Donovan Haffner

About the show

Recently named Best Newcomer at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards, Donovan Haffner is a London-based alto saxophonist and composer whose music bridges neo-bop tradition with contemporary flair. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music and Tomorrow’s Warriors alumnus, he has toured with Moses Boyd and performed at Glastonbury and Love Supreme.

Donovan has played with Jay Phelps, Charlie Stacey, and Balimaya. He has also performed with the Danish jazz pianist/composer Rasmus Sorenson and was selected by Tony Kofi to be part of American jazz legend Charles Tolliver's Big Band, headlining at the Barbican as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival. And Donovan is still very much part of the Tomorrow’s Warriors musical family, performing with both Nu Civilisation Orchestra and Jazz Jamaica.
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His debut album Alleviate showcases his quintet’s original compositions, marked by rhythmic drive and melodic sophistication. Donovan’s playing is both technically assured and emotionally resonant, positioning him as a compelling new voice in British jazz.

with Simon Woolf: bass • Graham Harvey: piano • Rick Finlay: drums • Jeremy Shoham: sax