Biography

Reuben Goldmark, a London-based pianist and composer, was a finalist in the esteemed BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year competition and his compositions were featured on BBC 4 and BBC Radio 3. He was awarded the Dankworth Prize for Jazz Composition in both 2022 and 2023, making him the first ever back-to-back recipient of the award. As a performer, he has graced numerous prestigious venues across the UK, including select appearances at the Vortex Jazz Club, Ronnie Scotts, Queen Elizabeth Hall as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival and Snape Maltings as part of the Aldeburgh Festival. He recently graduated from the Royal Academy of Music, where he studied with Kit Downes.

Born in the year 2000, Reuben’s compositions reflect his experience of growing up in the 21st century. As a student at Chetham’s School of Music he discovered his love for jazz through the music of Bill Evans, having been steeped in classical music from a young age. His music incorporates a wide range of influences, from Messiaen to Mehldau and everything in-between. Recently, Reuben has used his music as a vehicle to delve into his Ashkenazi Jewish heritage.

In 2024 Reuben debuted his new piano trio (John Jones – bass, Jonah Evans – drums), which explores lyrical melodies and hooks underpinned by high-tech grooves and metric modulations, balancing the cerebral nature of contemporary jazz with a focus on strong narrative storytelling. Reuben’s music is filled with polyrhythmic beats that question our perception of time and rhythm. Frequently the trio finds itself simultaneously playing two or even three different time signatures with ease. The music is dynamic and ever-evolving, refusing definition and challenging the performers to create music at their absolute limit.

Award: Dankworth Prize for Jazz Composition 2022 & 2023

Photo Credit: Olivia da Costa