Jazz award music to Helena’s ears

SAXOPHONIST Helena Kay, originally from Perth, has scooped the £5,000 Peter Whittingham Jazz Award 2017, the charity Help Musicians UK (HMUK) said.

Described as a gifted alto saxophonist, Ms Kay (pictured) is a former winner of the 2015 Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year competition.

She said: “Recording, releasing and promoting my debut album is a daunting and expensive prospect, but the support and guidance this award provides will be a massive help.

“It means a lot to have been selected for this prestigious award, given the reputation of the panel and previous winners. I’m very grateful and excited to get started.”

Claire Gevaux, creative director at HMUK, said: “Helena Kay has an exciting future ahead of her.”