Consider this remarkable double-CD as a kind of festschrift (or a sort of ‘commemorative document’ as the dictionary has it) conceived as both a tribute and vote of thanks to the much-lauded John Ellis MBE, who founded the Doncaster Youth Jazz Orchestra 50 years ago and has been its mainstay ever since. While the band alumni’s collective album note is all about voicing their gratitude to him for his encouragement and vision, one suspects that the greater pleasure for Ellis will be to bask in the glories of these performances and to reflect on the band’s progress from first inklings until today. He says he’s intent on taking a back seat now. We’ll see.

Twelve performances, a dozen charts, some by noted US writers, multiple lineups, varied soloists, but above all a zest in execution and a sense that whatever the challenges offered by these often-complex pieces, these players, old and new, have them sorted.

Take for example, the band’s reading of the late British drummer Allan Ganley’s exhilarating composition, ‘Victor,’ named for his friend Vic Feldman and featured by his own big band live and on record. Just to hear the trumpets tear into its opening sequence is a joy, as are the contributions from co-MD Reuben Fowler on flugel and Cooper on trombone, drummer Hanley handling every chop and change in this fast-moving piece superbly. As he does Francy Boland’s equally demanding chart for his own ‘Sax No End,’ Teimoori’s warm-toned tenor highlighted. Factor in other arrangements by Bob Brookmeyer, Tom Kubis, Bob Florence, Sammy Nestico et al, and ‘Over The Top’ by co-MD Al Wood, plus star soloists, many now widely known, and you have a feast of good things. Hope you enjoy your ‘retirement,’ John.