Young British Saxophone star Dan Forshaw was born in Blackpool, Lancashire in 1981. His skills as a Saxophonist, composer, band leader and educator have set him apart from his contemporaries.

Known for his innovative and refreshing approach, Dan has studied and or played with some of the best names in the music business; Branford Marsalis (Modern day jazz legend), Ravi Coltrane, Greg Tardy (Elvin Jones), Butch Thomas (Sting), Mike Haughton (Cliff Richard / Iona), Frank Griffith and Tony Woods.

Born into a musical family, Dan was playing the piano as soon as he was tall enough to reach the keys! In his teens Dan discovered a love for the music of John Coltrane, Charlie Parker and Sonny Rollins under the teaching and mentoring of Ray Wilkes.

At 16 Dan turned professional, combining his studies with playing venues across the UK and Europe as part of ‘The Amazing Blues Brothers Soul Revue’, (including 'sell-out' performances at the Cambridge Corn exchange (live on BBC radio), Harrogate International Conference centre, Blackpool Empress Ballroom and Granada Studios Manchester)

After completing his studies, as well as performing, Dan gained experience in the 'other side' of the music business. As Director of Finance and Communications for Blackpool Entertainment suppliers, Big Party Ltd, Dan gained a valuable insight into event management, promotion and brought him into contact with a wide range of contacts including the BBC, Whitbread Breweries, Seagram's and Hilton International.

Equally at home performing in a range of genres, Dan is frequently called upon for his skills as a session musician in all styles and has played live for various popular artistes including 'Yazz' and 'The Sound of Superstring'.

Dan also attracts wide demand as a guest lecturer and workshop leader, to see his current program please see our education page. Dan was Director of Jazz studies at the Sir Thomas Beecham Music School, Rossall, Lancashire from 2002 - 2005 and has been requested to lecture as far away as Beijing, China!

 

A deep study of the life of John Coltrane and in particular his seminal album A Love Supreme, lead Dan towards a more spiritual outlook on both his life and music. In January 2008 Dan's quartet featuring Jonathan Geyevu on Piano, Jerrell Jacob on Bass and long time collaborator on drums, J Hoy performed the whole of the album as part of an evening entitled Jazz: Loving the Supreme. The performance drew widespread critical acclaim not just for the music, but for the fusing of other art forms such as painting, drawing and poetry inspired by Coltrane's work.

Currently Dan can be found working as Artiste in Residence at May Street Church, Belfast a Vanguard for the promotion of the creative arts in Ireland. This work has lead Dan towards a more 'rounded' approach to his music as he is set to perform in the classical sphere with the Irish Chamber Orchestra.

 

Dan's setup

Soprano :
(Classical) Yanigisawa S991, Rousseau Classical mouthpiece (5) with Alexander 'Classical' reeds (3)
(Jazz) Yanigisawa S991, Phil Barone Vintage mouthpiece (7) with Alexander 'double cut' reeds (3 1/2)

Alto
(Classical) Phil Barone Saxophone Meyer (5) mouthpiece, Alexander DC (3 1/2) reeds
(Jazz) Phil Barone Saxophone , Freddie Gregory New York Mouthpiece, Alexander DC reeds (3 1/2)

Tenor
(Classical) No setup
(Jazz) Selmer Balanced Action 24XXX, Phil Barone Custom Crook, Dave Guardala Mouthpiece (Customised), or Otto Link (7) Mouthpiece Alexander DC reeds (4)

Discography (please click on our shop link to purchase)

2008 Live in London - 4shaw music
2007 Language of Emotion - 4shaw music
2006 Message (with Chris Smith) - 4shaw music
2005 Time Stood Still (with Mike Taylor) - 4shaw Music
2005 Live at the Villa
(feat. Sarah Hughes, Gary Potter & Ray Wilkes)
2003 Question 21 ReHab Records

Now playing 'St Thomas' from Greater men have passed this way before (c) 2008

(c) Dan Forshaw 2008