Jess Gillam interview: playing her part

‘In lockdown I started cooking for the first time, semi-properly. I say “properly” – I mean actually spending some time making meals. I think there are quite a few similarities between music and the process of cooking, as it's something you can concentrate on and be totally immersed in.’ Speaking to Jess Gillam about her free time, it's quite easy to forget that this is the internationally successful saxophonist who has been awarded an MBE, has her own podcast and radio show, and has presented the BBC Proms live on television. ‘And, weirdly,’ she continues with her gentle Northern inflection, ‘I enjoy driving, because that's another time when you just have to focus on what you're doing. I don't necessarily do it for fun – it's usually to a concert – but I love it; or spending time with friends, or being in the outdoors, and all the usual boring things.’