Donovan Haffner

London-based alto saxophonist Donovan Haffner is a rising star in the UK jazz scene, known for his distinctive tone, emotive compositions, and mature approach to both writing and performance. A recent graduate of the Royal Academy of Music (BMus, Jazz), Haffner first picked up the saxophone at age 10 and quickly immersed himself in London’s jazz community, joining the Tomorrow’s Warriors Young Artist Development Programme and receiving mentorship from figures like Gary Crosby OBE and Binker Golding. By 18, he was already touring internationally with drummer Moses Boyd, and his early career has seen him perform at major venues and festivals such as Ronnie Scott’s, Glastonbury, and Love Supreme.

Haffner leads his own quintet, a tight-knit group including Francisco Garcia de Paredes (guitar), Jay Verma (piano), Harry Pearce (bass), and Harry Ling (drums), with whom he has been performing since 2019. His debut album, *Alleviate* (2025), showcases nine original compositions—including tracks like “D Tune” and “The Lone Wolf”—that blend neo-bop influences with a contemporary, lyrical sensibility, balancing complexity and accessibility in a way that has drawn comparisons to US altoists Immanuel Wilkins and Kenny Garrett. Haffner’s music channels both the joy and catharsis of his personal journey, resulting in performances and recordings that are both intellectually engaging and full of heart.