Jive Aces to rock The Fire Station

THE UK’s top jive and swing band are heading to Sunderland with a special show inspired by ‘The King.’

The Jives Aces will present their Roots of Elvis show at The Fire Station on Sunday, February 5 – and tickets are selling fast.

The Jive Aces are renowned for their high energy Jump Jive music, where swing meets rock n’ roll, and were formed in 1989. They came to national prominence in 2012 when they were popular semi-finalists in ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent.

The six-piece band were founded by vocalist Ian Clarkson; his schoolmate and drummer Peter Howell; bassist Ken Smith, and saxophonist ‘Big’ John Fordham. They cut their teeth in the East London jive and jazz clubs where they met, and were offered shows across the UK and Europe.

Alex Douglas (trombone, bongos, blues harp and washboard) and Vince Hurley (piano) became permanent members of the band, as did Grazia Clarkson, the band’s accordionist.

The band have released 11 albums, as well as singles and compilations. They’ve performed at numerous music festivals in the UK and 35 other countries, and their viral version of Bring Me Sunshine has had almost three million views on YouTube.

The hardworking band have also made hundreds of media appearances, including a residency on BBC Radio London and TV shows such as The Alan Titchmarsh Show, Strictly Come Dancing, Children In Need and Good Day Los Angeles.

Elvis has always been an inspiration for Jive Aces, who share a love of American roots music: jive, swing, jazz, blues and rock n’ roll. In the 1970s, 80s and 90s, while others were dancing to disco, punk, heavy metal or hip hop, the Jive Aces were listening to early rhythm and blues, hillbilly, gospel and vocal groups.

Tamsin Austin, Venue Director at The Fire Station, said: “In a way, this isn’t a tribute act to a single performer, but a labour of love to American roots music. The Jive Aces have a great reputation for their live shows and the timing of this show could hardly be better – the interest in Elvis, his early music, rhythm and blues and the origins of rock n’ roll has soared thanks to Baz Luhrman’s recent Elvis biopic.

“The Jive Aces all cite Elvis as inspiring them into music. They were introduced to American roots music through listening to him and the musicians and singers who influenced him.

“Because of the nature of the show – and the brilliant music they play – we’ll be setting out The Fire Station to enable people to dance. Most people will still have seats, but there will be a dancefloor, which I’m sure will be busy on February 5.”

Tickets for the Jive Aces’ Roots of Elvis show are priced from £16.50 and those under 14 should be accompanied by an adult. For more information, or to book tickets, go to www.thefirestation.org.uk