Britain’s own swing band, The Jive Aces, are well known for two things: their success on Simon Cowell’s Britain’s Got Talent and their ridiculously bright neon-yellow suits.
Before the sextet’s success on Cowell’s reality show, The Jive Aces had been performing for well over 15 years. The band originally started when vocalist Ian Clarkson attended school with drummer Peter Howell. Both met saxophonist Big John Fordham and bassist Ken Smith later. They all enjoyed live music and were inspired to start their own band as there weren’t any bands their age playing that genre of music.
The Jive Aces are now bringing their music and British humor to Long Beach as part of their one month US residency. Their new show, King of the Swingers, A Salute to Louis Prima” features Toni Elizabeth Prima, the daughter of the pioneering jazz music Louis Prima and Keely Smith. The show will also feature Satin Dollz, a Hollywood pin-up dance group.
The Aces managed to snag their first US tour after a booking manager in Ohio saw their “Bring Me Sunshine” music video. The band has performed throughout the world and with over 10 years of experience, the troupe has also performed for the Queen of England as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
The Queen visited select boroughs in London and after he advisers heard she was a fan of swing music, the Jives were immediately booked. The band managed to write a ditty especially for the Queen, who smiled and gave them their signature wave.
With the Jives Aces’ upcoming tour stop in Long Beach, fans of swing and jazz music shouldn’t expect anything less than a good time.
The Jive Aces will perform on Sunday, November 23 at 2 PM at the Carpenter Centre located at 6200 Atherton Street. Tickets and further information can be reached at www.carpenterarts.org.