Helena Kay is a tenor saxophonist and composer currently based in Edinburgh. Originally from Perth, Scotland, Helena moved to London in 2012 to study at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, graduating in 2016 with a First Class in BMus Jazz (Hons).

While still studying in London, Helena was awarded the Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year Award (2015). In 2021, Helena was selected to become a City Music Foundation Artist. 

Helena’s KIM Trio recorded their debut album, Moon Palace, in 2017 after winning the much-coveted Peter Whittingham Jazz Award the same year. The album was released on Ubuntu Music in December 2018. The album features Helena on saxophone with David Ingamells on drums and Ferg Ireland on double bass.

The trio’s music draws influences from various places: Scotland, London, and New York, each of which have been home for Helena at various stages. While in New York, Helena had lessons with some of the greats of the contemporary jazz scene – Dayna Stephens, Melissa Aldana, Chris Cheek and Rodney Green.

Helena also plays with various groups including bassist Calum Gourlay’s quartet, Issie Barratt’s Interchange Dectet and EuroRadio Jazz Orchestra 2017 and has performed at numerous festivals such as London Jazz Festival and Glasgow Jazz Festival, as well as venues including as Ronnie Scott’s, The Royal Albert Hall and The Vortex in London. In addition to leading the KIM Trio, Helena is currently working with the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra.

A new project adds pianist (and fellow former Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year) Peter Johnstone to Helena’s KIM Trio, which now features Helena on tenor saxophone & compositions, Calum Gourlay on double bass and David Ingamells on drums. This group has recorded the album Golden Sands, which is released on Sulis Records and has already earned praise from radio presenters in the UK and as far afield as Canada and Australia.