Electronic Press Kit - Millicent Stephenson

Short Bio

Millicent Stephenson is an accomplished and acclaimed in demand multi award winning female saxophonist, and has featured on BBC1 Songs of Praise. Most recently documented in two books ‘Gender Disparity in UK Jazz’ and ‘In Their Own Words’ a transatlantic project by Sammy Stein and Debbie Burke.

Millicent Stephenson Multi award winning saxophonist at Birmingham 2022 Festival singing — (c) 2022 Photograph by Laurence Stephenson

Described as ‘Sax Supremo’ by The Voice Newspaper, Millicent was tutored by the late great saxophonist Andy Hamilton MBE and featured in his Central TV documentary ‘Silver Shine’.

As a successful full-time professional artiste Millicent gives back to musicians. Millicent provides e-learning courses and gives advice to musicians through her podcast ‘Success Beyond The Score’. She was a finalist for the International Women’s Podcast Awards by the Skylark Collective, ‘Moment of Badass Business Advice’ category (2021).

In particular she recognised the lack of female musicians in the Industry and founded a networking event called ‘Cafemnee’ to mentor and empower women returning to their Millicent was invited to speak about women in music on BBC1 Songs of Praise, Radio Stations; and have written articles for Journals. During Lockdown she transitioned the group online and rebranded it to ‘Time For My Music‘.

In response to ‘Where can I find you?’ from her fans Millicent produces yearly Shows called ‘Not Just Jazz’ to showcase her original material, favourite iconic Jazz, Blues, Reggae, Soul and Gospel covers with her witty take on life.

Photograph by Laurence Stephenson (c) 2022

Millicent is a songwriter and her track ‘I’d Be Blue If I Didn’t Have You’ from her album ‘Reflective Notes’ was short listed and featured on the USA Women of Substance Radio Podcast in March of 2018. Millicent’s sax reggae version of Kirk Franklyn’s Gospel and Contemporary chart topper ‘Take Me To The King‘ was featured on ‘The LadySong Show‘, Miami, hosted by Millissa Jayne. The song was voted Number 1 on the BIWST Chart

Millicent is an endorser for Harry Hartmann Fiberreeds, and an Executive Committee member of the Musicians Union.

Millicent is also a pianist; vocalist; music director; teacher; mentor; label owner (Silver Gliss Music); Millicent is a wife and mother of two adult children.

Example performances include:

Birmingham 2022 Festival
Worcestershire and Herefordshire Chamber of Commerce Awards
Birmingham City Council luncheon for the Governor General of Jamaica: His Excellency, the most honourable Sir Patrick Allen
Commonwealth Games, The Queen’s Baton Relay, Birmingham
Birmingham New Street Railway Station
Sax Interpretations (international online concert)
Frankfurt Christmas Market
‘Gone But Not Forgotten’, Bikers Ride of Remembrance
An evening with June Sarpong MBE (TV Presenter and Broadcaster)
Funeral service of Dr Joanna Skelt (University of Birmingham & City of Birmingham Poet Laureate)

Sample Performances

Testimonials

‘The new track (‘Take Me To The King’) is perfect for the Gordon West World Wide Radio Show…Jazzful flavour…just the way we like it…‘

DJ Gordon West, KickFM Radio
(The Gordon West World Wide Radio Show is syndicated through 15 stations FM DAB, the Net; Airs on KYBN Radio California, WSJR DB Radio Miami. Reflections Radio. SOUL JUICE Radio and others in USA Canada Europe. 6 million listeners worldwide).

MIllicent Stephenson’s performance was outstanding. It made the whole event extra special. We would highly recommend her work.”

Deborah Ogunshakin, Birmingham

‘Our family thought you were exceptional, a professional and sensitive to the occasion of our father’s funeral. You made the day a memorable occasion. A consensus agreement you were a good choice. Millicent again many thanks. We would highly recommend your services‘.

Doreen, Birmingham

Sample Repertoire

Jazz/Blues:

At Last – Etta James
Sway – Michael Buble
Unforgettable – Dinah Washington

Gospel/Inspirational:
Amazing Grace – John Newton
My Redeemer Lives – Nicole C MullenMy Tribute – Andrae Crouch
Take Me To The King – Tamela Mann/Kirk Franklin

Reggae:
Kingston Town – UB40
She’s Royal – Tarrus Riley
Three Little Birds – Bob Marley

Pop:
Fireworks – Katy Perry
Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
You’re the First, The Last, My Everything – Barry White

Dance/Ibiza:
Miss a thing – Kylie Minogue
Into You – Ariana Grande
Dancing Queen – Abba

RnB/Soul:
All Of Me – John Legend
Ain’t Nobody – Chaka Khan
If I Ain’t Got You – Alicia keys

Christmas
Silent Night – Traditional
Have Yourself a merry Little Christmas – Kenny G
Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire – Nat King Cole

Music written by Millicent:

Accolades:

‘Just The Way You Are’ Number 1 Listeners Choice, Stevie J Stingdem Radio Chart. 2020
Executive Committee member of the Musicians Union, 2020
‘Take Me To The King’ Number 1 BIWST Chart, January 2019.
The Peoples Award, A-spire magazine (Dallas USA), 2019
Endorser of Harry Hartmann’s Fiberreed, Germany. 2019
Winner of The People’s Choice Award, A-spire Magazine (Dallas, USA), May 2019 https://www.a-spire.me/april-winner-people-choice
Finalist for ‘Role Model of the Year’ Award, Midlands Business & Community Awards 2018
Speaker at WhiiseCon 2018 (http://www.whiisecon.com)
Musicians Union Equalities Sub-Committee Member from 2019
Musicians Union (Midlands) Regional Committee Member from 2018
AJN Chairman’s Special Recognition Award 2017
Featured on BBC1 Songs Of Praise (Sun 5th March 2017 ‘Zebrugge Anniversary’ programme)
Featured Artist BBC Radio WM ‘Chatback Show’ and ‘Sunday Night With Joe and Nikki’
Creator, Producer & Artistic Director – ‘Not Just Jazz’ shows
Executive Producer ‘This Is Life’ and ‘Reflective Notes’
Journal features in The Voice Newspaper, The Phoenix Newspaper, FEU (Federation Of Entertainment Unions), Keep The Faith Magazine, MOBO Online.
HM The Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebration, Birmingham Town Hall (2016)
Creative Director and Founder of Cafemnee (Sept 2014)
Featured on BBC Introducing (Feb 2014)
Invited to perform at the Jamaica’s 50th Independence Cultural Extravaganza and Salute to the Jamaica Olympic Athletes Show, Symphony Hall, Birmingham (2012)
Reception for the Governor General of Jamaica, His Excellency The Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, ON, GCMG, CD of Jamaica (2013)
Wise Women & Keep the Faith Magazine Music Award 2011
Saxophonist, Songwriter, Pianist, Vocalist, Music Director, Teacher and Independent Label owner (Silver Gliss Music), Wife and Mother of 2 adult children.