SAX star Jess Gillam reaches another musical milestone this week with the release of her debut album.

Released on Decca tomorrow, Rise is another momentous occasion in the 20-year-old saxophone player’s burgeoning career.

Jess - who made three appearances in 2018’s Last Night of the Proms - says its been a huge ambition to record an album. "I am really excited for everyone to hear Rise in its entirety upon its release on Friday. I am so grateful for the support of my friends, family and followers in Ulverston and beyond who have helped to make this project a success."

Rise opens with Iturralde’s Pequena Czarda, a jaunty, jazzy work regarded as Jess’s signature piece.

Kate Bush’s This Woman’s Work follows on with the sweeping strings from the BBC Concert Orchestra providing a lush landscape for Jess’s soprano sax to navigate. Michaud’s Brazileira is also included in the 14 track recording, giving it a samba feel that harks back to the Ulverston sax sensation’s early days in Barrow-based Barracudas carnival band.

There’s so much colour bursting from Rise, which is a great showcase for the dazzling technique and verve of Jess, who landed a Classic Brit Award last year.

Jess will be making an appearance at Gillam’s Tea Rooms in Ulverston between 11am and 1pm on Friday (April 26) to celebrate the release of Rise. Copies of the CD will be available to buy.

Also, next Tuesday (April 30), as part of the Royal Albert Hall’s Love Classical season, Jess will perform alongside other rising star soloists: soprano, Lauren Fagan and guitarist, Sean Shibe, accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of yet another star on the ascent, conductor Jamie Phillips.