and saxophonist “Big” John Fordham. The four met in East London jive and jazz clubs. They cut their teeth in street entertaining and were soon being offered shows in UK and Europe. After several years of touring the band with various other musicians, the four met Alex Douglas (trombone, bongos, blues harp, washboard) and Vince Hurley (piano) who became permanent members. Grazia Clarkson, the band’s publicist, has also become a regular performing member playing several featured songs on the accordion.
Now for one night only The Jive Aces are stepping onto the Aldwych stage to present a unique, energetic and vibrant show. After two years of no live performances due to the pandemic, but with the experience and new material that comes from doing 500 consecutive live streams, The Jive Aces have a new dynamic, foot-tapping and spectacular “Not Quite Christmas” Show of handpicked songs from the Swing and Rock ‘n’ Roll era ready to keep you rocking in your seats or get you dancing in the aisles.
Special guest performers include; The Godfather of Swing, Ray Gelato; Vintage swing singing princess and BBC TV star, Rebecca Grant; Post-modern harmony trio, The London Belles; the silky-voiced jazz chanteuse, Noelle Vaughn; Irish rhythm & blues singer, Alan Power; Award-winning tap dancer, Adele Joel; Boogie-Woogie, Blues and Jazz Pianist, Ladyva; Crazy lindy hoppers Joseph and Charlotte from JiveSwing.com and the band’s own Italian Queen of accordion Grazia Bevilacqua!
The show is guaranteed to leave anyone in good shape to embark happily on a hectic Christmas Season.
The Jive Aces “Not Quite Christmas” Show
Monday 12th December, The Aldwych Theatre, London
Tickets £20 – £40
