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Meet Jess Gillam: the saxophonist on a mission to bring joy to peoples' lives

Jess Gillam - Photographs by Rebecca Naen// Styling by Tara Greville
Jess Gillam - Photographs by Rebecca Naen// Styling by Tara Greville

Jess Gillam and her saxophone have taken the classical music world by storm. She has already won a Classic Brit Award, is the first saxophonist to reach the BBC Young Musician final; she performed at last year’s Baftas and is the youngest presenter on BBC Radio 3, where she showcases new talent. “There was an old lady who came to one of my concerts, and she said she didn’t feel as if she had anything to live for any more,” says Gillam. “She said, ‘After hearing you, it has made me feel again.’”

Despite her success, at 22 Gillam admits that she still has a way to go. “I’d love to be able to turn up to a jazz gig and shred. It takes time, and I’m working on improving my sound and technical skills,” she says. “I just want to make people feel something.”

How did you get into playing the saxophone? 

I started playing in a band at a Brazilian carnival centre. My dad was teaching drums there and I had tried all the other instruments. I was completely terrible until I came across the saxophone.

You combine music with social projects. Why is that important to you? 

I have been a patron of Awards for Young Musicians for a number of years, a charity that introduces children to music. I give workshops and fundraising concerts and participate in a mentoring scheme. I think music has the capacity to be completely life changing. It can teach empathy, it can give a sense of solace, hope and joy. I take music to people who wouldn’t have access to live shows.

Jess Gillam at the Royal Albert Hall - Jess Gillam/Twitter
Jess Gillam at the Royal Albert Hall - Jess Gillam/Twitter

What was it like playing at the Last Night of the Proms? 

I’d dreamt of it from a young age so to have that opportunity was quite surreal.

Whose music do you most enjoy playing? 

On my new album, Time, we have everything from Thom Yorke to James Blake to Meredith Monk to Michael Nyman – a real breadth of musicians. I play music that feels honest, tells a story and gives me a connection to someone’s life: whoever feels real.

What is your show on BBC Radio 3 about?

The show is on every Saturday and I talk to other young musicians about the kind of music they like and what they're listening to. Being a young presenter in the industry was quite overwhelming at first, but now I really enjoy it. I've realised that I’m fascinated by other peoples' stories, their cultures and what’s important to them. The show has helped me to do that.

Time came out on 25 September (DeccaClassics)

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