Recorded At Abbey Road Studios London

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The Doncaster Jazz Orchestra

The Doncaster Jazz Orchestra has recorded and issued CDs at milestones in its continuing development and progress. Consequently I decided that this year, our 35th, should be no exception. However, as both Lansdowne and CTS Studios have now passed into history we were faced with finding an alternative London studio so that we might meet up with former members now resident in the capital. Abbey Road (Studio 2) was an option that was met with great enthusiasm from all the members of DJO. The opportunity to experience at first hand the history, mystique and not least technical excellence of this iconic location arose when Studio 2 became available on dates that matched Chris Dibble's diary. Chris is our 'Honorary Patron' and an extraordinary recording engineer. He has contributed matchless expertise on three earlier DJO recordings.

With the studio booked for two days in May our rehearsals became very business-like and focussed. The intensely self-critical section and full ensemble rehearsals bore fruit as the band developed an increasing confidence and competence at our Doncaster base. It felt good to be paying tribute to some of the great bands with compositions and arrangements from Bob Florence, Billy May, Cole Porter, Oliver Nelson, Bobby Shew, McCoy Tyner, Sammy Nestico, Gordon Brisker, Richard Evans and Les Hooper. I am also pleased and proud to spotlight the writing talent of several British composers/arrangers i.e. Paul Hart, Paul Higgs and Al Wood, plus our own Andy Vinter and James Hamilton.

I am particularly proud of the current line-up. This is virtually the same group that represented the UK at the IAJE Conference in New York in 2007. The tour included a full-length concert at the United Nations and two highly acclaimed performances in South Orange, New Jersey. We all have fantastic memories of that time and place. Several charts on this CD are great reminders of those performances. Since our last recording the maturity of the individual soloists has improved immensely. Add to that the talents of four featured 18 year olds - including our vocalist - and you will understand my enthusiasm.

As has become customary, former DJO alumni were invited to join us at Abbey Road. These dedicated musicians/educators have supported all our London recording projects over the years. I refer to Pete Beachill (tbn), Dean Nixon (Bari/flt), Dennis Rollins (tbn), Andy Vinter (pno) and Mark White (tpt). Their willingness to re-arrange playing engagements so that they may contribute their musical expertise and technical support in the studio is priceless, and greatly appreciated by the DJO musicians and myself.

The Doncaster Jazz Orchestra is the senior of four bands within the Doncaster Youth Jazz Association. They meet on Sunday afternoons to listen to tracks - to discuss - and to rehearse challenging charts. This group share a common interest i.e. a love of Big Band jazz music and a desire to emulate the masters.

I believe that the finished performance on this recording is wonderfully consistent and reflects the tireless efforts of all of those involved in this ambitious project. This CD is the result of real commitment from a special group of people of whom I am immensely proud.

Thank you for listening,
John Ellis MBE
Celebrating 35 years of Jazz Education in Doncaster
1973 - 2008

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