Gig - Fat 45

Partner dancing is undergoing something of a revival at the moment”, says Ivan, a trombonist for the eleven-piece ‘Jump Jive band’, Fat 45. “Whether it’s because of an increase in rock ‘n’ roll and jive dancing classes, or the success of Strictly Come Dancing on the TV, I’m not sure”. Formed a year and a half ago, ‘Fat 45’ have been able to tap into this growing popularity of old-fashioned style dance. Their music is that of the late 1940’s and 50’s which emerged from the multicultural New Orleans music scene. “It was associated mainly with black Afro/Americans. People like Louis Jordan and Big Joe Turner. It was their influences which led to what we know as white rock ‘n’ roll," Ivan tells me. “Although it also contributed to the work of black musicians like Lil Richard and Chuck Berry.”

Do they see themselves as reclaiming forgotten works? “It’s not a political thing”, Ivan says quickly, “Mainly we want music that is good to dance to, but we do source music which is quite obscure”. This is the first time that the Brighton-based band have played a gig in Lewes, and they promise to make a big impression. “We always dress in authentic vintage clothes”, says Ivan. “And wherever we play we always get everyone dancing, even if they don’t know the steps.” ER