Ian Clarkson (trumpet/vocal/ukulele); John Fordham (tenor/clarinet); Alex Douglas (trombone); Vince Hurley (piano); Ken Smith (bass); Mark Warburton (drums); Grazia Bevilacqua (accordion) + Amy Baker (vocal).
(Review by Lance).
The Jive Aces were back! The rip-roaring, rock 'n' rollin' sextet once again laid siege to the Customs House with their Keely Smith/Louis Prima/Louis Jordan brand of rhythm 'n' blues and jazz.
Yes, there was jazz and swing in abundance. How could there not be with John Fordham, who doesn't write for The Guardian, blowing tenor as if he was Sam Butera walkin' the bar in New Orleans? He also paid homage to Illinois Jacquet on Flying Home.
My heart sank when leader Clarkson announced that Fordham was going to be featured on clarinet - Stranger on the Shore on a night like this? I guessed wrong! BG's All the Cats Join in from the 1940's film Make Mine Music. Goodman lives!
Clarkson sang, played trumpet and various ukes (he's hosting a ukulele workshop at The Word today - Sunday, February 11 @ 1:30pm).
Over on the grand piano, Hurley, who must have provided work for more piano tuners than any ten other pianists combined, gave his usual gymnastic display whilst still laying down some fantastic boogie-woogie.
Douglas doesn't solo a lot but his ensemble playing helps to create the sound of a band twice this size.
On drums, Mark Warburton's a new face. A session drummer, I don't know if he was just enlisted for the tour or if he's now a permanent member. Whatever, he did the business as if he'd been with the band for all 21 years of its existence. Sing Sing Sing the inevitable feature.
Italian dancer cum accordionist, Grazia Bevilacqua, added some Neapolitan charm and Ken Smith played slap bass with mucho gusto.
Which only leaves Amy Baker. Did I say only? Delete that word!
Ms. Baker was sensational, slotting into the routines to the manner born and singing like a jazzier Judy Garland. The girl can sing and swing with the best of them - look out for her!
So another triumph for the Jive Aces - they're unstoppable!
Lance.
Italian dancer cum accordionist, Grazia Bevilacqua, added some Neapolitan charm and Ken Smith played slap bass with mucho gusto.
Which only leaves Amy Baker. Did I say only? Delete that word!
Ms. Baker was sensational, slotting into the routines to the manner born and singing like a jazzier Judy Garland. The girl can sing and swing with the best of them - look out for her!
So another triumph for the Jive Aces - they're unstoppable!
Lance.
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