“To be in a studio with such a rich history playing with a group of incredible musicians was extremely inspiring - I can’t wait for you to hear!”
Following her debut album Rise, which reached No. 1 in the UK Classical chart, Classic BRIT Award-winning saxophonist Jess Gillam has today released her new album Time. Centred around Michael Nyman’s virtuosic masterpiece for saxophone and orchestra Where the Bee Dances, Jess recorded the concerto with the Aurora Orchestra, conducted by Nicholas Collon, at Abbey Road in Studio Two.
Jess Gillam’s new album Time portrays a huge range of styles, moods and influences, from classical to techno and minimalism to alternative pop, the music offers the listener a space to immerse themselves in an oasis of sound and reflection. The recording includes two new commissions by contemporary classical composer Luke Howard and Goldfrapp’s Will Gregory. Howard’s Dappled Light is a reflection on early dawn and Gregory’s Orbit is a reflection on the hustle and bustle of day.
The centrepiece of the album is the stunning Where the Bee Dances by Michael Nyman, bursting with relentless energy and soaring lyricism. Jess recorded the concerto in Studio Two with the Aurora Orchestra, conducted by Nicholas Collon. Engineered by Jonathan Allen, assisted by Abbey Road’s Matt Jones, Neil Dawes and mastered by Andrew Walter.
Jess Gillam’s Time also features pieces by pioneering and genre-breaking artists and composers including Anna Meredith, Brian Eno, Thom Yorke, Björk and James Blake alongside familiar classical names such as Philip Glass, Max Richter and Joby Talbot. Gillam carefully curated the recording to be experienced as a whole, accompanying the listener through the unrelenting cycles of life itself.
Collaboration is a key component of Jess Gillam’s new album Time and her work. This release is the first time the Jess Gillam Ensemble, made up of musician friends, have played and recorded together. She explained: “Making this album was one of the best experiences of my life. I was fortunate enough to record with an incredible group of musicians and close friends …Whilst we were able to get into the studio to record before lockdown, the process since then has been quite different! Due to the restrictions, we were not able to do a photoshoot so I hope you enjoy the homemade nature of the single covers!”
