Young Jazz Musician of the Year
Yanagisawa Artist, Alexander Bone wins BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2014.
For the first time in the 36-year history of the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition, that prestigious event's all-classical remit has been opened up to jazz, and the first BBC Young Jazz Musician prize went to 17-year-old Alexander Bone, a student from Manchester's Chetham's School, and a Yanagisawa Saxophone artist who has already distinguished himself with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, and as a member of the National Youth Jazz Collective.
Bone, from Darlington, comes from a family of musicians, and began his musical life on the harmonica and keyboard before starting jazz saxophone at the age of six, taught by his dad. He took grade eight at the age of 10, and at 13 started his studies at Chetham's, where he's currently doing his A-levels.
"I want to thank everyone so much for all the messages and support I've received," he said. "The four other finalists are an insanely talented set of young musicians and friends that I have bags of respect for. The Gwilym Simcock Trio were mind-blowing, and I enjoyed playing jazz in the final more than I ever had in my life thanks to them! It was a huge honour."
Alexander plays Yanagisawa A991B, T991B and SC991B.