Doncaster Jazz Alumni

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, stag dos, unexpected friendships, and hernia recoveries, this episode captures what DJA has always been about: connection, care, and community. A thank-you to everyone—and a nod to the next generation.

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 powerful legacy of Francy Boland and a big band era nearly forgotten. A fitting closer to a monumental project—and a tribute to the man who inspired it all.

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 Nestico, the timeless charm of this arrangement, and the joy of honouring a composer who helped shape their musical roots.

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’s drumming gets another shout-out for his work shaping one of the most muscular tracks on the album.

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 forward, this tune evolved into a fierce showcase of DJA precision and power.

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 rescued, refined, and finally realised—bringing Pete, Mark, and other key players back into the fold. A celebration of persistence, respect, and the power of a second chance.

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 room, this is a behind-the-scenes look at a rare moment of pure musical magic—backed by one of DJA’s most heartfelt performances.

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 rooms to vinyl grooves, with insights into arrangement changes, solo swaps, and a thunderous close to recording day two.

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 band pulled together a monster of a chart—complete with overlapping grooves, high-octane trumpet lines, and solos recorded at such intensity they lifted the entire room. There’s reflection on the challenge of performing such a complex arrangement, insight into Lawrence Cottle’s underrated genius as a UK arranger, and a confession that the tune was almost named… Giblets.

With ferocious energy, deep admiration, and a big dose of musical adrenaline—this one’s for the players and the fans who love it fast, funky, and fearless.

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 on a DJA record.

Originally composed by DJA alumnus Al Wood, the piece had seen many forms—a waltz, a ballad—before landing in its final incarnation. The team discuss Al’s evolving composition process, the delicate mixing decisions that shaped the final sound, and the unique style that sets this chart apart from the rest of the album.

With a hat-tip to Joe’s resilience, Nadim’s ever-flowing solos (described as “liquid gold”), and a respectful nod to Al’s musical vision—this is the behind-the-scenes story of how a rocky start turned into a standout track.