Jazz at the RNCM this Autumn

                                                     Julia Biel by Jenna Foxton

The RNCM have published their Autumn/Winter listings and jazz fans have some interesting choices for gigs this October.

Ropes Project (October 12th)

We've covered this one before - this is Mike Walker's ambitious new project with large ensemble. There's a 22 piece string section, some of Mike's closest musical collaborators and a whole bunch of new music.

Julia Biel (October 15th)

The Independent called her the best British vocalist to emerge in an age and she's been taking festivals by storm in recent years. This is the kind of gig that will appeal both to those who love jazz and the rich history of vocal jazz legends and to those who love singer-songwriters and troubadors.

Gondwana Records Presents...(October 22nd)

Matthew Halsall is one of Manchester's golden boys and he's back at the RNCM following a sold out appearance last year. Not only will you get the Gonwana Orchestra, you'll also get to hear two other bands currently on the Gonwana roster - Mammal Hands & John Ellis's new project Evolution: Seeds and Streams.

There's a whole lot more happening too, so check the RNCM website for full information.

DYJA Announce New Appointment for Dennis Rollins

Doncaster Youth Jazz Association have announced Dennis Rollins as their new Associate Director of Band Studies. In this role, Rollins will lead the senior DYJO ensemble and work closely with John Ellis (both pictured above) to develop the strategy of the organisation.

Rollins has been associated with the organisation since his early days as a musician and since leaving as a player, he has regularly returned to give workshops and feature as a guest soloist in concerts.

In a press release, John Ellis says 

I could not be more pleased. Dennis will bring a wealth of jazz knowledge and experience to this position. I cannot thank him enough for joining me on this journey. I am now very optimistic for the long-term future of the Doncaster Youth Jazz Association John Ellis MBE

Doncaster Big Band Festival

Sunday 27th December 2015
2:00 - 4.30pm : Matinée concert
7.30 - 11.00pm: Evening concert

Venue: EARL OF DONCASTER Hotel, Bennetthorpe, Doncaster, DN2 6AD

Over the years, this big band knees-up has definitely become the most eagerly-anticipated  event of the Doncaster Youth Jazz Association calendar. All current DYJA members will perform in their respective ensembles. The individual Big Bands are featured in order over two separate concerts as follows: The matinee performance (2.00pm - 4.30pm) will feature the talented younger members of the STAGEBAND and the SWING ORCHESTRA. The evening performance (7.30 - 11.00pm) will highlight the DONCASTER YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA (DYJO) and the senior DONCASTER JAZZ ORCHESTRA (DJO Alumni) in concert. The evening will also feature several visiting guests, including Dennis Rollins, Tom Ashe, Dean Nixon, etc..

We take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a MUSICAL 2016!... May it start with us - we hope to see you at our Big Band Festival!

Cheers:  John Ellis and the DYJA Team

Tickets cost £10 for one concert and £15 for both. A note from John on buying tickets -

Tickets are now available from the Doncaster Jazz Centre, Beckett Road, Doncaster, DN2 4AA. Tel: 01302 320002 or e-mail johnellis@dyja.info   Please give your full name, postal address and state clearly which of the 2 concerts you require tickets for. We do not have the facility for payment by card, so please make cheques payable to DONCASTER YOUTH JAZZ ASSOCIATION or DYJA. You can of course collect tickets from the Centre Office if you wish, but be sure to arrange a mutually agreeable day and time. Thank you for your understanding.

Manchester Jazz Festival Launches Full Programme

                                                         Orquesta Timbala - Daniel Parker

Manchester Jazz Festival launched their full programme this week, detailing the many acts that will perform in Manchester from July 31st to 9 August.

Celebrating their 20th festival, MJF have invited a number of international acts including Robert Glasper, Airelle Besson and Pepe Rivero, festival favourites like New York Brass Band and Buffalo Brothers, a day-long Northern Line showcase presented by Jazz North and the premiere of the Irwin Mitchell 2015 MJF Originals commission, Seeds and Streams by John Ellis.

Check out the Manchester Jazz Festival website for details on the programme, buying tickets and being an MJF volunteer.