The Arizona desert
I'm sure we parked the horse around here somewhere
A couple of photos from our recent trip to the US where we drove from Los Angeles to Phoenix and back via San Diego.
Showing posts with label woogie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label woogie. Show all posts
Monday, July 21, 2008
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Festival Madness
We have been hitting a bunch of festivals recently, some new ones for the band and some returns. Check out the pics below for the recent madness at Glastonbury, Montreux, Iford, Oundle and more.
Taste Of London
Chelsea Flower Show
Iford Arts Festival
Montreux Jazz Festival
The view from the boat!
Oundle International Festival
The Book Expo America
We played 2 days at the Book Expo America in downtown Los Angeles. We spent the entire time dressed as pirates to promote a series of 30's and 40's pulp fiction books being rereleased. You should have seen some of the looks we got walking through the street to the diner!
Ian in full plundering regalia. Hmm pity about the background...
And with a little photoshop magic, hey presto and instant pirate ship cargo hold!
With Marvel Comic legend, Stan Lee
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Off to the US tomorrow!
Well it's Dunton Park tonight and then off "bright" and early to Heathrow. Our list of US gigs can, as always, be found at www.jiveaces.com/gig_guide.
We've also recently been adding stuff to Facebook too. Alex and Ian both have profiles and you can join the Jive Aces group at:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5905502023
Or even become a "fan" at the Jive Aces "page" at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Jive-Aces/18718694107
Cheers, Alex
We've also recently been adding stuff to Facebook too. Alex and Ian both have profiles and you can join the Jive Aces group at:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5905502023
Or even become a "fan" at the Jive Aces "page" at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Jive-Aces/18718694107
Cheers, Alex
Saturday, March 01, 2008
A lot to catch up on!
Oh mon deux! We haven't updated the blog for ages! What's happened? Loads of great stuff, so much we didn't have time. Well that's our excuse anyway and we're sticking to it...
Where have we been? Gosh, don't know where to start.
We were just in the US again. Washington DC and then LA. So I'll start there...
DC was great as usual. The burgeoning swing scene is kept rolling mainly by Tom and Debra and their team; gottaswing.com.
We played at the beautiful Spanish Ballroom in Glen Echo park in Maryland - one of the biggest original art deco ballrooms. Then we were at the Carlisle club, a new venture for gottaswing. Its a very nice supper club where you can dine and dance and even dress up for the occasion and it was sold out with standing room only.
Then we hit LA. The night we flew in we didn't have a gig so we took advantage of this rather unique opportunity and actually went to another gig to watch someone else perform for a change. We headed on down to Safari Sam's on Sunset Boulevard for a three band Western Swing extravaganza. Marty Smith and his Moonyhams, the Lucky Stars (featuring our mate Jeremy Wakefield - genius of the steel guitar - who is on our new album "Recipe for Rhythm") and the Hot Club of Cow Town. I have wanted to see them since we got their album a few years back. The Lucky Stars are great - one of the most original sounding bands I have heard and nearly all their own material too. Hot Club are just high energy (which of course we like) virtuoso hillbilly, western swing meets Django Reinheart and Stephen Grappelli. A fantastic and unique blend.
For our first actual gig in California this time we played at a new venue for us in Thousand Oaks. There were some great dancers, many from Moorpark College, and when we hit 'em with Sing, Sing, Sing they hit the floor for a great jam up. Then we played at Rusty's in Playa Del Ray by the beach and had the obligatory Fat Burger - which by the way is in our contract. Fat Burger are the best burgers, they're cooked to order and fresh and have the best music on their juke box! They have also been "converting vegetarians since 1952", apparently. Then it was back to Pasadena for the PBDA (Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association) which was extremely well attended with the parking lot (that's the car park for us British chaps) taking the excess as people alternated dancing and getting some air and refreshment.
Our favourite thing about the trip is that Toni Elizabeth Prima (who is also on the new album), brought her mum, the legendary Keely Smith, to see us - twice! And Keely is so nice. We got on really well and she came to visit us and hang out at the studio while we were recording. For those who don't know, Keely Smith and Louis Prima you had better check out youtube...and remember King Louis in the Jungle Book.
Keely is still singing and sounds great. She was in LA performing on the Grammy Awards. It was the 50th anniversary of the Grammies and she and Louis won one of the first Grammies in '58 for "That Old Black Magic" so she was on the show singing the winning song with Kid Rock and presenting one of the awards.
While in Hollywood we were in the Mad Hatter studio again recording three new songs for the next album. I know the latest one hasn't been released yet but one has to think into the future you know. (By the way "Recipe for Rhythm" is done and will be out soon - its amazing how long it takes to get an album into the market after you've finished it...exasperating eh?)
Anyway the album we have started working is gonna be fun. Its a little different and inspired by 1930s and '40s pulp fiction. You know, like the sort of style that inspired films like Indiana Jones and the Mummy - good action and adventure; loads of sci fi, pirates and cowboys etc...
Yes, there is a pirate song and our first "country" song, "Branded Outlaw". If anyone out there has any ideas of good old adventure fiction stories please let us know - or old pulp styled films or series etc. Also let us know if you like re-enacting (dressing up) as pirates, cowboys, WWII pilots etc for when we do a music video.
It was another great trip to the States and good to see all our friends - we'll miss you, and the weather, until we se you again in May. Till we meet for another great American milk shake, Cheers!
Oh and Hayley says "hello" (explanation; as I am sitting in Costa Coffee {which to any Americans is like Starbucks but with coffee} in Stevenage after a Say No to Drugs gig, Hayley, young and talented singer, double bassist and dancer, has been reading my ramblings and added to it, as you can see here - copy and paste it because one day she will probably be very well known and you can have one of her first pieces of writing..).
Where have we been? Gosh, don't know where to start.
We were just in the US again. Washington DC and then LA. So I'll start there...
DC was great as usual. The burgeoning swing scene is kept rolling mainly by Tom and Debra and their team; gottaswing.com.
We played at the beautiful Spanish Ballroom in Glen Echo park in Maryland - one of the biggest original art deco ballrooms. Then we were at the Carlisle club, a new venture for gottaswing. Its a very nice supper club where you can dine and dance and even dress up for the occasion and it was sold out with standing room only.
Then we hit LA. The night we flew in we didn't have a gig so we took advantage of this rather unique opportunity and actually went to another gig to watch someone else perform for a change. We headed on down to Safari Sam's on Sunset Boulevard for a three band Western Swing extravaganza. Marty Smith and his Moonyhams, the Lucky Stars (featuring our mate Jeremy Wakefield - genius of the steel guitar - who is on our new album "Recipe for Rhythm") and the Hot Club of Cow Town. I have wanted to see them since we got their album a few years back. The Lucky Stars are great - one of the most original sounding bands I have heard and nearly all their own material too. Hot Club are just high energy (which of course we like) virtuoso hillbilly, western swing meets Django Reinheart and Stephen Grappelli. A fantastic and unique blend.
For our first actual gig in California this time we played at a new venue for us in Thousand Oaks. There were some great dancers, many from Moorpark College, and when we hit 'em with Sing, Sing, Sing they hit the floor for a great jam up. Then we played at Rusty's in Playa Del Ray by the beach and had the obligatory Fat Burger - which by the way is in our contract. Fat Burger are the best burgers, they're cooked to order and fresh and have the best music on their juke box! They have also been "converting vegetarians since 1952", apparently. Then it was back to Pasadena for the PBDA (Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association) which was extremely well attended with the parking lot (that's the car park for us British chaps) taking the excess as people alternated dancing and getting some air and refreshment.
Our favourite thing about the trip is that Toni Elizabeth Prima (who is also on the new album), brought her mum, the legendary Keely Smith, to see us - twice! And Keely is so nice. We got on really well and she came to visit us and hang out at the studio while we were recording. For those who don't know, Keely Smith and Louis Prima you had better check out youtube...and remember King Louis in the Jungle Book.
Keely is still singing and sounds great. She was in LA performing on the Grammy Awards. It was the 50th anniversary of the Grammies and she and Louis won one of the first Grammies in '58 for "That Old Black Magic" so she was on the show singing the winning song with Kid Rock and presenting one of the awards.
While in Hollywood we were in the Mad Hatter studio again recording three new songs for the next album. I know the latest one hasn't been released yet but one has to think into the future you know. (By the way "Recipe for Rhythm" is done and will be out soon - its amazing how long it takes to get an album into the market after you've finished it...exasperating eh?)
Anyway the album we have started working is gonna be fun. Its a little different and inspired by 1930s and '40s pulp fiction. You know, like the sort of style that inspired films like Indiana Jones and the Mummy - good action and adventure; loads of sci fi, pirates and cowboys etc...
Yes, there is a pirate song and our first "country" song, "Branded Outlaw". If anyone out there has any ideas of good old adventure fiction stories please let us know - or old pulp styled films or series etc. Also let us know if you like re-enacting (dressing up) as pirates, cowboys, WWII pilots etc for when we do a music video.
It was another great trip to the States and good to see all our friends - we'll miss you, and the weather, until we se you again in May. Till we meet for another great American milk shake, Cheers!
Oh and Hayley says "hello" (explanation; as I am sitting in Costa Coffee {which to any Americans is like Starbucks but with coffee} in Stevenage after a Say No to Drugs gig, Hayley, young and talented singer, double bassist and dancer, has been reading my ramblings and added to it, as you can see here - copy and paste it because one day she will probably be very well known and you can have one of her first pieces of writing..).
Friday, December 07, 2007
03/11/07
Our second Jive-Ola went down a storm. A HUGE thanks to everybody who helped us put it on in cluding Della from Rock-Ola, our DJs Rob and Jeff and our special guests Laura B and Henri Herbert and also our special surprise guest, Jackson Sloane from Oo Bop Sh'Bam.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
17/08/07 - 20/08/07
Over the Irish Sea and a date in Bangor with the Commitments in Castle Park. That afternoon we also appeared on our old friend, Geroge Jones', show on U Radio.
Next day we drove to Derry for the grand opening of Harry's in Bridgend but not before a spot on BBC Foyle.
Then we hotfooted it down to Bangor for our mate Steve's birthday party where we were joined by some Irish celebrities including the guy who was on Big Brother.
Next we winged it down to Dublin for a huge "Say No To Drugs" event in Grafton Street before a return appearance at the Cafe En Seine.
Then the ferry home...
Next day we drove to Derry for the grand opening of Harry's in Bridgend but not before a spot on BBC Foyle.
Then we hotfooted it down to Bangor for our mate Steve's birthday party where we were joined by some Irish celebrities including the guy who was on Big Brother.
Next we winged it down to Dublin for a huge "Say No To Drugs" event in Grafton Street before a return appearance at the Cafe En Seine.
Then the ferry home...
12/08/07
An early morning flight from Haugesund to Stansted and then a drive straight across country to Wales. Our first appearance at the Brecon Jazz Festival was a blast. We shared the stage with old mates such as Mike Sanchez and the boys from Oceans Seven, Ben Waters with Chris Jagger and Ray Gelato was playing down the road. It was a jive fans dream!
07/07/08 - 11/08/07
One of our favourite festivals of the year had come round again. This time we took things a step further and went for an extra day. The initial gig was opening for the legendary rock band TOTO. Check out us with the guys.
It was great to see all the lindy hoppers down from Bergen and Stavanger and good to catch up with old friends such as Harry Conolly, George Hassan and Gay Macintyre, the Fallen Heroes and we also got to see who we have officially titled "The Worlds' Greatest Jazz Band" (TM), the Jazzin' Babies. If you want to see, hear and feel exciting, hot, traditional jazz that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up, check these guys out. They are from Oslo though but do travel occasionally.
We also did local TV, radio and a few outdoor shows too, they make us earn our fish soup at the jam session every night!
It was great to see all the lindy hoppers down from Bergen and Stavanger and good to catch up with old friends such as Harry Conolly, George Hassan and Gay Macintyre, the Fallen Heroes and we also got to see who we have officially titled "The Worlds' Greatest Jazz Band" (TM), the Jazzin' Babies. If you want to see, hear and feel exciting, hot, traditional jazz that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up, check these guys out. They are from Oslo though but do travel occasionally.
We also did local TV, radio and a few outdoor shows too, they make us earn our fish soup at the jam session every night!
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
17/07/07
This is the start of a long week!
Today we made a presentation of the work we do on the "Say No To Drugs, Say Yes To Life" campaign at Saint Hill which was attended by Mayors, deputy Mayors, town councilors, town centre managers, drug workers and other dignitaries.
It started off with us playing a few numbers to set the tone (as it is "Say Yes To Life" as well as the "No To Drugs" bit!)
We also had a presentation form the campaign coordinator from the Church of Scientology who sponsor and organize the campaign, a demonstration of the Narconon drug education lecture form Noel Nile and a couple of graduates speaking from the Narconon drug rehabilitation program in Hastings who are now 100% drug free.
Today we made a presentation of the work we do on the "Say No To Drugs, Say Yes To Life" campaign at Saint Hill which was attended by Mayors, deputy Mayors, town councilors, town centre managers, drug workers and other dignitaries.
It started off with us playing a few numbers to set the tone (as it is "Say Yes To Life" as well as the "No To Drugs" bit!)
We also had a presentation form the campaign coordinator from the Church of Scientology who sponsor and organize the campaign, a demonstration of the Narconon drug education lecture form Noel Nile and a couple of graduates speaking from the Narconon drug rehabilitation program in Hastings who are now 100% drug free.
Monday, July 09, 2007
6/07/07
Touched down at Gatwick at 9:30am, went to bed for a couple of hours and then straight out the door down to Hastings for the Hotshots dance (bit of a battle it was... Get it?!). Thanks to Mike and the crew, had a great time.
1/07/06
Summertime Swing. By all accounts the most successful year so far. With over 850 people attending and a slew of special guests it was a day to remember.As it was raining all morning we had the great hall set up in case but true to style, 15 minutes before the doors were scheduled to officially open, the clouds broke and the sun shone gloriously for the rest of the day with not a singly drop of rain!
Thanks to all our guests including the Jivettes, Wee Willy Harris, Toni Elizabeth Prima and Mr. Acker Bilk. Thanks also to our wonderful DJ and MC Terry Elliott and the dancers the Jiving Lindy Hoppers and the London Swing Cats who supplied some great dance cabarets spots and a surprise jam up together on Flying Home.For those of you who stayed till the very end you will have seen the quite spectacular fireworks display supplied by Frontier Fireworks. Thanks also to all the Saint Hill Manor staff who helped us organize and host the event.
A special and big thanks to Buster, Martin, Grant, Slick Nick, Gillian and Mike and Nick for helping to sell tickets for us.
Looks like we raised a couple of grand for charity, full details and a slide show will be on the website soon.
30/06/07
A whole day of setting up for Summertime Swing before dashing off to London.Before arriving at the Pigalle Club once again for a second night of suave and sophistication we popped into the Barbican where our friend and modern jazz legend Chick Corea was performing. Unfortunately we didn't have time to stay for the gig but we did manage to get a quick snap in and wish him good luck. Chick is a featured guest on our new album on two songs including a haunting version of Summertime.
29/06/07
A phone call from our mate Russell from the Jiving Lindy Hoppers and we had an extra gig to fit in to our mad schedule today. After a quick "Say No To Drugs" in Watford (with Bob and his great T-shirt!) we headed on over to the Royal Festival Hall where they have restarted their "Commuter Jazz" series. Great to see so many dancers turn out at short notice and they have a much better dance floor in the foyer (they call it "The Ballroom") and they are interested in doing it more regularly too.
A night at the beautiful Pigalle Club in Picadilly where the food is great and the decor is straight out of a 1940's detective movie. If you haven't been down here you should check it out... Especially when we are playing!
A night at the beautiful Pigalle Club in Picadilly where the food is great and the decor is straight out of a 1940's detective movie. If you haven't been down here you should check it out... Especially when we are playing!
Monday, April 30, 2007
28/04/07
A return the the very plush Pigalle Club in Picadilly, London tonight and it was jammed. We had a visit from lindyhop champs Ryan and Jenny Francois (who you may have seen teaching the Big Apple recently on the Paul O'Grady show) whoc we coaxed into space defying display on the dancefloor!
Sunday, April 22, 2007
19/4/07
It's certainly been a while since the blog was updated but we have now upgraded our internet on the road capabiolities and have resolved to keep it up to date much more often as it's a far more popular feature of our site than we realized!
An appearance at Joseph and Trishas in Welwyn went down great (I still didn't get my tap lesson Trish! Next time!! - Alex)
See you guys soon and good luck with GNSH. Check out www.jiveswing.com.
An appearance at Joseph and Trishas in Welwyn went down great (I still didn't get my tap lesson Trish! Next time!! - Alex)
See you guys soon and good luck with GNSH. Check out www.jiveswing.com.
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