Gold star start for Newbury Spring Festival

Newbury Spring Festival: Jess Gillam Ensemble at The Corn Exchange on Saturday, May 6. Review by STEPHEN OTTNER

Coronation Day at the Corn Exchange saw the Spring Festival get off to a superb start with the Jess Gillam Ensemble. Possibly best known for being the first saxophonist to reach the finals of BBC Young Musician, Jess also has a string of “youngest” achievements.

Youngest soloist to perform at the Last Night of the Proms; youngest presenter on Radio 3 with her weekly ‘This Classical Life’ show; youngest ever endorsee for Yanagisawa saxophones (at the age of 13) and the first ever saxophonist to be signed exclusively to Decca Classics. Both of her albums reached No. 1 in the UK Classical Music Charts, so it was surprising that there were even a few empty rows at the rear.

Accompanying Jess was her Ensemble consisting of piano; percussion (marimba, xylophone, drums); two violins; viola; cello and bass (double, electronic, electric). All top rate musicians delivering a rich tapestry of sound. The programme was well balanced and constructed to make the most of the ranges of instruments, and skills, of the entire ensemble.

Mainly contemporary pieces, some specifically composed for Jess, and just one familiar piece, Debussy’s ‘Claire de Lune. As this was the first concert in her current tour it was the first public performance of the Debussy. A very fine arrangement, and flawless delivery, that was particularly appreciated by the audience.

Starting with a piece composed by Will Gregory of Goldfrapp with Jess on tenor sax. A switch to soprano sax, for a piece inspired by a CPE Bach flute concert, and the rest of the concert. Other highlights included music from Piazzolla and a fantasy on folk tunes. The tenor sax reappeared for the, inevitable, encore which had the audience clapping along at the start of it.

There can no doubt that Jess Gillam is a force of nature with an uncanny ability to connect with her audience both through her music and introductions between pieces. It is astonishing what she has achieved so far for someone who will be celebrating her 25th birthday later this month.

Jess was undoubtedly the star of the evening in her gold star outfit sparkling in the lights, entirely suitable for a day of glistening jewels and pageantry.