Kim Cypher's Backstage Banter
In Kim Cypher’s Backstage Banter she tells of a “love at first listen”, a jet set gig and performing in front of her idol. Read on to discover her favourite artists, what she’s listening to and who she’d like to bring back from the dead!
Kim is a saxophonist, vocalist and composer and our very first Backstage Banter guest. She made her debut performance in Lyme Regis at The Royal Lion Hotel in August 2024
Which living musician do you most admire?
Andy Sheppard, the saxophonist – an absolute master of his craft. And I’m also a HUGE fan of Liane Carroll – her style, technique, stage presence is just pure genius.
Which musicians have influenced you the most?
The jazz greats such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and music from the old films of the 40’s and 50’s. But I owe so much to the late saxophonist and composer Barbara Thompson MBE. There weren’t really any other female saxophonists and band leaders doing their thing when I was growing up, so she had a huge influence on me. Also the late Pee Wee Ellis who I studied with and from whom I learnt so much.
If you could bring one musician back to life, who would it be?
Hmmmmmm, very tricky. OK – Amy Winehouse. She had so much natural talent and was tragically taken before her time. She had so much more to give and to achieve.
Musically, what are you most proud of?
When I performed on stage when Barbara Thompson was in the audience. That made me feel incredibly proud and honoured. Plus, being
What’s been your worst gig to date, and why? And the best?
Worst gig…….haha! We performed at a local outdoor venue where the performing area was literally a ten-minute hike from the cars. We had to lug all our gear (lots of it) down the hill. And then up a steep hill afterwards. The gig was lovely but carrying the gear almost finished us off!
My ‘best gig’?… performing two sell-out shows at Ronnie Scott’s Also, being flown to New York for a private jazz gig was amazing!
Have you a special pre-gig routine?
Once at the venue, set up and ready to go, I like to take some time to get into the right headspace. That’s the ideal scenario…it often doesn’t work out that way! There’s often very little time and not always a private space to head off to.
Describe yourself musically in three words
‘Uniquely Kim Cypher’ – musically I don’t want to be put in a box.
What’s your greatest fear as a musician?
Letting people down by having to cancel a gig. I absolutely hate it. Thankfully, I‘ve have only had to pull out of a handful of gigs in my career, due to illness or personal circumstances.
How would you like to be remembered as an artist?
That I had a positive connection with audiences. If my music can touch the heart of just one person or have a positive effect, then I’m happy.
What’s the most important lesson music’s taught you?
Biggest lesson? That music is not a competition. Every musician has their place, and we should all celebrate and support each other.
What are you listening to right now?
Right now, I’m bingeing on ‘A Kiss to Build a Dream On’ by Louis Armstrong. I came across it when we were putting together our radio show. It was literally ‘love at first listen’.
Who was the last musician you paid to see live - and when?
We recently had a night out at Ronnie Scott’s to see Monty Alexander and his incredible trio. Such a wonderful band and venue so a very special night indeed.