The Doncaster Jazz Alumni Big Band + The Hull Youth Jazz Orchestra

Since their first downbeat in 1973, the DONCASTER JAZZ ALUMNI 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, DJA have members all around the world performing at the highest level.

Having won multiple accolades but at home and abroad and featuring some of the finest soloists and ensemble players in the UK, the Doncaster Jazz Alumni continue to receive critical acclaim. Having been voted the BBC Radio Big Band of the Year, their mission has taken them around the globe. They have performed at venues including Ronnie Scott’s, The Royal Albert Hall, Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace and the United Nations (NYC) and guest artists include Bob Florence, Thad Jones, Cat Anderson, Stan Tracy, Ronnie Scott, Humphrey Littleton, Barbara Thompson and Slide Hampton.

“There is not a working musician in London who doesn’t know someone that came through the Doncaster Jazz Alumni.”– Charles Alexander, ‘Jazzwise’

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”, released in November ’23. The album has had excellent reviews so far 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. The ensemble also celebrate icons of British jazz, playing original compositions by Allan Ganley, Al Wood, Laurence Cottle and Steve Parry.

Providing a short support set will be THE HULL YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA who encourage young local players to explore the rich history and tradition of Big Band Music. They play music from the golden age of the Big Band from the 1930s right through to modern day compositions and arrangements. Swing, ballads, latin, rock and funk styles are all covered in the band. Although traditionally the instruments featured are Trumpets, Trombones, Saxophones and Rhythm Section (Piano, Bass, Drums, Guitar, Percussion) they are able to accommodate any instrument if young musicians want to explore all things Jazz!