Dan Forshaw is a leading figure in British jazz, renowned for his captivating performances and dynamic stage presence. His global career spans big bands, jazz quartets, and collaborations with cathedral choirs, thrilling audiences worldwide. A sought-after educator, Dan teaches saxophone at the University of Cambridge and serves as a lecturer in music at LST. A prominent saxophone vlogger, he has produced nearly 700 episodes, with over 2.5 million views. As a recognised authority on John Coltrane, his published academic work explores the saxophonist’s music and its connections to theology.
Born in Blackpool, Lancashire, in 1981, Dan Forshaw began his musical journey under the guidance of Ray Wilkes, a prominent figure in UK jazz and a former member of Cedar Walton’s band in New York. By 14, Dan was performing professionally, and at 16, he hit the road with the Amazing Blues Brothers Soul Revue Tour. During his late teens and early 20s, he made a name for himself on the North West jazz scene, including notable performances supporting Kyle Eastwood and Clare Teal at the Southport International Jazz Festival.
In 2004, after a pivotal meeting at the RNCM in Manchester, Dan was invited by Branford Marsalis to study with him in the US. Branford has remained a mentor, providing ongoing guidance throughout Dan’s career. Dan has recorded and performed live across the UK with artists such as Juliet Kelly, Georgia Mancio, Tony Kofi, Steve Fishwick, Graeme Flowers, Paul Higgs, James Beckwith, and Chris Jerome, collaborating both on his own projects and as part of other leading ensembles.
One of life’s natural teachers, Dan teaches saxophone for the University of Cambridge and has private saxophone students from all seven continents, (including Antarctica!). Dan enjoys nothing more than engaging students of all ages with his passion for jazz improvisation. In 2016 Dan won the Gold award for his teaching website ‘Cambridge Saxophone.com‘ and in 2020 he was voted ‘Music Teacher of the Year’. Dan still maintains an active performance schedule with his band performing on the London Jazz Scene (like at Pizza Express Soho click to watch), regular tours, and his ‘Jazz Vespers‘ project, which has seen Dan on Prime Time National TV, (BBC One,). Dan has also led jazz events at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Ely Cathedral and the at new home for Jazz Vespers in London, Methodist Central Hall, Westminster. Dan has a regular ‘Vlog’ on YouTube and is a keen amateur photographer.