Doncaster Jazz Orchestra Alumni, a superb big band whose local name belies the national prominence of its musicians, returns to Seven Arts Leeds for another special gig. They are professional musicians with a long-standing relationship with the Doncaster Youth Jazz Association. Check out online the star names with whom they have collaborated. This time they pay homage to the great Bob Florence, featuring a stellar line-up of jazz soloists and ensemble players. With a blend of unique arrangements and Florence’s “sound” this concert celebrates why his music was so influential to a generation of young Yorkshire musicians who first discovered his music decades ago and who now wish to re-visit those exciting and formative days. Proceeds from the performance will go towards keeping DYJA alive for future generations
Since their first downbeat in 1973, the Doncaster Youth Jazz Association and their founder John Ellis MBE have been supporting the young musicians of today who will help shape the jazz scene tomorrow. With credits including Quincy Jones, Gil Evans, the BBC Big Band, Jools Holland, Jamiroquai and the Royal Philharmonic, DYJA have alumni all around the world performing at the highest level. Featuring some of the finest soloists and ensemble players in the UK, the DJA continues to receive critical acclaim. Having been voted the BBC Radio Big Band of the Year, they have performed at concert venues including Ronnie Scott’s, London and the United Nations, New York, and guest artists include Thad Jones, Cat Anderson, Stan Tracy, Ronnie Scott, Humphrey Littleton, Barbara Thompson and Slide Hampton.
To celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2023, DJA and their founder John Ellis MBE welcomed back many of their former members to take part in a series of concerts and a new recording, “50 Years”, The album has had excellent reviews and has been featured on Jazz FM. It boasts a stylistically diverse programme by writers such as Bob Florence, Bob Brookmeyer, Francy Boland, Sammy Nestico, Tom Kubis and Bob Mintzer. They also celebrate icons of British jazz, playing original compositions by Allan Ganley, Al Wood, Laurence Cottle and Steve Parry.
A child prodigy, Bob Florence was drawn to jazz and big band. He spent most of his career with big bands, as a leader, performer, composer, and arranger for bands led by Les Brown, Louis Bellson, and Harry James. He won several Grammy Awards for his arrangements, performances by a large ensemble and was hired to work full-time as an arranger for Liberty Records. This gave him the opportunity to write in several genres: bossa nova with Sérgio Mendes, jazz with Bud Shank, and pop vocal with Vic Dana. Bob was the piano player on Bobby Vee’s #1 hit “Take Good Care Of My Baby”. He often worked in Hollywood as a bandleader, composer, and arranger for top TV variety shows. He won an Emmy Award for a concert by Julie Andrews and received fifteen Grammy nominations during his career. https://doncasterjazzalumni.co.uk/
“…one of the most talented young bands Great Britain has to offer…” – Jack Bowers, ‘All About Jazz’
“There is not a working musician in London who doesn’t know someone that came through the Doncaster Youth Jazz Association.”– Charles Alexander, ‘Jazzwise’
Music https://www.weareubuntumusic.com/doncaster-jazz-alumni-50-yearsspotify
Doncaster Jazz Orchestra play the music of Bob Florence @Seven Arts, Sunday 24 November 1.30pm
