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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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….

Your Doncaster Jazz Alumni host, Mark Ellis, tells us what to expect on this unique podcast, 50 years in the making….