))
In 2019, at the age of 87, journalist/novelist/raconteur Dan Wakefield sat down with fellow writer Susan Neville to talk about his life and work. Because he was a working writer from the 1950s on, his life intersected with some of the major figures and events of the late twentieth century. In these ten podcasts you’ll hear their stories. The interviews were conducted at Butler University’s Irwin Library and on Mr. Wakefield’s front porch on Northview Avenue in Indianapolis. They were finishe ...
…
continue reading
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of big band jazz with Doncaster Jazz Alumni (DJA), a podcast that delves into the illustrious history and enduring legacy of Doncaster's vibrant youth music scene. Led by the legendary John Ellis MBE, DJA celebrates 50 years of big band swing in Doncaster with a special album, honouring the influence of its founder and the remarkable success of its alumni. Discover the remarkable journey of musicians who honed their craft in the Doncaster Youth Jazz ...
…
continue reading
1
13 - A Musical Legacy: Tom Tait’s Journey from Huddersfield to the West End
52:06
52:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:06
Join host Mark Ellis as he chats with Tom Tait, a key figure in the Doncaster Jazz Alumni. In this episode, Tom shares his inspiring journey from growing up in a musical family in Huddersfield to becoming a professional trumpet player. Discover how his father's influence and early experiences in school jazz bands shaped his passion for music. Tom t…
…
continue reading
1
12 - From Wakefield to the World Stage with Reuben Fowler
40:49
40:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:49
Join host Mark Ellis as he sits down with Reuben Fowler, a key figure in the Doncaster Jazz Alumni, to discuss his remarkable musical journey. From his early influences and first steps into jazz, to studying at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music, Reuben shares how his passion for music evolved. Discover how mentorship, perseverance, and a love …
…
continue reading
1
11 - Dean Nixon: Being Hangry, A Burst Football & Herbie Hancock
23:42
23:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:42
In a heartwarming reunion, longtime pals and stalwarts of the DJA sax section, Mark turns the spotlight on Dean, unearthing a musical odyssey of hidden talents and cherished memories. With a bond forged since Dean's tender age of 11, these two comrades-in-arms regale us with a treasure trove of memories— from touring France, Germany and America to …
…
continue reading
1
10 - John Ellis Part 4: Old Cassettes, Ella v Ellington & Relish
13:33
13:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:33
In their latest exchange, father and son eagerly hash out their visions for DJA's future as they set their sights on the horizon of 2025 and beyond. True to form, their ideas differ —John harbors grand aspirations of staging Duke Ellington's lesser-known opus, "The Queen’s Suite," while Mark champions the release of a vintage recording featuring Bo…
…
continue reading
1
09 - Martin Longhawn: Being Posh, The Donny Mafia & THAT Andy Vinter Moment
20:32
20:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:32
In the first episode featuring a non-alumnus, we're treated to Martin Longhawn's captivating tale of navigating the infamous "Leeds-Doncaster Divide" and unwittingly finding himself entangled in the enigmatic web of the Donny Mafia. A much sought-after pianist, Martin regales us with his initial foray into the musical tapestry of Doncaster, includi…
…
continue reading
1
08 - John Ellis Part 3: Limonest, Oysters & A Brush With The Law…
23:12
23:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:12
Once again, father and son reunite, this time to celebrate the extraordinary bond between DJA and a special place known as Limonest, guided by the legendary figure of Andre Gicquel. Since 1989, this cross-channel connection has flourished through exchanges, tours, and unforgettable concerts that have united young musicians on both shores. Prepare f…
…
continue reading
1
07 - Dan Jones: DYJO-LIMBO, Tinnitus & The Royal Albert Hall
24:34
24:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:34
Mark catches up with ‘bonist Dan and discovers why he chose what he affectionately calls "the poor man’s trumpet”. After a brief Public Service Announcement on the perils of hearing loss and the hazards of band life, the two dive into Dan's musical journey, exploring his unconventional path to the trombone and the serendipitous twists and turns alo…
…
continue reading
1
06 - Sarah Potts: Friendship, Sliding Doors and Brexit
21:39
21:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:39
Mark chats with fellow saxophonist Sarah, who regales him with tales of her musical odyssey, from humble beginnings tinkering with the recorder in Mexborough to blossoming into a sought-after professional sax player and dedicated educator. Much credit is owed to the nurturing embrace of the Doncaster Youth Jazz Association, spearheaded by the ever-…
…
continue reading
1
05 - Joe Sykes: Bob Florence, Steve Parry & The Faulty Muffler
18:49
18:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:49
Mark settles in for a chat with budding drumming sensation, Joe Sykes, DJA's freshest face. With a youthful exuberance, Joe shares his unabashed passion for all things big band and his profound joy at being part of DJA's latest recording venture. However, it wasn't all smooth sailing for Joe, as he candidly recounts the trials and tribulations of a…
…
continue reading
1
04 - John Ellis Part 2: You Know It Makes Sense!
28:46
28:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:46
In their follow-up conversation, Mark and John delve into the laborious yet heartwarming journey behind the conception of "50 Years", the latest opus from DJA. John recounts the arduous task of cherry-picking tracks for the album, a feat made slightly less daunting thanks to the invaluable assistance of Reuben Fowler. They share anecdotes about the…
…
continue reading
1
03 - Al Wood: Curtains, Cake & Steve Parry
17:04
17:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:04
Mark and multi-instrumentalist Al Wood engage in a lighthearted exchange, about Al’s adventures in ironing and navigating the bustling streets of Sunny Donny! On a more serious note (pun intended), Al's deep knowledge of the UK big band scene and his extensive experience are the stuff of legend. Delve into the fascinating connections between Al's t…
…
continue reading
1
02 - John Ellis Part 1: Northcliffe, Rabbits & The Myth Of Talent
37:01
37:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:01
In their inaugural podcast together, John Ellis MBE and his son Mark embark on a journey down memory lane, weaving through the tapestry of the past five decades of John’s beloved endeavor—the Doncaster Youth Jazz Association. They discuss when Duke Ellington graced the presence of royalty, the sight of John masquerading as Glen Miller, and the endu…
…
continue reading
1
01 - Welcome to the Doncaster Jazz Alumni Podcast
2:34
2:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
2:34
Your Doncaster Jazz Alumni host, Mark Ellis, tells us what to expect on this unique podcast, 50 years in the making….By Mark Ellis
…
continue reading
At the end of this interview, Dan Wakefield says ‘’I guess that’s it. That’s everything I know. That’s doubtful of course, but the amount of insider history covered in this podcast is wide ranging. One of the first practitioners of what was called “The New Journalism,” he tells stories from the great age of celebrity profiles. Wakefield covered Sen…
…
continue reading
In this episode, prose writer Dan Wakefield talks about the importance of poetry in his own life and in his writing. This is a wide-ranging conversation that touches on many poets, writers, and musicians: including the teacher who gave him the Carl Sandburg poem that gave him permission to leave Indiana for New York; memories from his deep friendsh…
…
continue reading
1
EPISODE EIGHT: HOLLYWOOD AND JAMES AT 15
1:24:24
1:24:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:24:24
In perhaps the most personal of these podcasts, Dan discusses the time he spent in Hollywood working on the television series James at 15, a period of his life that began with an offer he couldn’t refuse and ended with the crisis he describes in Returning. Along the way, he learns the ins and outs of the television and film industry, a world he wou…
…
continue reading
1
EPISODE SEVEN: ‘LA WOMAN’ EVE BABITZ
1:18:38
1:18:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:18:38
When Wakefield first moved to Los Angeles to start a novel in Joan Didion’s basement and later on the beach in Venice, where he lived at the Chateau Marmont and entered a tumultuous relationship with Eve Babitz, former girlfriend of Jim Morrison, designer of album covers for Buffalo Springfield, and writer of essays and stories, including “Black Sw…
…
continue reading
1
EPISODE SIX: CIVIL RIGHTS REPORTING (JOURNALIST)
1:00:09
1:00:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:09
Wakefield began his journalism career as a civil rights reporter for The Nation, The Atlantic, Esquire, and The New York Times. After his coverage of the Emmett Till trial, he continued being fascinated by trials. “It was like reading a novel,” he explains in this episode. He talks about the James Jones From Here to Eternity trial and the Adam Clay…
…
continue reading
1
EPISODE FIVE: THE MAN FROM OCCUPIED TERRITORY (ISRAEL)
1:02:38
1:02:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:38
As a young journalist, Wakefield was inspired by Hemingway’s notion that you have to face death to be a writer. “I wanted to put myself at risk,” Wakefield says in this interview, “test my courage and integrity” and so he “jumped at the first opportunity to get himself shot at.” In this episode, Wakefield talks about fishing and being shot at in th…
…
continue reading
Dan had the opportunity to study under some of the greatest teachers/writers/critics of the 20th century, including Lionel Trilling and Mark Van Doren. Rabbi Harold Kushner was also there. He also lived in New York at the height of the popularity of Freudian analysis. In this episode, he talks about the people he knew at Columbia, his work with C. …
…
continue reading
1
EPISODE THREE: EMMETT TILL TRIAL and C. WRIGHT MILLS
57:29
57:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:29
In 1955, Wakefield graduated from Columbia University and went looking for his first job. Through Indianapolis connections, he landed an interview with Barney Kilgore, editor of The Wall Street Journal. He wasn’t, Kilgore told him, quite ready for the Journal, but he was given a reporting job at a small paper in Princeton, New Jersey, where every d…
…
continue reading
At the time of this taping, Wakefield was Kurt Vonnegut’s “oldest living friend.” It was Vonnegut who wrote the New York Times review of Wakefield’s Going All the Way and it’s Wakefield who posthumously edited Vonnegut’s stories, letters, and graduation speeches. They both grew up in Indianapolis and attended Shortridge High School. Wakefield talks…
…
continue reading
1
EPISODE ONE: OLD WHITE GUY GETS WOKE
1:00:14
1:00:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:14
When Dan Wakefield moved back to his hometown of Indianapolis in 2005, he saw it with a different lens and was re-awakened, in his 80s, to the history of racism and the erasure of Midwestern black culture that he had been blind to as a child. He brought a lifetime of his own civil rights reporting and things he hadn’t understood in long friendship …
…
continue reading
