Julian Smith

Julian Smith (born 21 April 1969 from Birmingham) is an English saxophonist and music teacher from Birmingham, England. He is also known by his stage name Joolz Gianni. He has made guest appearances alongside artists such as Tony Hadley (Spandau Ballet), Gwen Dickey (Rose Royce), Hamish Stuart and Steve Ferrone (Average White Band), and has performed on national television together with Chris Rea, M People, and Dina Carroll. In 2003, he released a solo album, Chilled 2 the Sax, which features Acker Bilk, Dina Carroll, and Ola Onabule. Smith became better known after appearing on the third series of Britain's Got Talent in 2009 and finished in third place behind singer Susan Boyle and winning dance troupe Diversity. Early life and education Julian Smith is a native of Birmingham, England. His father was a music teacher, which allowed Smith to learn a variety of instruments as a child, including the clarinet. He attended the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (then Birmingham School of Music / Birmingham Conservatoire) where he studied bassoon as his first study instrument with second study saxophone. He graduated with distinction in 1991. After graduating from the Conservatoire, Smith focused more on the saxophone. Career Early career Early in his career, Smith held teaching jobs with both Sandwell College and Cheltenham College. He also made guest appearances on records for Tony Hadley, and Hamish Stuart and performed live on national television with acts like Chris Rea, M People, and Dina Carroll. In 1993, Smith formed a band and eventually began operating under the stage name Joolz Gianni. Some of his tracks were featured on Sony Music's Classic Chillout compilation series from between 2001 and 2003. In 2003, he released a solo album as Joolz Gianni entitled Chilled 2 the Sax, which featured Acker Bilk, Dina Carroll, and Ola Onabule. After releasing his album Throughout This Time, he continued teaching music privately and playing small gigs.