Edward graduated from the Royal Academy of Music with a Masters Degree in Music Performance having studied with Richard Addison, Martin Speake and Duncan Lamont. Since then, Edward has built an enviable reputation as a freelance saxophonist and educator. As a freelance musician, Edward has performed in a wide variety of settings, both classical and jazz, from big bands and jazz ensembles to solo recitals, quartets, orchestral and television work. Edward is always in demand as a saxophonist for his versatility and is well respected among musicians for his sound and approach.
A passionate educator, Edward currently holds the positions of Head of Instrumental & Vocal Coaching, Coordinator of Woodwind Studies and Coordinator of Jazz & Popular Music Studies at Wells Cathedral School. Edward’s extensive experience as an educator includes teaching the saxophone, clarinet, improvisation and jazz studies at several leading independent schools and for Kings College, London. In addition to this, Edward leads workshops and ensembles nationally and is a mentor and tutor for South West Music School. Edward also leads his own projects including Swing Machine Jazz Orchestra (a South West based big band featuring some of the top jazz musicians in the country), Blaze (a groundbreaking classical crossover group which features the saxophone with strings) and pop jazz ensemble The Edward Leaker Band. These groups perform nationally and have all released music available of CD or download.
Edward plays: Yanagisawa A9932J and S992.
James Gardiner-Bateman has been playing the saxophone since he was 9 years old. He grew up in Dundry, a small picturesque village in the Chew Valley, just outside the city of Bristol.
James attended Exeter Cathedral School, Wells Cathedral School and Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester. He then went on to win a scholarship to study at London’s prestigious Royal Academy of Music where he gained a performance degree in Jazz studies. His saxophone professors included Iain Ballamy, Martin Speake, Stan Sulzmann, Andy Panayi, Alex Garnett, Will Vinson and flautist Gareth Lockrane.
Since graduating, James has been working and touring extensively with Grammy award-winning female Soul artist, Joss Stone as part of the three piece horn section he founded, “The Rhino Horns”.
James was a core member of Maceo Parker’s trombonist, Dennis Rollins’ funk outfit “Badbone & Co” for two years whilst he was studying in London. He toured with Dennis throughout the UK and Europe and his introduction to the world famous Jazz club, Ronnie Scotts started at this time – playing 3 night sell-out residencies at the club every year.
Most recently, James has been fortunate enough to work with other UK Pop & Soul sensations: Mica Paris, Beverley Knight, Pixie Lott and Paloma Faith.
James plays: Yanagisawa A9932J
Alexander Bone was born in Darlington into a musical family. He started playing saxophone at the age of six, taught by his father, but began playing jazz piano at an even earlier age. He plays in several groups including big bands and jazz quartets. As well as his jazz studies, Alexander is passionate about music production.
Alexander achieved his grade 8 jazz saxophone at the age of 10, acquired all four diplomas for jazz saxophone and finished with the Fellowship Diploma (FLCM) by the time he turned 18. He also passed his grade 8 jazz piano with a distinction aged 13 and was awarded a place at Chethams School of Music where he studied with Iain Dixon, Les Chisnall, Steve Berry & Richard Iles. Alexander was a member of the Greater Manchester Jazz Orchestra and the National Youth Jazz Collective and has played with high profile names including Snake Davis who mentored him and Stan Tracey.
Alexander has recently worked with global artists such as Nile Rodgers, Kylie and Dannii Minogue and chart-topping producers Rudimental. He’s performed live and written arrangements for internationally-acclaimed artists including Newton Faulkner. Alexander was a soloist with the BBC Concert Orchestra and is a member of jazz quintet The Jam Experiment, who won the 2014 Jazz North Introduces scheme and have already performed at many British jazz festivals and venues. He won the first BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2014.
Alexander currently studies jazz at the Royal Academy of Music in London.
Alexander plays: Yanagisawa A991B, T991B, SC991B
Jess Gillam is an English sax player from Ulverston, Cumbria. She started playing sax at 7 years old. Jess has won many awards and scholarships locally and nationally including an ABRSM scholarship when she gained a place at the Royal Northern College of Music Juniors in 2011, where she studied saxophone with Ruth Bourn and won awards for demonstrating outstanding talent.
Jess won an award as the ‘Best Young Musician in the North-West’ from Awards for Young Musicians and has performed in concerts for them from the Highlands down to London. She was awarded an ABRSM Diploma in 2012, aged 15. Jess was also awarded Musician of the Year at the Cumbria Culture Awards presented by Melvyn Bragg. Other notable performances include appearances with Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra and as a concerto soloist with the Worthing Symphony Orchestra (in the same series as Nicola Benedetti, Emma Johnson and Julian Bliss).
She has played with Snake Davis several times and was described by him as “one of the best young sax players in the UK.” She runs her own annual concert series in Ulverston where previous acts have included Snake Davis and the Suspicions, the Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra, The Apollo Saxophone Quartet and Niko and the Terry Turner trio. The line-up for 2014 includes Courtney Pine and Snake Davis the Suspicions.
Jess was a woodwind category finalist of BBC Young Musician of the Year 2014 and was one of only three contestants who earned a place in the 2016 overall final. She has recently been studying with saxophonist, composer, conductor and record producer John Harle and will be taught by composer and educator Rob Buckland at the Royal Northern College of Music from September 2016.
She plays in many local and national concerts, performing a mixed classical repertoire, and is a member of the National Youth Wind Ensemble of Great Britain.
Most recently, Jess closed the 2018 BBC Proms by performing across the world-famous ‘Last Night of the Proms’, at Radio 2’s ‘Proms in the Park’ and at the Royal Albert Hall.
In May 2018, Jess became the first saxophonist to sign a record contract with Decca Classics, releasing her first album “RISE” on 26th April 2019.
2018 also saw Jess win a Classic BRIT award. She was awarded the ‘Sound of Classical Poll’ award, which promotes the best emerging artists and ones-to-watch in classical music.
Jess plays: Yanagisawa AWO20U, A992U, T992U, SS91SP, and SWO2U saxophones.
Saxophonist Tommy Smith is one of Scotland's leading jazz musicians and composers, an internationally recognised soloist and bandleader since the late-1980s and the musical director and driving force behind the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra and his own Youth Jazz Orchestra.
Smith grew up in the Wester Hailes area of Edinburgh and was encouraged to learn the tenor saxophone from the age of 12 onwards. At the age of 16, he obtained a scholarship to study at Berklee College of Music. There he joined Gary Burton's group.
His CV, since touring and recording the Whiz Kids (ECM Records) album with vibraphonist Gary Burton at the age of eighteen, includes a total of twenty-three albums under his own name for Hep Records, GFM, Blue Note Records, Linn Records and his own Spartacus label.
Smith has recorded and toured with world-renowned jazz musicians including Joe Lovano, David Liebman, Benny Golson, Joe Locke, Gary Burton, Chick Corea, Tommy Flanagan, John Scofield, John Patitucci, Miroslav Vitous, Arild Andersen, Trilok Gurtu, Jack DeJohnette, Jon Christensen and Kenny Wheeler.
Smith's work with the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra includes programmes of Oliver Nelson, Basie, Ellington, Mingus and Benny Goodman. SNJO has also premiered Smith's own compositions including Beauty and the Beast for David Liebman and Torah for Joe Lovano.
Tommy has won the BBC Heart of Jazz Award as well as numerous other titles and awards. As a tireless advocate of Jazz education, Tommy conceived the curriculum for the Scottish Jazz Conservatory, campaigning for a jazz presence in Scottish further education and teaching individual students.
Tommy Smith official website www.tommy-smith.co.uk
Snake Davis is widely known as a solo artist and for his guest appearances, solos on tracks such as Lisa Stansfields “Change”, M-Peoples “Search For A Hero” and “Moving On Up” and Take Thats “A Million Love Songs”. He has played and recorded with artists ranging from James Brown to Paul McCartney, The Eurhythmics to Amy Winehouse – having recorded on more than 400 tracks in recent years for over 60 artists and played live with dozens more.
He recently released his 10th solo CD “Live”.
Snake is in demand across the world; playing the saxophone family as well as flutes, whistles and the ancient Japanese wind instrument, the Shakuhachi. A highly talented player, he is also a musical director (Heather Small and M-People), a writer, an arranger, bandleader, and sought after for his work in education.
He recently appeared at the Royal Albert Hall, The Princes Trust concert, playing for Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Brian May and Roger Taylor and Midge Ure, and was also called in as guest soloist with Paul Carrack and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
He was part of the last Eurythmics world tour.
With Japans biggest rock star Eikichi Yazawa he recently played Tokyo Dome and 5 sold out nights at the famous Budokan arena.
Most notable for her renowned live performances with Hed Kandi and other huge brands such as Ministry of Sound, Space-Ibiza, Pacha, Café Del Mar and Cocoon, it is no surprise that Lovely Laura is the clubbing world's most in demand saxophonist. To add to this, and under the personal invitation of Domenico Dolce (Dolce & Gabbana), Laura has toured the world performing at a wide range of their events such as fashion show parties, boutique parties and even personal events.
With numerous influences including Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder, Cannonball Adderley, Herbie Hancock, Paul Desmond, Joni Mitchell & Donny Hathaway, Laura, who is also a singer/ songwriter, has a passion for music which extends from electronic music to that of Jazz and Soul, where, as a solo artist, she has enthralled thousands. She has performed at arenas such as the O2, NEC, Manchester Evening News Arena and Amsterdam Heineken Music Hall, supporting artists such as Take That, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, The Stylistics and Candy Dulfer.
Laura recently signed her debut jazz album ‘Off The Ground’ to Robin Millar’s (Sade, Everything But The Girl, Fine Young Cannibals, Randy Crawford, etc) label NuJaz.
Yanagisawa Saxophones and Vandoren Reeds are extremely proud of saxophonist Jess Gillam following her progress to the final of this year’s BBC Young Musician of the Year competition.
Seventeen year old Jess’ outstanding performances throughout the competition saw her earn a place in the final alongside French Horn player Ben Goldscheider and this year’s competition winner, cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason. Jess’ stunning final performance of ‘Where the Bee Dances’ (Michael Nyman) wowed judges and TV audiences.
Jess’ exceptional achievement demonstrates her remarkable talent and dedication. She became the youngest ever endorsee of Yanagisawa Saxophones aged only 13 and uses Vandoren reeds. Jess has played Yanagisawa Custom Engraved AWO20 Alto and S901U Un-lacquered Soprano Saxophones and used Vandoren reeds, ligatures and saxophone slings throughout the competition. She states, “I choose to play Yanagisawa Saxophones for their ability to produce such a warm, rounded and human sound whilst being reliable and easy to play.” Jess goes on to say, “I can rely on Vandoren Reeds for their consistent and resonant tone in every musical genre.”
Jess began playing saxophone aged seven. Her long list of achievements include a guest appearance with Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra and performing as a concerto soloist with the Worthing Symphony Orchestra. She has recently been studying with saxophonist, composer, conductor and record producer John Harle and will be taught by composer and educator Rob Buckland at the Royal Northern College of Music from September this year.
Having reached the Woodwind Category final in the 2014 competition, Jess’ competition final performance this year highlights her ongoing development of her musical craft and talent and further establishes her as one of the UK’s most exciting, promising and inspiring musicians.
Yanagisawa Saxophones and Vandoren UK Reeds are delighted to announce that award winning saxophonist endorsee Jess Gillam has won a place in the final of this year’s BBC Young Musician of the Year competition. Seventeen year old Jess gave another outstanding performance of Pequena Czarda (Itturalde), Fujiko (Andy Scott) and Sonata, 1st movt. (Phil Woods) that saw her progress to the final alongside two other young finalists.
With over 450 entries into this year’s competition, Jess’ achievement of reaching the final three demonstrates her remarkable talent and dedication. This talent was recognised early on when Jess became the youngest ever endorsee for Yanagisawa Saxophones at the age of 13.
Jess has played Yanagisawa Custom Engraved AWO20 Alto and S901U Un-lacquered Soprano Saxophones and used Vandoren reeds, ligatures and saxophone slings throughout the competition. She states, “I choose to play Yanagisawa Saxophones for their ability to produce such a warm, rounded and human sound whilst being reliable and easy to play.”
Jess started playing saxophone aged seven. Her impressive list of achievements include performing as a concerto soloist with the Worthing Symphony Orchestra and a guest appearance with Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra.
Jess impressed judges Meriug Bowen - Director of the Cheltenham Music Festival, Alpesh Chauhan - Assistant Coordinator at the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Huw Humphreys - Head of Music at London’s Barbican Centre. She has recently been studying with saxophonist, composer, conductor and record producer John Harle and will be taught by composer and educator Rob Buckland at the Royal Northern College of Music from September this year.
The BBC Young Musician of the Year Final will be broadcast on BBC Four on Sunday 15th May with performances also broadcast on BBC Radio 3.
Yanagisawa Saxophones are proud to announce that award winning saxophonist – and Yanagisawa artist - Jess Gillam has won the Woodwind Category final of this year’s BBC Young Musician of the Year competition. Jess will now compete in the Semi-Final with other category finalists - to be broadcast on BBC Four on Saturday 7th May.
Seventeen year old Jess started playing saxophone aged seven. Her impressive list of achievements include performing as a concerto soloist with the Worthing Symphony Orchestra and a guest appearance with Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra. Jess was also the youngest solo performer at the World Saxophone Congress in Strasbourg and leads her own annual concert series in Ulverston that has seen performances from such artists as Snake Davis, Courtney Pine and John Harle.
Jess plays Yanagisawa Custom Engraved AWO20 Alto and S901U Un-lacquered Soprano Saxophones. Her performances of Pequena Czarda (Itturalde), Fujiko (Andy Scott) and Sonata, 1st movt. (Phil Woods) won over the Woodwind Category judges - acclaimed flute soloist Adam Walker and leading recorder virtuoso Pamela Thorby.
Jess is delighted with her Yanagisawa Saxophones used in the competition. She states, “I couldn’t live without my Yanagisawa Custom Engraved AWO2O – it’s such a responsive and resonant instrument with a unique, warm and mellow tone.”
The Semi-Final of the BBC Young Musician of the Year is available to view on BBC Four on Saturday 7th May with performances also broadcast on BBC Radio 3.
