About The Jivewires…
The Jivewires is a “jump blues” band inspired by the early R&B groups from the post war/pre electric guitar period who created a popular musical style that incorporated social satire and jazz improvisation. Billed as “the missing link between swing and rock ‘n roll”, this seven piece horn section driven outfit delivers a high energy stage show mixed with hits from the “jive” era and a variety of other musical styles.
Formed in 1989, the band has recorded 5 albums of original music written and arranged by leader Steve Berndt and bassist Kurt Walther. “I Hate T.O.”, a song from their first recording “No Vacancy” that satirizes the love/hate relationship between Toronto and the ROC (Rest of Canada) gained national airplay on CBC and an interview on the popular current affairs show “Gzowski” with Peter Gzowski.
Performing concerts, clubs and festivals in central Canada including 4 appearances at The Montreal International Jazz Festival, The Jivewires first international tour was in the UK in 1991. During subsequent tours throughout the UK the band played legendary clubs such as the 100 Club in London and major festivals, including a performance at The Bath Festival for a crowd of 35,000.
Recording 2 more albums in the 1990’s, The Jivewires also toured many times throughout the Northeastern US including New York clubs such as The Continental Club and a gig at The Greatest Bar On Earth on the 110th floor of the World Trade Center on August 11, 2001.
In 2003 The Jivewires recorded a fourth album “Laughin In The Poorhouse” and an album of Louis Jordan hits called “Jives Do Jordan” which was released in 2010. After reforming in 2011, the band released a fifth recording “Drive Me Sane” in 2013 and placed two of the songs from that album in a Siloam Entertainment production called “Prisoner Of Time”. The Jivewires appeared in that movie performing those songs as a band playing a club date set in the early 50’s. Over the years The Jivewires have received constant national exposure on the CBC with rotational airplay of “Jazz, Blues & Dancin’ Shoes” on CBC’s national jazz show “Tonic” with Tim Tamishiro.
The Jivewires boast an impressive alumni of some of the finest musicians from the Ottawa area as the band’s membership changed over the years. Below are links to the band’s many promo photos that serve to chronicle the musicians who’ve been in the band.