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Birmingham-born pianist and singer Reuben James is set to release his second EP Slow Down next Friday 12th June – a 6-track collection of songs that span jazz, soul and RnB. To celebrate the release, James will perform a special solo EP launch live stream from luxury brand Audemars Piguet AP House in London on the day of release.
A known collaborator amongst the music-sphere, James has more recently written for and with a whole host of fast-emerging talent, including Col3trane, Poppy Ajudha, Tom Misch and Bruno Major, some of whom he’s called on for the Slow Down EP. Reuben cites the record as a chance to “breathe deep, take in your surroundings and choose to slow down your mind”.
“This is an incredibly sad and turbulent time for many reasons.” James says, “I chose to push back the release date in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and give it the voice it deserves, but rather than releasing this music much further in advance as many artists have done during the pandemic, I wanted to push ahead to provide a soundtrack to people’s lives, whatever they may currently be going through. I hope the Slow Down EP provides some solace.”.
Millions around the world have enjoyed the music of Birmingham-born pianist and singer Reuben James. Having toured the globe three times performing with Sam Smith, including shows at The Oscars and The Grammys, and having contributed songs to Smith’s 4 million-selling album The Thrill Of It All, as well as collaborations with a long line of illustrious artists including Joni Mitchell, Bonnie Raitt, Herbie Hancock, Elton John and Tori Kelly, James is beginning to make a name for himself in his own right.
Slow Down – Track By Track by Reuben James
My Line – “The first single off the EP is a true collaboration with some of my favourite artists, including Col3trane, Jay Prince, Vula and Soweto Kinch, as well as Linden Jay who co-produced the track.”
All The Things – “I wrote this with Phairo, who I often work alongside with Bruno Major. We stayed up late in Phairo’s garden and wrote the track in one evening. There’s also Patrick Linton on backing vocals and Ruben Fox on tenor sax.”
So Cool – “This second single off the EP is inspired by the people who you help out in life that forget all that you’ve done for them. Guitarist Tom Ford and producer Karma Kid helped create the Neptunes-inspired sound.”
Run Away – “I wrote this during quarantine for my LA-based partner who I haven’t seen for months. It offers an escape, exploring leaving the world behind and running away with your partner. Vocals on the second verse come from Kevin Garrett, with Chris Dave on drums and Reuben Fowler for the brass arranging.”
Peaches and Whiskey – “An impromptu jam with Chris Dave and Tom Ford at the historic Capitol Records in LA on Nat King Cole’s piano. This is the only instrumental on the record so I wanted the listener to lose themselves in the harmony and groove.”
Slow Down – “Slow down is about taking the time for yourself to breathe and not be overwhelmed by everything going on in the world... this final track sums up the whole record.”
