DECCA Credit is Robin-Clewley Photography
©Photo: Robin Clewley Photography

Jess Gillam’s debut album ​‘Rise’ out now on Decca Classics

26/4/2019

Jess Gillam​’s new album ​‘Rise’ reflects her own musical journey and the pieces which have inspired her. She recorded it with the BBC Concert Orchestra and chamber musicians, as well as celebrated guitarist MILOŠ, who features on the track ​‘Flow My Tears’. The album includes beautiful cover versions of songs by two of Jess’s biggest heroes: Kate Bush’s ballad ​‘This Woman’s Work’ and David Bowie’s timeless ​‘Where Are We Now?’. There are also familiar hits from the world of film, such as ​‘Closing In’ by John Williams (as featured in Steven Spielberg’s 2002 film Catch Me If You Can), Michael Nyman’s ​‘If’ (from The Diary of Anne Frank) and the bonus track, Francis Lai’s ​‘Theme from Love Story’. The recording also features two of Jess’ signature pieces: ​‘Pequeña Czarda’ by Pedro Iturralde, which she played in BBC Young Musician 2016 wind category final, and Darius Milhaud’s ​‘Brazileira’ from Scaramouche, which she performed to great acclaim at the Last Night of the Proms.

Jess Gillam's Album 'Rise'
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Jess Gillam - Iturralde: Pequeña Czarda - Pequeña Czarda (Arr. Harle) © Jess Gillam

“To record an album has been a huge ambition of mine for a very long time so I can’t believe it’s actually happening! I’ve learned a lot through the recording process and the whole album consists of music I love so I am very excited to share it; I really hope you enjoy listening!”

Jess Gillam

There is also a brand new commission on the album from Jess’ teacher and mentor, acclaimed saxophonist John Harle — ​‘RANT!’, which is based on traditional folk tunes from her home county, Cumbria. ​‘Rise’ also features virtuosic encores and popular classical works, such a saxophone version of Marcello’s Adagio from his well-known oboe concerto, Wiedoeft’s charming ​‘Valse vanité’ and a new arrangement of Shostakovich’s Waltz No.2 from his second jazz suite – as featured in Stanley Kubrick’s 1999 film Eyes Wide Shut. Plus there are two popular songs: the traditional Russian folk tune ​‘Dark Eyes’ in a new version by John Harle; and Kurt Weill’s impassioned ​‘Je ne t’aime pas’.

Hailing from Ulverston in Cumbria, Jess Gillam is blazing a trail in the music world with her outstanding talent and infectious personality. She is the first saxophone player to sign an exclusive recording deal with Decca Classics and has already released a series of digital singles on the label.