We are delighted to welcome Donovan Haffner and his quintet to The Bear as part of our series promoting new jazz talent.
Donovan is one of the hottest saxophone players on the London scene and was recently nominated in the Best Newcomer category for the 2024 Parliamentary Jazz Awards. He came through the renowned London-based jazz education collective, Tomorrow’s Warriors, and has worked with notable musicians such as Shane Forbes and Jay Phelps.
He has toured extensively with star drummer Moses Boyd, including around Italy at only 18 years old and at various places around the UK. During his formative years, he received mentorship from figures like Gary Crosby OBE, Alex Davis, and Binker Golding of Tomorrow’s Warriors.
Now leading his own quintet, Donovan's band consists of Francisco Garcia de Paredes on guitar, Deschanel Gordon on piano, Harry Pearce on double bass, and Luke McCarthy on drums.
Their repertoire primarily features Donovan's original compositions, which are mainly neo-bop but with his own unique twist, influenced by artists such as Immanuel Wilkins, Joel Ross, Ambrose Akinmusire, Walter Smith III, and Wayne Shorter.
“Donovan Haffner immediately impressed me with his beautiful tone and melodic gifts”
Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm / Tickets £10 / £7 for members
All seating/tables are first come first served.