BIO

Dan Ford is a saxophonist and composer based in Melbourne, Australia. He is passionate about creating and performing Australian jazz compositions in a distinctive modern style. Originally from Canberra, Dan followed his passion for jazz and improvised music by studying at the Australian National University’s School of Music (Bachelor of Music with First Class Honours) and later a Master's degree in jazz performance at the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University, graduating with the Award for Academic Excellence.

His 2021 album “Across the Wide Bay” features Brisbane musicians and includes all original compositions. This album is available on all platforms for download or streaming.

Dan has performed at a wide range of events in Europe and Australia, including the Queensland Music Festival; Merimbula Jazz Festival; Townsville Jazz Festival; Canberra International Music Festival; and many others. He has answered invitations to perform with ensembles ranging from the Canberra Symphony Orchestra to the Brisbane Contemporary Jazz Orchestra, and is a regular feature at jazz venues across Australia’s east coast.

Dan’s research into Charlie Parker’s use of harmonic anticipation was published in Jazz Education in Research and Practice (Spring 2021) from Indiana University Press. Download the paper here: The Harmonic Anticipation of Charlie Parker (PDF, 2.2MB).