The Jive Aces - Life is a Game

Styles: Swing
Year: 2004
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 47:00
Size: 108,9 MB
Art: Front

(3:03)  1. Jive, Jive, Jive Aces
(2:49)  2. Start, Change and Stop
(3:04)  3. I've Got Affinity For You
(4:23)  4. Singing In The Rain
(2:14)  5. Second Chance To Fly
(3:23)  6. Long Distance Love Affair
(3:04)  7. High Energy Jive
(3:25)  8. Only Mugs Take Drugs
(3:36)  9. Clear Body, Clear Mind
(2:56) 10. White Cliffs Of Dover
(4:07) 11. Three Cats Called Louis
(3:14) 12. Sweet Georgia Brown
(3:58) 13. What A Wonderful World
(3:36) 14. Life Is A Game

“A group of lads from London, England were drawn together by their love for a style and music that outclassed anything else around.  The music was hot jive that had the beat, energy and enthusiasm of rock ‘n’ roll and the fun and rhythm of big band swing all rolled into one.  Their musical journey took them from Elvis Presley to Bill Haley and from Louis Prima to Frank Sinatra.  This was the sound that excited the guys so much that they quickly started dancing and would often be seen tearing up the floow when hot bands came to town.  The dancing became a musical learning ground with one common theme:  foot tapping, swinging, spirit-raising fun.  The lads loved dancing but iw was difficult finding bands that they could really swing to, so they turned their talents to making hot music themselves." ~ Website Press Release

The Jive Aces are a fun, swingin’ band.  Their music is upbeat and happy, just like swing should be.   You’ll find mostly jump blues style with a mix of jazz on this CD. The musicianship is very good.  Each get their turn to shine.  But what’s most inspiring about the musicians is that you feel through their music the joy they have about presenting it.  I’m sure some of that comes from their dance experience as well.  It’s reminiscent of Lucky Millinder, who also started out as a dancer before becoming a musician (Millinder actually became a band leader/singer).  My favorite song on the CD has to be Singing in the Rain.   Yes, that song.  It’s a fun, swingin’ version made famous by Gene Kelly in the movie but with a Louis Prima twist.  But there are lots of fun songs on this CD.  

I also liked White Cliffs of Dover, Jive Jive Jive Aces, and their crazy fast version of Sweet Georgia Brown.  Balboa dancers should really love the latter because of it’s 273 tempo plus the energy the band puts behind it.  The Jive Aces do a great job of getting a really full sound out of 6 musicians.  They’ve also done a great job writing original material that keeps swing fresh.  They are also not afraid to send a message.  Only Mugs Take Drugs is clear on it’s message and could easily be used in any anti-drug message.  They underscore the message with Clear Body, Clear Mind.  Hey, whether you like the message or not, the songs still swing!  A couple songs of note include Three Cats Called Louis and What a Wonderful World.  The former is a tribute to Louis’ Armstrong, Jordan and Prima.

 Three giants who have influenced more bands than you can shake a stick at!   The latter is a ballad done with an Elvis Presley flavor.  I don’t know if Elvis ever recorded this song but I bet it would sound similar to this version.  Overall, this is a fun, energetic CD.  It has lots of original music and a couple of covers.  A good mix with tempos made for swing dancing.   http://www.tcswing.com/CD%20Reviews/jiveaces.htm

The Band: Lead Vocals and Trumpet:  Ian Clarkson; Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, Clarinet:  John Fordham; Piano:  Vince Hurley; Upright Bass:  Ken Smith; Trombone:  Alex Douglas; Drums:  Peter Howell

Life is a Game

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