Reuben James

The Birmingham-born pianist and singer came up through the jazz circuit before going on to work on records with the likes of Sam Smith and Disclosure.

His own music is where those experiences meet. “So Cool” has an easy, soulful charm that has travelled far beyond jazz audiences; on his 2025 album Big People Music, he opens things up further, drawing funk, R&B and a wide cast of musicians into the songs.

That combination makes for a compelling live show: memorable hooks, real interplay and a band with space to stretch.

Reuben is a musician who knows exactly when to lead from the piano and when to let everyone else take the music somewhere new.