Sarah Gillespie was born in London to an American mother and British father. She grew up in Norfolk, England – interspersed with numerous trips to Minnesota, where she soaked in the sounds of Bessie Smith, Bob Dylan, Cole Porter and early blues and jazz. From the age of 4, Sarah composed songs on piano, and then at 15 began playing guitar. At 18, she moved to the USA, busking in the streets and playing gigs.

On returning to London, she gained a first class degree in Film And Literature and an MA in Politics And Philosophy from Goldsmiths University. Supporting Ian Dury’s band The Blockheads at Ronnie Scotts one night, Sarah met the saxophonist and composer Gilad Atzmon and Gilad went on to produce Sarah’s critically acclaimed debut album Stalking Juliet (Egea). Sarah has since performed live on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, played festivals, jazz clubs, venues and Arts Centers across Britain and toured in Europe.

Described by Rock’n'Reel as ‘a bracingly eclectic mix of Beat poetry with jazz, folk and Middle Eastern elements’ Sarah’s music is a sonic reflection of the contemporary London street, a melting-pot mix of urban-folk stamped with her  trademark lyricism that knits everyday banter with raw poetry. Sarah’s quartet features Gilad Atzmon on accordion, clarinet and sax, Enzo Zirilli on drums and Ben Bastin on double bass. They have released 2 critically acclaimed albums Stalking Juliet (2009) and  In the Current Climate’ (2011).

Sarah also writes occasional political papers published on various news websites and regularly organises charity fundraising concerts.  Her music was played on BBC Radio 4’s ‘Start the Week’ when she was invited on to discuss politics in the arts.  She also paints, writes and performs poetry and hosts songwriting workshops.  She lives in London.