Jess Gillam: Everything you need to know about the saxophonist
The young saxophonist has most recently been awarded an MBE for services to music
Last updated 11th Aug 2022
Saxophonist Jess Gillam’s success as a performer, advocate, and broadcaster is as gratifying to see for the classical music world as her infectious zest and positivity. Having finished as a runner-up in the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition at just 17-years-old, Jess has already achieved so much.
And to crown her recent achievements, she was also awarded an MBE for services to music in the Queen's Birthday Honours 2021.
Here, we've taken a look at her rise to fame, her biggest achievements so far and the success of her albums - 'RISE' and 'TIME'.
You can hear exclusive content from Jess Gillam on Scala Radio Premium. Start your 7-day free trial to listen. Find out more here.
Basic facts and family life
Jess was born in Ulverston, Cumbria on 24th May 1998 to parents Doug and Shirley Gillam, making her currently 24-years-old. She also has a younger sister named Patsy, who's a singer and a guitarist.
Jess began studying at the Junior Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester whilst at secondary school, leaving sixth form early to pursue the saxophone. She later studied at the Royal Northern College of Music, before dropping out to again concentrate on her playing and moving to London.
Although 2020 was not a great year in many aspects, it did allow Jess the time to complete a Masters degree in Performance from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. Jess told Alternative Classical in September 2020 that she's not the biggest fans of institutions, "I think some institutions can stamp out authenticity and individuality.
"One of the most incredible things about music is that it can be a true voice, and a really authentic way of expressing and communicating yourself and with other people. In a world where you can present yourself as any kind of persona on social media and show somebody the highlights of your life, people are searching for truth and authenticity. And sometimes institutions don't encourage that enough."
Rise to fame
Young Musician of the Year
Jess competed in the prestigious Young Musician of the Year competition in 2016 aged 17, making it all the way to the final AND winning the woodwind category - but she missed out on the main title to Sheku Kanneh-Mason. It did not deter her though, and became the first ever saxophonist to sign to Decca Records in May 2018 at the age of 19.
Classic BRIT Award win
Just a month later in June 2018, Jess won the first ever Sound of Classical Poll at the Classic BRIT Awards. The gong aimed to recognise the best emerging artist between 13 and 30-years-old, with Jess saying of her win, "Every performance that I give I aim to be as honest as I possibly can and it’s an instrument that isn’t as widely performed as much as the others in the classical sphere and I’m really trying to do as much as I can for the instrument and for the music. I’m not sure what’s made me different but I’m really, really proud to have won it."
Debut album 'Rise'
Jess released her first album 'Rise' in April 2019 – a collection of rock, film, and light classical music. These characteristically spirited recordings helped consolidate Jess’ presence on the classical music scene along with her increasing number of appearances presenting on TV and radio.
Second album 'Time'
Her follow-up album 'Time' was released in September 2020, featuring Jess' versions of numbers by Michael Nyman, Björk, James Blake, Phillip Glass and many others - even two brand new compositions written by composer Luke Howard and Goldfrapp’s Will Gregory.
Virtual Scratch Orchestra
Jess set up the Virtual Scratch Orchestra during the 2020 lockdown, explaining on her site, 'The concept is simple: I will upload parts for different pieces, you video yourself playing the part that suits you most, send it in and then we’ll collate all of the videos to make a Virtual Orchestra and I’ll play along too.' She told Alternative Classical that it was "one of the most rewarding and heartwarming projects" she'd ever done.
Jess Gillam's presenting credits
Jess presented five shows at the BBC Proms 2019 after her incredible performance at the 2018 and 2017 concerts, hosting alongside Katie Derham, Suzy Klein and Tom Service.
She also hosts a show on BBC Radio 3 entitled This Classical Life. As the youngest ever presenter on the station, Jess' show airs every Saturday at 12.30pm, having joined in February 2019.
Which saxophone does Jess Gillam play?
Whilst Jess' normal saxophone was being fixed up, she took to Instagram to share a photo of her backup instrument - a Selmer Concept Mouthpiece with a Vandoren Optimum Ligature and Vandoren V12 3 Reeds.
She wrote, 'I bought my first Yanagisawa with my busking money when I was 13!! I’ve loved them ever since - I find them very responsive, resonant and free blowing. The craftsmanship that goes into their making is INCREDIBLE - I’ve been lucky enough to see it first hand in Japan.'
Jess Gillam: A reivew of her album 'Rise'
Jess' enthusiasm as a classical crossover artist knows no bounds - she brings an energy and enthusiasm to everything she plays from her favourite classical music both original and arranged, to those rock anthems which have played such an important part of her musical development.
The saxophonist typifies a refreshing approach to positioning classical music, often taking on iconic melodies from Kate Bush to David Bowie, or film scores from ‘Catch Me If You Can’ that sit comfortably in the saxophone’s range.
David Bowie's influence
Bowie is undoubtedly a key influence for the young saxophonist. The touchingly intimate arrangement of ‘Where Are We Now?’ by saxophone teacher John Harle takes centre stage in the album. Smooth strings accompany her elegant saxophone line in a combined texture that oozes adoration for Bowie himself.
'Love Story'
Francis Lai’s haunting Oscar-winning melody for the Ryan O’Neal and Ali McGraw heartbreaking Love Story concludes the album. In Gillam’s hands the saxophone takes on an almost human quality, highlighting the apparent simplicity of the melody at the same as ramping up the pathos. Be warned, you’ll need to dab away those tears.