Description
Donovan Haffner ‘Alleviate’ – Format: LP 12 inch 3mm spine, 180g black vinyl
Editors choice on Jazzwise Magazine – 4 stars
“He’s got an attractive tone on alto with enough of an acidic bite to confer the necessary edge, and his time, swing and command of language are exemplary in the old-fashioned way.’ – Eddie Myer, Jazzwise
“An absolute awesome debut and really amazing release. I’ve watched his development for the last two or three years and he has blossomed into a really special musician” – Tony Minvielle, Jazz FM
Rising Jazz star and London-based alto saxophonist Donovan Haffner releases his highly anticipated debut album ‘Alleviate’, out now.
Donovan has a growing reputation as a bandleader and composer in his own right and this album release is set to see him come to the attention of jazz fans across the country. ‘Alleviate’ is a 9-track collection of original compositions recorded with Donovan’s quintet and is a vitally exciting contemporary jazz recording that reflects his burgeoning talent. This essential body of work positions the young musician as a rising jazz star and one of 2025’s breakthrough artists. ‘Alleviate’ references the catharsis in the young musician’s life when he was dealing with negative thoughts, which were alleviated through his creative process.
Joining Donovan on Alleviate are Francisco Garcia de Paredes on guitar, Jay Verma on piano, Harry Pearce on bass and Harry Ling on drums. Performing together since 2019, this talented young group further enhance Donovan’s distinctive compositional style, expertly balancing complexity with a sense of melody, accessibility and groove. Donovan himself describes this as “a combination of the many influences and styles of jazz that I am passionate about.” – a unique approach that is bursting with maturity and flair. Audiences for his live shows will see Donovan leading his quartet on a journey through the music he loves, straight ahead and contemporary jazz – drawing on the inspiration of the musicians that have influenced him, including Kenny Garrett, Freddie Hubbard, Immanuel Wilkins, Joe Henderson, Wayne Shorter, and Walter Smith III.
His musical career has already gained Donovan a range of accolades, including finalist in the ‘Jazz Newcomer Of The Year’ category at the 2025 and 2024 Parliamentary Jazz Awards and finalist at the Musician’s Company 2024 Tina May Jazz Award.
Track list
Side A
The Writer (intro)
The Writer
The Sublime
Alleviate (intro)
Alleviate
Side B
D Tune
Discovering The Truth
The Lone Wolf
Step Aside
GENRE: Jazz
BARCODE: 198999970586
RELEASE DATE: 10/10/2025
