The first of our gigs in partnership with Manchester Jazz Festival 2023!

A young artist who very much embodies the current generation of emerging UK jazz talent, Donovan Haffner has already established himself as an individual voice on the busy London scene. Following in the footsteps of numerous British jazz luminaries, Donovan has been at the forefront of the world famous Tomorrow’s Warriors programme for ten years, with the last 2 years seeing him forge his own career as an in-demand saxophonist, sharing the stage with the likes of Moses Boyd, Shane Forbes, Kamaal Williams and Jay Phelps and leading his own band at venues & festivals including Ronnie Scotts, Love Supreme, We Out Here and more.

His Quintet draws together likeminded young musicians, sharing their passion for American Contemporary Jazz, capturing & sharing its evocative spirit and emotional drive through the lens of their own experience. In addition to his formidable saxophone playing, Donovan is also an accomplished composer and arranger, with his quintet presenting his original compositions at the festival, influenced by the greats both old new - citing Joe Henderson, Immanuel Wilkins, Kenny Dorham and Walter Smith III. This is a rare chance to catch Donovan in an intimate venue as his star is rising…

Donovan Haffner // alto saxophone

Francisco Garcia De Paredes // guitar

Jay Verma // piano 

Harry Pearce // bass

Harry Ling // drums