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It’s Not Quite Christmas - The Jive Aces












It’s Not Quite Christmas-The Jive Aces 

Released November 2024 


Reviewed by Terry Mead  04/12/2024. 


Recorded live by Andy Elias, at Magda and the Hungarians living room for a whole day 

The Jive Aces from Billericay in Essex, Uk playing a genre mixture of jazz, swing, jump blues, rock n roll & skiffle. Their energy level quickly soars through the roof as the band starts stomping with some infectious, high-speed swing music that parallels the energy of 50's rock 'n' roll with all the silk and glamour of 40's swing. Truly modern, and making no claims otherwise, the band seems to be on a caffeine high as they shoot and dance around the notes with such clarity. 


Members of the Band: 

Ian Clarkson-Vocals 

Ken Smith-Bass 

Vince Hurley-Piano 

Peter Howell-Drummer 

John Fordham-Saxophone 

Alex Douglas-Trombone 

Grazia Clarkson-Accordion 


Review of single: Lovley crooner style intro with Ian giving us an insight to the pre-Christmas sequel before we hit into a neat soft jazzy swing tune that fulfils the laurels. The drums play gently while the piano accomplishment sooths the tone and the trombone just gyrate the notches. All in all, an apt cruisy little number for the time of year that will have you jiving around the dancefloor. 


Links to Social Media: 


Band Bio: 

The Jive Aces are a six-piece UK-based, swing band that was formed in 1989. They were Britain's Got Talent semi-finalists in 2012. They have released 11 albums, as well as compilations, EPs and singles[6] and have performed at numerous music festivals. 

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 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 accordion. 

The band is recognized as one of the top swing bands in the world, something borne out by their extensive international travel (the band has performed in over 40 countries). The June 2015 issue of Vintage Rock magazine described them as the "UK's number one jive and swing band". 

They have received awards from Variety, the Children's Charity and the City of Derry International Music Award in 2006. On 12 September 2018 The Jive Aces won "Best Band" at the Boisdale Music Awards. The award was presented by Jools Holland, who then joined the band for a boogie woogie jam session. 

The band is also notable for having strong links to the Church of Scientology as members of the Sea Organization, and for promoting the group and its missions. 

 

Don’t forget to check out our new website with reviews, links to vendors and much more  at https://www.slapthatbass.online/album-reviews 

 

 

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