ACE OF CLUBS DANCE BAND, THE

Lead Vocalist: Larry Blackburn (2)Bob Parfitt

Guest Vocals: Beryl Bryden, Ella Jones, Gordon Bramble

Piano: Percy Cawston (2)Roy Copping

Guitar: Fred Ward (2)Ray Feek

Guest Guitar: Mick Large

Vibes: Chic Randall

Piano Accordian: Bernard Woolsey

Trumpet: Donny Mixer (2)Jim Briggs

Drums: Johnny Arnold (2)Albert Redgrave (3)Jeff Groombridge uc

Although the roots of this old-style function band go back to the thirties they were in their heyday in the mid-fifties with large crowds queuing post-performance outside their Cottage PH, Nch residency. The influence of guitarist Ward cast a spell over many young local musicians as the Skiffle era hit. Pete Leonard of the Starbeats stated, “I wanted to play like Fred Ward, his playing stood out and he made it look effortless.”

The group had its original formation back in 1938 under the title of Bernard Wolsey & His Band. Original drummer Arnold of Hempnall had been a member of The Masked Trio at the time and recalls seeing the group play at the local village hall. “They were a great band, very entertaining and everyone danced,” said Arnold. WWII split the group who then reformed in 1946.

“I joined in 1948 and that’s when we became The Ace Of Clubs,” added Arnold. “The band at that point was a trio, Bernard, Percy and me. We remained this way until Fred joined in 1951. Fred would play for free at first but after a few months of playing to packed houses decided to ask for his share.” Ward replies to this, “I just wanted to be in the band, I didn’t realise how popular they were," he laughs. Ward recalls his highlight. “My most memorable gig was when Beryl Bryden came and guested with us at The Cottage. She sang Peggy Lee’s, Fever. It left people open-mouthed, including me!” Ward left around 1963 and joined The Roger Cooke Trio.

The band remained resident at The Cottage PH, Thorpe, Nch from 1958 to the end of the sixties and appeared as anything from a trio to a sextet along with copious local and national guests besides.

The Archive originally had the band penned as a Norwich based band but after talking to Philip Yaxley, a Wymondham historian, we believe the group may well have its roots there. Our understanding of the band goes cold around 1967. What we have from here is unconfirmed; around 1967 the group were joined by vibes player Randall - see Chic Randall AHM, but almost immediately the group splits in two with one half becoming The Chic Randall Bd, while the other under new guitarist Feek, previously of The Ray Mel Green Trio, continued as The Aces and then later as The Anglian Aces.

Residencies:

The Cottage BR, Nch 1958-1970

The Boars Head Rest, Nch 1964-1970

Related titles:

Aces Quintet / Aces Quartet / Aces / Aces Trio / Aces Sextet

NB: Many details for AOC could not be confirmed or corroborated and the important details we had quite contradictory. I have done my best along with the additional facts provided by Wymondham historian Philip Yaxley to compile accurately what we are led to believe.

(Feek - Ray Mel Green Trio) <> The Ace Of Clubs Dance Band