Episodes
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Join host Mark Ellis as he chats with Tom Tait, a key figure in the Doncaster Jazz Alumni. In this episode, Tom shares his inspiring journey from growing up in a musical family in Huddersfield to becoming a professional trumpet player. Discover how his father's influence and early experiences in school jazz bands shaped his passion for music. Tom talks about his transition to the Doncaster Youth Jazz Association, his experiences at Leeds College of Music, and the significant mentors who guided him. Learn about his latest endeavors, including his dream gig in London's West End, and the pressures of performing in a show. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with personal anecdotes, insights into music education, and the enduring legacy of the Doncaster jazz scene.
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Join host Mark Ellis as he sits down with Reuben Fowler, a key figure in the Doncaster Jazz Alumni, to discuss his remarkable musical journey. From his early influences and first steps into jazz, to studying at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music, Reuben shares how his passion for music evolved. Discover how mentorship, perseverance, and a love for big band jazz led him to perform at iconic venues like the Albert Hall and collaborate with artists like Paloma Faith and Noel Gallagher. Tune in for an inspiring episode filled with personal anecdotes, insights on composition, and a celebration of jazz legacy.
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In a heartwarming reunion, longtime pals and stalwarts of the DJA sax section, Mark turns the spotlight on Dean, unearthing a musical odyssey of hidden talents and cherished memories. With a bond forged since Dean's tender age of 11, these two comrades-in-arms regale us with a treasure trove of memories— from touring France, Germany and America to exploring unlikely attractions like a gas museum, all while narrowly escaping the brink of a band mutiny.
Freshly discharged from the Army, Dean recounts his remarkable journey from tinkering with the piano as a wide-eyed youngster to mastering a multitude of instruments, culminating in his current role as the mastermind behind DJA's bookings. Amidst the anecdotes, they share tender recollections of Dean's late father, Pete, a revered figure amongst the DJA alumni whose legacy continues to shape Dean's path, even if it involved a notorious incident involving the band football in a German car park—a tale forever etched in the annals of DJA lore.
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In their latest exchange, father and son eagerly hash out their visions for DJA's future as they set their sights on the horizon of 2025 and beyond. True to form, their ideas differ —John harbors grand aspirations of staging Duke Ellington's lesser-known opus, "The Queen’s Suite," while Mark champions the release of a vintage recording featuring Bob Florence from a bygone 1985 performance alongside DYJO, fueled by his own amusing memory lapse from that night.
Yet amidst the banter, they find common ground in the importance of honoring jazz royalty, with both eagerly supporting a tribute to the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald featuring the talents of new member Kate Peters. Additionally, they both get behind the idea of spotlighting DJA's array of stellar soloists, recognizing the wealth of talent within their ranks.
John also wistfully shares his dream of gracing the stage at the esteemed Cheltenham Jazz Festival, a lofty aspiration tempered by the ticking clock of time. As the sands of time slip away, the duo remains steadfast in their commitment to charting a bold and vibrant course for DJA's future, fueled by passion, ambition and some pizza.
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In the first episode featuring a non-alumnus, we're treated to Martin Longhawn's captivating tale of navigating the infamous "Leeds-Doncaster Divide" and unwittingly finding himself entangled in the enigmatic web of the Donny Mafia. A much sought-after pianist, Martin regales us with his initial foray into the musical tapestry of Doncaster, including nostalgic jaunts to Fox’s Music nestled in the Arndale Centre during his formative years.
Martin's musical journey took a different path from the typical DJA member, a fact he delves into with candor, emphasizing the importance of “knowing the music” and spotlighting the profound influence of MD Al Wood during his tenure at Leeds College.
Amidst the anecdotes, Martin offers a unique perspective on immersing oneself in the rich tradition of the Doncaster Jazz Alumni as an outsider, shedding light on John Ellis' boundless fervor for the music and unwavering dedication to his band members. And of course, no conversation would be complete without a nod to the unforgettable experience of venturing to Limonest for the first time and THAT legendary Andy Vinter solo piano intro one sunny, Saturday morning in October at British Grove Studios….
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Once again, father and son reunite, this time to celebrate the extraordinary bond between DJA and a special place known as Limonest, guided by the legendary figure of Andre Gicquel. Since 1989, this cross-channel connection has flourished through exchanges, tours, and unforgettable concerts that have united young musicians on both shores.
Prepare for a rollicking ride as John's distaste for oysters rivals Mark's painful first encounter with French cuisine. Amidst laughter and memories, they reminisce about their French comrades, regaling tales of whirlwind schedules encompassing three gigs a day and narrowly escaping brushes with the law!
But the jovial mood takes a serious turn as Mark launches into a tirade against ineffectual politicians and laments the stark disparities in arts support between the UK and its European counterparts. Through their banter and reflections, a poignant truth emerges: the power of music to transcend borders and unite hearts, a testament to the enduring legacy of friendship and collaboration fostered by DJA and its French allies in Limonest.
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Mark catches up with ‘bonist Dan and discovers why he chose what he affectionately calls "the poor man’s trumpet”. After a brief Public Service Announcement on the perils of hearing loss and the hazards of band life, the two dive into Dan's musical journey, exploring his unconventional path to the trombone and the serendipitous twists and turns along the way. Prepare to be immersed in Dan's personal saga of grappling with "DYJO-LIMBO," a rite of passage familiar to many DJA members, as he navigates the ebbs and flows of musical identity.
With infectious enthusiasm, Dan shares his fondest memories of youthful musical escapades, including a triumphant performance at the illustrious Royal Albert Hall at the tender age of 15. He waxes poetic about the golden era of DYJA, fondly reminiscing about our beloved old haunt, The Jazz Centre. For Dan, being part of the "Golden Generation" of DYJA was nothing short of a stroke of luck (and some healthy parental intervention) - a cherished chapter in his musical odyssey that continues to shape his life to this day.
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Mark chats with fellow saxophonist Sarah, who regales him with tales of her musical odyssey, from humble beginnings tinkering with the recorder in Mexborough to blossoming into a sought-after professional sax player and dedicated educator. Much credit is owed to the nurturing embrace of the Doncaster Youth Jazz Association, spearheaded by the ever-persuasive John Ellis, whose poaching skills are legendary. For Sarah, DYJA was more than just a musical training ground—it was where she found her cherished family and lifelong friends.
Together, Mark and Sarah reminisce about tours and exchanges in France and Germany, sharing anecdotes about serendipitous moments and the Jazz FM incident. Yet, amidst the laughter and nostalgia, Mark bemoans the current state of music education in the UK, lamenting the dwindling support and opportunities for young musicians. Sarah's insights, steeped in her experience as an educator, offer a beacon of hope, illuminating the transformative power of music in the lives of children and advocating for its indispensable place in education.
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Mark settles in for a chat with budding drumming sensation, Joe Sykes, DJA's freshest face. With a youthful exuberance, Joe shares his unabashed passion for all things big band and his profound joy at being part of DJA's latest recording venture. However, it wasn't all smooth sailing for Joe, as he candidly recounts the trials and tribulations of adjusting to the studio environment—battling his inner doubts, grappling with a finicky muffler, and how solving problems on day one at British Grove Studios actually helped him.
Amidst the mickey-taking and camaraderie, they reflect on the distinct challenges of studio sessions versus live performances, each offering their own unique insights and anecdotes. And of course, no conversation is complete without a playful jab at Bob Florence's rainforest-endangering antics. Through it all, Joe's youthful energy and unwavering determination shine bright, a testament to the resilience and spirit of DJA's newest generation.
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In their follow-up conversation, Mark and John delve into the laborious yet heartwarming journey behind the conception of "50 Years", the latest opus from DJA. John recounts the arduous task of cherry-picking tracks for the album, a feat made slightly less daunting thanks to the invaluable assistance of Reuben Fowler. They share anecdotes about the profound influence of esteemed composer and arranger, Sammy Nestico, whose musical spirit continues to resonate deeply with DJA's musicians.
They also explain the origins of an original composition, penned by none other than one of John's cherished musical maestros, Tom Kubis. With each note and melody, a piece of DJA's soul is woven into the fabric of the album, a testament to the enduring passion and creativity that has defined the group for half a century.
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Mark and multi-instrumentalist Al Wood engage in a lighthearted exchange, about Al’s adventures in ironing and navigating the bustling streets of Sunny Donny! On a more serious note (pun intended), Al's deep knowledge of the UK big band scene and his extensive experience are the stuff of legend. Delve into the fascinating connections between Al's tenure at Leeds College of Music and its profound impact on the current roster of DJA members.
Amidst the laughs, Al shares a poignant reflection on how the "50 Years" project served as a beacon of light during a particularly somber period in his life and explains how he got Mark out of a tricky situation in the studio using his amazing arranging chops! Cake was also involved.
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In their inaugural podcast together, John Ellis MBE and his son Mark embark on a journey down memory lane, weaving through the tapestry of the past five decades of John’s beloved endeavor—the Doncaster Youth Jazz Association. They discuss when Duke Ellington graced the presence of royalty, the sight of John masquerading as Glen Miller, and the enduring charm of The Earl of Doncaster Hotel, a beacon of their shared history.
Amidst the sepia-toned anecdotes, they bicker over the notion of natural talent and wax nostalgic about a bygone era, where risk assessments were but a distant concern and the melodies of youth flowed freely through the streets of France, Russia, America and beyond.
They celebrate the unsung heroes, the tireless volunteers whose unwavering dedication breathed life into John’s life’s work. For without them, the symphony of DJA’s collective memories would have been very different….
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Your Doncaster Jazz Alumni host, Mark Ellis, tells us what to expect on this unique podcast, 50 years in the making….
