JIVE BOMBERS (UK)

The group, reckoned by some to have made the first be-bop style record in Britain, began life as Ilford Rhythm Club Jam Group, with Ronnie Chamberlain on alto and soprano saxes. He, of course, late became a stalwart of the Ted Heath Band. During the second world war they played for Red Cross concerts and were featured in 'Picture Post' magazine whilst at 'The Piccadilly Rainbow Room'. A cutting from 'Melody Maker' (c1946) indicates the interest in the Jive Bombers as they were now known, despite their uncompromisingly 'modern' outlook. The band had by then got 26 individual awards and seven honourable mention in various contests. In the 1945 'Melody Maker' Jazz Poll they came 25th in the small combo section, whilst Ken Franklin was fifteenth in the alto section. Not bad, as this was an international poll and not just for British musicians. In 1947 they won the 'Melody Maker All-Britain read more...