Thank you so much for listening to SHINE! If you’re holding this album, you probably already believe in the power of music to be a positive, unifying light in a world that can feel increasingly overwhelming and chaotic, and that positive power is what I’m trying to celebrate on this album. I’m hoping that across these 11 tracks, you’ll find music packed with a whole lot of raw, impactful energy – whether you’ll be dancing to Bechet’s riotous riffs, comforted by the tender beauty of Ó Catháin’s “Tabhair dom do Lámh” or celebrating life with Hildegard von Bingen’s “Spiritus sanctus vivificans”. Put simply, I wanted to make an album that could make people feel good.

I did actually have a bit of an “album manifesto” for SHINE and I wrote it down in my notebook about a year ago. I’ve just dug it out, let me know if the brief has been hit! Here it is: BIG ENERGY. BEAUTY. MUSIC TO MAKE PEOPLE SMILE. MUSIC TO LIFT PEOPLE UP.

I made SHINE after a long recording break. During that time, I lost quite a lot of confidence and belief in myself. The music you’ll find on this album helped to bring me out of that time – it’s music fizzing with resilience, grit, confidence and hope. Now, my biggest hope is that it might even help to lift you up on a difficult day.

We recorded this album in three days at School Farm Studios (a beautiful studio in rural Cambridgeshire) and it was honestly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. Never have I been more focused and had so much fun all at once. It might sound cheesy but the dedication and skill of the musicians in the room made me feel unbelievably grateful to have picked up a saxophone at the age of seven and for it to have become my life. I’ve also loved co-producing this album; it’s the first time I’ve had that role, and I have learnt so much along the way. I’m so thankful to all of the players and to every single person in the production team and behind the scenes for giving this album absolutely everything.

I hope you enjoy listening!

Jess Gillam © 2026