Saxophonist Jess Gillam performs Bach to Bowie with the Irish Chamber Orchestra in Galway, Balbriggan and Limerick on 6, 7 and 8 February. We asked Jess the BIG questions . . .
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Jess was the first saxophonist to reach the finals of BBC Young Musician and she has since won a Classical BRIT award, hosted her own show on BBC Radio 3 (This Classical Life), and appeared at the BBC Proms - both as their youngest ever soloist and latterly, as a presenter.
Bach to Bowie will see Jess and Irish Chamber Orchestra perform Mendelssohn's String Symphony No. 2, Bach’s Concerto in A Minor, Boulanger’s Cantique and Bowie’s Life on Mars among many other pieces.
Jess and ICO play: Thursday 6 February at the Town Hall Theatre, Galway, 8.00pm Tickets: €30, €25, €10, €5.
Friday 7 February The Lark Concert Hall, Balbriggan, Dublin, 7.30pm Tickets: €30, €25, €10, €5.
Saturday 8 February University Concert Hall, Limerick, 7.30pm Tickets: €30, €25, €10, €5.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
My dad was an indie rock drummer and passed on his love of music to me - I started playing saxophone in a carnival band when I was seven.
I miss my friends a lot when I am away touring but as well as being lucky enough to play around the world, I also love bringing back recipes and cooking ideas from the food I’ve tried on the road!
I grew up waitressing in my mum and dad’s cafe in Cumbria which has given me an addiction to coffee and I’m excited to try the local coffee haunts in Ireland!
How would you describe your music?
Tough question. I play a massively eclectic mix from contemporary classical to a little bit of jazz and folk to minimalist, baroque and classical.
Who are your musical inspirations?
RAYE, Sidney Bechet, Donny McCaslin, Bach, Doechii, David Bowie, John Harle, Lankum, Caroline Shaw, Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
I can’t remember the first but the first that made a big impression on me was a saxophone quartet - I had never heard anything like it and couldn’t believe it was the same instrument I played.
What was the first record you ever bought?
I think it might have been the Tweenies soundtrack. Haha. i recently got the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s Cool It Down on vinyl and that’s one of my most prized!
What’s your favourite song right now?
Probably Ain’t No Way - Aretha Franklin.
Favourite lyric of all time?
My actual favourite probably isn’t printable!! (Boooo! - Ed)
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I wouldn’t want it to be my favourite song because I wouldn’t want to ruin it for myself. I’d probably go for something like Sound and Color by Alabama Shakes - it sends you to a different realm and I think you’d need that with one song on repeat!
Where can people find your music/more information?
I have Instagram, Facebook and a website too. Thank you!
Alan Corr
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