Summer’s coming, the barbecue’s heating up, the people are here and it’s time for a new album from pianist, composer and producer Reuben James to get the atmosphere going.
Reuben James describes this as his ‘sophomore album’ following 2023’s Champagne Kisses. He has been around the world of top-level music for a decade, first with singer Sam Smith and more recently working on projects including helping Marcus Mumford score the Apple TV+ hit show Ted Lasso. Alongside this, James works away on his own music, developing a distinctive style of jazz-influenced R&B. His voice coasts over some properly extended juicy chords, the piano ripples behind, and guests pop into the studio to add their own flavour to the mellow vibe.
What’s notable about Big People Music is that the guests are, well, bigger people. Rather than namechecking himself in the opening track, this time he has Stephen Fry (yes, that Stephen Fry) to do it. Emilie Sandé adds an electrifying vocal lead to You’re Mine (joined by Reuben in a fine balancing performance), and Jamie Cullum brings a poised and passionate line to Show Me Your Love. Tom MacFarland from London hitmakers Jungle brings a cool vibes on Shotgun, before Moragö lets loose a Latin section mirrored by Reuben’s piano. Ezra Collective founder Joe Armon-Jones joins in on the title track, bouncing along with US trumpeter Theo Croker bringing some fluid horn lines.
James stays loyal to his old friends like Ruben Fox, who adds tenor saxophone to the afrobeat-inflected shuffle Deep Inside, which flies by thanks to the evershifting instrumentation, vocals, chords and joyous feel. James’ first foray into a reggae style on a dub-inflected Teach Me is a good success. Rapper Jay Prince comes back to add a sharp verse to Feel It Coming, while Kofi Jones joins for an extended rap about Reuben’s native Birmingham on Brum Town.
If all this sounds like a dizzying mix, it is. And, it is all held together in a coherent whole thanks to Reuben James in the control room, mixing, choosing, inviting, assembling and putting together an outrageously varied musical excursion. Once again it strikes me that this music could so easily be extended; there are 16 tracks here in just 42 minutes. While a few of the tracks are short introductions, nothing stays around for long. That’s either wonderful generosity from the artist, or a missed chance to stretch out. Maybe he’ll take a few more solos on the live dates upcoming this Autumn (details below).
If you’re having a summer party, put this album on and enjoy the way it can get everyone nodding along. The album is available on all major steaming platforms and as a download (link below).
