France’s Jazz a Babord gives a rave review.

For his first recording, in 2017, Mark Lewandowski pays a tasty tribute to Fats Waller, accompanied by Liam Noble on piano and Paul Clarvis on drums. After a bubbling album, with his own compositions – Under One Sky, released in 2021, with Addison Frei on piano and Kush Abadey on drums – the double bassist offers a new tribute: A Bouquet (for Lady Day), obviously dedicated to Billie Holiday . The disc will be released on July 14 on Ubuntu Music, with Noble on piano and singer Heidi Vogel, guest on two of the eleven tracks.

Following a crackling short introduction – “Day Breaks” – the duo perform “More Than You Know”, a ballad composed in 1929 by Vincent Youmans, Billy Rose and Edward Eliscu for the musical Great Day. Holiday recorded it in 1939, accompanied by Teddy Wilson's orchestra. Noble and Lewandowski play the card of intimacy, alternating unisons and elegant counterpoints, with a rhythmic swing full of energy. "This Year's Kisses", signed Irving Berlin, is taken from the film On The Avenue, released in 1937. It was again with Teddy Wilson that Lady Day released it on disc for the first time, in 1937. Lewandowski and Noble dialogue with vivacity, supported by a dynamic walking. Written in 1934 by Gordon Jenkins and Johhny Mercer, "P.S. I Love You" was not recorded until 1954 by Holiday and her sextet. Lewandowski exposes and develops the theme with a lot of verve, while Noble traces counter-melody more subtle than the other. In 1935, Holiday sang "What a Little Moonlight Can Do", which Harry M. Wood had composed a year before, as the soundtrack to Road House, performed by Violet Loraine. The duo takes up this song in a modern way, between tense sentences, abrupt questions and answers and a bumpy rhythm. It was in 1936 that “Billie’s Blues” appeared, written by the lady with the gardenias. After a rock'n roll start, Noble takes off in contemporary flights by playing on hand shifts, carried by a muffled bass, between walking and shuffle patterns. The piece ends in a resolutely bluesy atmosphere. Over a continuous bass line and swinging chords, Vogel's raspy voice and bluesy inflections happily serve "Lady Sings The Blues", a song co-written by Holiday and Herbie Nichols, and title of the 1956 self-titled album. The ballad “Some Other Spring,” composed in 1939 by Arthur Herzog Jr. and Irene Kitchings, is taken at face value by the duo and unfolds peacefully. Second interlude, "The Still of The Night", is like a melancholy improvisation with Lewandowski on the bow. A driving unison launches "Who Want Love?" », air of 1937, signed Franz Waxman and Gus Kahn. The exchanges are placed under the sign of swing, with leaping walking lines and powerful piano playing. To conclude the disc, a composition co-written by Holiday and Mal Waldron – her regular pianist from 1957 to 1959 – “Left Alone”, which has never been recorded by Lady Day. Vogel, Nobel and Lewandowski offer a sober version tinged with melancholy.

With A Bouquet (for Lady Day) Lewandowski continues to trace his path around neat, lively and personal music.

Doncaster Jazz Alumni / 50 Years

Release Date: 24th November 2023

CD, Digital & Vinyl Formats / UBU0150

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the release of 50 Years, an album which celebrates the bicentennial of the Doncaster Jazz Alumni and consists of a number of prominent musicians who participated in the recording at the prestigious British Grove Studios in London earlier last year.

The Doncaster Jazz Alumni (DJA) mark the golden anniversary of the Doncaster Youth Jazz Orchestra (DYJO), showcasing the remarkable journey and enduring legacy of its founder, John Ellis MBE, as well as their own individual and collective achievements.

50 Years was recorded with a special intention to try and help support students at the Doncaster Youth Jazz Association (DYJA). As proud Doncaster Jazz Alumni and former members of the association, their shared passion for jazz and the community is a motivating factor to give back to the next generation of talented musicians. While DJA operate independently from DYJA, their core values remain intertwined, and DJA remain steadfast in their commitment to support the Association’s current students. As a result, DJA aim to donate a substantial portion of the proceeds from the sales of this album to help inspire and assist these young musicians. DJA is most grateful for the public’s support of this project, which will have a direct and meaningful impact on empowering young musicians' lives, allowing them to pursue their musical ambitions.

In 1973, John Ellis established a pioneering training program for jazz and modern music, with the goal of offering local children performance opportunities while nurturing their love for jazz and big bands. Now, half a century later, this 50th anniversary album by the DJA is a heartfelt thank-you to John Ellis for his unwavering service, inspiration, and the impact he has had on countless lives.

Left to right: Joe Sykes, Damian Bell, Al Wood, Mark White, Jonathan “Stan” White, John Ellis, Manolo Polidario (Photo by Olivia Da Costa)

John explains the idea behind the project: “This unique album is the brainchild of a group of the Doncaster Jazz alumni who wanted to acknowledge and celebrate our collective success in our 50th anniversary year. It is a testament to the commitment, passion, and professionalism of these remarkable musicians, many of whom I’ve had the enormous pleasure to watch grow and develop as both musicians and people. Despite the obvious difficulties of the recent pandemic, geography, and family/work commitments, they managed to organise rehearsals, performances and a recording at British Grove Studios, London. The recording experience was a revelation and a wonderful thing to witness. After greeting each other with smiles and hugs, the jokes and laughs were quickly put on hold as they took their respective chairs. They all worked passionately and tirelessly over two days to create a unique tribute to many of the great writers who have been inspired us all over the last 50 years.”

In celebration of this momentous 50th anniversary, 50 Years provides the DJA with a unique opportunity to delve into a diverse collection of music that embraces the vibrant jazz scene of today. It also pays tribute to their musical roots by showcasing compositions from esteemed artists including Bob Brookmeyer, Bob Mintzer, Laurence Cottle, Tom Kubis, Sammy Nestico, Patrick Williams, Al Wood, Steve Parry, Allan Ganley, and Bob Florence.

Left to right - Back Row: Stuart Wilson, Tom Tait, Gareth Smith, Mike King. Front Row: Lee Hallam, Dan Jones, Rory Ingham, Jacob Cooper. (Photo by Olivia Da Costa)

Throughout the past 50 years, an incalculable number of aspiring young musicians have found their creative voices through their participation in DYJO. Since then, many have embarked on successful professional careers, performing worldwide alongside renowned artists such as Herbie Hancock, Sting, Quincy Jones, Gil Evans, Jools Holland, and The Royal Philharmonic. Undoubtedly, DJA can be found worldwide, showcasing their talents at the highest level. The gratitude they hold towards John is immeasurable. Through 50 Years, the album, the DJA pay heartfelt tribute to an extraordinary individual.

Reuben Fowler (Photo by Olivia Da Costa)

Reuben Fowler, Music Director and Producer of the project, shares his thoughts concerning their relationship with Ubuntu Music: “’50 Years’ signifies a milestone for the DJA, as we are thrilled to collaborate with Ubuntu Music for the first time to realise this momentous recording. Ubuntu's dedication to delivering high-quality, accessible, and beautiful music resonates with our own values, as we continue to celebrate the legacy of the DYJO whose former members form our ensemble.

Fowler continues: “Throughout the past 50 years, the DYJO's influence has resonated across the globe, igniting a passion for jazz among younger generations from all corners of the world. With Ubuntu's support, we know that we can continue to share this message with an even wider audience. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Ubuntu and its director, Martin Hummel, for their willingness to join forces on this landmark endeavour. Martin's involvement adds an extra layer of significance to this already special project.”

British Grove Studios, London (Photo by Olivia Da Costa)

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, concludes: “When I was first approached by Reuben Fowler about a year ago, I was struck by his passion and his enthusiasm for this project, as well as recognising the importance of making a statement about the tremendous legacy of DYJO, DJA and the driving force behind it all…John Ellis MBE. So many musicians have benefitted from this organisation and it was only fitting that, in this golden anniversary year, a recording of substantial quality be released as a reminder to us all just how remarkable this journey has been. We are honoured to have been selected to be a part of this celebration. We wholeheartedly welcome DJA to the Ubuntu Music Family and look forward to the centennial follow up!”

Doncaster Jazz Alumni (Photo by Olivia Da Costa)

For further information, please contact:

Mark Ellis (Project Manager & Booking Agent): ellismusic@hotmail.co.uk

Emma Perry (UK Publicity): emmasarahperry@gmail.com

Martin Hummel/Ubuntu Music (Worldwide): martin@ubuntumanagementgroup.com

WEBSITES

www.doncasterjazzalumni.com

https://www.weareubuntumusic.com/

https://www.ubuntumanagementgroup.com/

DONCASTER JAZZ ALUMNI

Since their first downbeat in 1973, the Doncaster Youth Jazz Orchestra (DYJO) have been supporting the young musicians of today who will help shape the future of jazz tomorrow. With remarkable credits that include Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, Gil Evans, the BBC Big Band, Jools Holland, Jamiroquai and the Royal Philharmonic, DYJO has cultivated alumni who perform at the highest level worldwide.

In celebration of the organisation's 50-year milestone, the Doncaster Jazz Alumni (DJA) and DYJO founder John Ellis MBE are welcoming back former members for a special recorded project, entitled 50 Years. This unique endeavour encompasses a diverse program featuring works by renowned jazz figures including Bob Florence, Bob Brookmeyer, Francy Boland, Sammy Nestico, Tom Kubis, and Bob Mintzer. The orchestra will also pay tribute to icons of British jazz with original compositions by Allan Ganley, Al Wood, Laurence Cottle and Steve Parry, as well as showcasing pieces from within the orchestra.

Well known for their exceptional soloists and ensemble players, the DJA continues to receive critical acclaim. Over the past half-century, the former members of the DYJO, now part of DJA, have undertaken a global mission that has brought them to prestigious venues across the world, including Ronnie Scott's in London and the United Nations in New York. Furthermore, notable accolades include being named ‘BBC Big Band of the Year.’

In addition to 50 Years, the ensemble remains actively involved in progressive and ambitious projects, such as their upcoming concerts commemorating the centenary of Thad Jones. Over the course of the past five decades, they have had the honour of collaborating with esteemed guest artists, including Thad Jones, Cat Anderson, Stan Tracy, Ronnie Scott, Humphrey Littleton, Barbara Thompson and Slide Hampton, among others.

“…one of the most talented young bands Great Britain has to offer…”

-- Jack Bowers, ‘All About Jazz’

Ubuntu Management Group News

Doncaster Jazz Alumni / 50 Years