April marks Jazz Appreciation Month, so it’s no surprise that popular saxophonist, vocalist and composer Kim Cypher is as busy as ever.

She is currently touring her latest album ‘Love Kim x’, and has been for well over a year, performing in venues in Cheltenham, London and beyond.

It’s been a big journey for Kim and husband/drummer Mike since they left their full time jobs to focus on music, nearly 10 years ago.

“Having lost my mum suddenly and unexpectedly in 2000,” said Kim, “it was a bit of an eye opener about life and the importance of following dreams.

“So we made this brave decision to quit the rat race and see where our music could take us. To be honest, people thought we were mad!”

It turned out to be a very good decision indeed for Cheltenham-born Kim, having released two albums and performed at concerts and festivals all over the UK and US.

Recently Kim has released a new song, entitled ‘All For You’, in tribute to her late mum, which she first performed at a special concert at the beginning of March.

“I was offered a gig at the prestigious Pizza Express Live Soho,” explained Kim.

“I noted that the date signified the 20th anniversary of losing my mum so was unsure whether to accept the gig.

“However, after some thought, I decided, rather than decline the gig, I would instead plan a big charity concert to celebrate my mum's life, basically a night of great musical entertainment and wonderful company.”

The concert saw Kim perform alongside her band – including husband Mike – and jazz legend Ray Gelato.

“I’ve been a huge fan of his for some time, he’s a great performer,” said Kim. “I couldn’t believe it when he agreed to come and perform.

“It was an amazing night, but it was all a bit of a blur. Coming back from London it hit me how well the evening had gone and I felt very relieved and proud.”

The concert, combined with a JustGiving page set up by Kim, has managed to raise just shy of £2,500 so far for The Brain Tumour Charity.

Kim says it was only fitting they should raise for the charity on the night dedicated to her mum, who passed away due to a brain tumour.

“It was quite emotional,” confessed Kim, “I had to have a little word with myself beforehand to psyche myself up.

“I was determined for it to not be a sad occasion but a celebration. The audience was superb – a lot came down from Cheltenham by coach – it was very overwhelming.”

Along with the song, Kim also released a special animated music video.

Illustrated by local artist Martyna Sabadasz, the video was released in March to coincide with International Women’s Day – “it’s a song inspired by a woman, written by a woman and a video created by a woman, so it seemed appropriate,” added Kim.

Kim admits that the ‘For Mum’ project has been a lot of hard work, but she also adds that she already has plans in place for her next release.

“I’m working on another track which will be released later in the year,” she said.

“I’ve got hopes to start taking my music overseas also.”

For more information on Kim Cypher, visit www.kimcypher.com.

And to donate to her JustGiving page in aid of The Brain Tumour Charity visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kimcypherformum