Standing on Williamsburg bridge, New York City on a mild but wet March evening, saxophonist Dan Forshaw never realized where the next few days and weeks would take him. Already an accomplished jazz musician in North West England, Dan had travelled to New York following an invitation by legendary hard bop saxophonist, Branford Marsalis. Branford invited Dan to visit the US and study with him after meeting Dan in Manchester in 2003.

Back on the Bridge. After making sure that his case was closed, (not wanting anyone to think he was busking, this was serious, this was practice!), he followed in the footsteps of that most famous of Williamsburg’s alumni, the incredible, Sonny Rollins. Working through Rollins’ St Thomas, trying desperately to keep going above the noise of the traffic and the subway trains, he poured out all of his influences, into the New York night. Rollins, Coltrane and Parker were all there, (naturally) but also Marsalis, Henderson and Brecker - saxophone giants who had been made revealed to Dan by his teacher since he was ten, Ray Wilkes, ‘the master’. After meeting a Serbian photographer, (who took some great shots) Dan ventured down to one of the many basement jazz clubs located in the Village. It was there, listening, chatting and later jamming with musicians such as Gregory Tardy, Ravi Coltrane, and Sean Freeman that Dan realized he had to spread his wings, and take his music to the next level.

Brought up in a musical family, Dan had being playing the piano from as soon as he was tall enough to reach the keys, he progressed on to Clarinet, and then straight onto tenor saxophone at the tender age of ten. Whilst studying for his A-levels, aged just sixteen he joined the Amazing Blues Brothers Soul Band, with whom he toured extensively throughout the UK and Europe. After four years with the band, he was appointed to the the board of directors of Big Party Ltd, gaining experience on the ‘other side’ of the music business, and working closely with the Hilton group, De Vere Hotels and Leisure and Mercury Inns.

Dan left Big Party, to become Director of Jazz Studies at the Sir Thomas Beecham Music School, Rossall, Fleetwood. Whilst at Rossall, Dan was responsible for teaching jazz, woodwind and music technology to students aged 8 to 18. He also gave private lessons across the Fylde coast and was invited to lead a number of workshops and lectures for the IAJE at various jazz festivals across the UK. He was later approached by the Beijing institute for contemporary music, to DIrect their jazz programme, an offer which Dan was flattered by, but declined as he was due to move to London.

When he moved to London in 2005, Dan was certain that he didn’t want to just follow the traditional routes open to young musicians, (such as the traditional music colleges). He had been inspired for many years by the music of John Coltrane, and in particular his 1964 album A Love Supreme. Rather than just practice the music, Dan wanted to search for the deeper meaning behind the album, and enrolled on a joint Music and Theology degree at the internationally renowned London School of Theology. Whilst studying at the college, he was able to work with a diverse group of musical ensembles across London, including the ‘Tribe of Judah’ gospel choir. Hip hop DJs, and the Frank Griffith Big Band. He also met up with Branford Marsalis, who was appearing at Ronnie Scotts. After hearing Dan at an after hours jam session, Branford demanded that Dan, ‘sent him some of his material’. Dan hastily got his quartet into the studio and recorded the album Language of Emotion. The album was critically well received, Music Web international calling it ‘an album which displays virtuosic performances, alongside cool, clever and creative music.’

Dan continues to perform, teach and record across the UK, Ireland, Europe, and occasionally worldwide!. He recently completed a stint as Artiste in Residence for Belfast’s Urban Soul project, which allowed him to work with classical ensembles such as the Irish Chamber Orchestra and others.

Aside from music Dan loves spending time with his young family, is an avid Manchester United fan and enjoys Formula 1 racing!

Dan Forshaw is a MACSAX artiste and plays Magnum Tenor and Alto saxophones; Theo Wanne Mouthpieces and FAME mouthpiece patches.

Dan's setup

Soprano :
(Classical) Yanigisawa S991; Rousseau Classical mouthpiece (5) with Rico Grand Concert Select Clarinet (3) Reeds.
(Jazz) Yanigisawa S991; Lebayle Jazz mouthpiece (7*); with Rico select jazz (4M) Reeds.

Alto:
(Classical) MACSAX 'Magnum' Bare Brass Alto, Meyer (5m) Mouthpiece, Alexander Classique reeds.
(Jazz) MACSAX 'Magnum' Bare Brass Alto, Freddie Gregory New York Mouthpiece, Alexander NY Reeds (3.5)

Tenor:
(Classical) No setup
(Jazz) Selmer Balanced Action 24XXX, Otto Link Slant sig 7* (Hard rubber), Francis Louis Ultimate Ligature, Alexander NY Reeds (3 1/2) or (Soul / Rock n Roll / Dance etc) MACSAX Magnum, (Bare Brass Unlaqured) with Theo Wanne AMMA 8* mouthpiece.

Discography

2003 Question 21
2004 Live at The Villa
2005 Time Stood Still
2006 Message
2007 Language of Emotion
2008 Live in London EP
2009 No Jazz Please, We’re British!

 

 

(c) 4shaw Music 2009