Doncaster Jazz Alumni

In this special three-way session, Mark sits down with Reuben and Tom—two of the driving forces behind DJA’s latest album release—for an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at the making of the record. From selecting tracks to shaping mixes and even puzzling over vinyl track orders, the trio unpack the creative decisions that brought the album to life. Starting with the ambitious opener Hello and Goo...

In this deeply personal follow-up to episode 014, Mark, Reuben, and Tom revisit the story behind You Know It Makes Sense —a track commissioned as a tribute to DJA founder John Ellis and his legendary catchphrase. What started as a speculative email to arranger Tom Kubis soon turned into a bespoke big band belter, tailor-made for the DJA family. Tom and Reuben share the behind-the-scenes magic: fro...

In this lush and cinematic instalment, Mark, Tom, and Reuben delve into Mandeville —track three on the DJA album and a clear outlier in the band’s usual repertoire. With sweeping French horn harmonies, extended percussion, and an unmistakable Hollywood flair, the piece became a standout recording and a full-circle moment for many involved. Originally composed by the late Patrick Williams, Mandevil...

Over the Top kicks off the DJA recording sessions—but not without drama. In this episode, Mark, Reuben, and Tom relive a chaotic first morning at the studio, where a broken drum muffler delayed everything and threatened to derail the tightly packed schedule. But rising to the challenge was young drummer Joe W., who stepped up with grit, precision, and arguably one of the finest drum performances o...

Track five of the DJA album explodes into life with Bittersweet —a blistering Lawrence Cottle composition that pushes players to their limits and showcases an outrageous solo break from saxophonist Nadeem. In this episode, Mark, Tom, and Reuben relive the studio magic that left jaws on the floor as Nadeem fired through take after take, each one different, each one electrifying. They unpack how the...

When Andy Vinter sat down at the piano to open Body and Soul , no one in the studio expected what followed. A single, unrehearsed take captured something so delicate and moving that the room fell silent. In this episode, Mark, Tom, and Reuben reflect on the Bob Florence arrangement that became one of the most memorable tracks on the album. From missed coffees to whispered reverence in the control...

Opening the second half of the DJA album, Victor is a swinging barnstormer packed with fire, groove, and deep roots. Originally known as Cannon Fodder in the Nigel era, this Alan Ganley chart showcases standout solos from Dean on baritone and Jacob on trombone, plus a late-session burst of trumpet fireworks from Tom and Damien. Mark, Reuben, and Tom reflect on the tune’s journey from rehearsal roo...

Naima nearly didn’t make the album—but its emotional significance, and the determination to do it justice, made it one of DJA’s most quietly heroic efforts. Originally recorded under tight time pressure, the team later returned to repair and rebuild the track through a mix of studio takes and remote overdubs. This episode tells the story of how a meaningful piece for John Ellis and Mark was rescue...

Elegant, yes. Easy? Definitely not. Elegant People demanded every ounce of sectional discipline and groove the DJA band could muster. In this episode, the team discuss how this Bob Mintzer chart—secured with a direct email—became one of the most rhythmically complex and rewarding tracks on the album. Through intricate woodwind doubles, sectional rehearsals, and a dryer mix to bring the detail forw...

This isn’t My Favourite Things as you know it. Arranged by the multi-talented Steve Parry, this 3/4 reimagining of the classic standard brought intensity, wit, and a blistering groove to the DJA sessions. Tom reflects on his connection to Steve and the origins of the piece, while the team unpack the meticulous editing, standout sax soli, and standout solos—including a ripping one from Reuben. Joe’...

A Donny favourite finally gets the studio treatment it deserves. Show Me the Way to Go Home has been part of the DJA fabric for decades, passed between generations and marked with the handwritten notes of past players. This swinging Sammy Nestico chart closes the first day of recording with warmth, soul, and standout solos from Mike and Martin. In this episode, the team reflect on the legacy of Ne...

The album closes as it began—with intent, history, and heart. Sax No End , originally played live at Ronnie Scott’s and witnessed by John Ellis himself, was long thought lost. But thanks to Ruben’s deep-dive transcription and a bit of musical archaeology, the DJA band was able to bring it back to life. From mystery suitcases to Mark White’s final snowflake of sound, this final track celebrates the...

In this final bonus episode, Mark, Ruben, and Tom pull back the curtain on the four-year journey behind DJA’s landmark album. They celebrate the unsung heroes—engineer Jeremy Murphy, studio British Grove, the ever-reliable Gaz and James, designer Ollie at Split, label partner Martin at Ubuntu, and funder Paul Walford—without whom none of it would have been possible. Through stories of weddings, st...

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 J...

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 ven...

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,...

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 alongsid...

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...

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 oyster...

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 person...

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 l...

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 in...

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 arran...

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 i...

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 beaco...