A York man is ready to leave meetings and house viewings behind as he embarks on a European and USA musical tour with his band, Bolden.
Reuben Barret, known locally as a businessman, former teacher, and founder of Coalters estate agents, is now undergoing his latest endeavour as an international musician. He will be heading to major European capitals and seven cities in the United States in what he describes as the band’s “most ambitious tour yet.”
The new dates follow a series of sold-out shows in London’s Omeara and York’s Young Thugs venue, and mark a rapid rise for Bolden, a duo that formed less than a year ago.
Reuben said, “I played music at school, but then work and other parts of life took over, and I found myself without the time to make music. I started to play again seven years ago after leaving teaching.
“My background means that I understand the business side of music, but I much prefer the creative process. That is where my passion is.”
Joining Reuben in Bolden is classically trained multi-instrumentalist Catherine Rannus. The pair connected via Instagram in August 2024, and what started as a one-off collaboration, quickly evolved into a fully-fledged partnership.
In less than a year together, the duo has gained significant momentum, releasing monthly singles, performing to sold out audiences, and working on their debut album, which is set for release in August.
For those wondering what a Bolden live show entails, Reuben and Catherine keep audiences hooked by switching between saxophone, flute, drums, bass, guitar, keys and vocals.
The pair spontaneously improvise, giving each performance a unique and exciting feel.
On the topic of performing, Reuben said, “There is a real desire to see people making music live and in the moment, rather than watch a DJ playing it.
“With the levels of improvisation we have, the audience never gets the same show twice. Improvisation is at the very core of jazz, and it is important to us that we have that element in our performances.”
The name Bolden is a tribute to Charles “Buddy” Bolden, the early jazz cornetist whose improvisational flair laid the foundation for an entire genre.
“It felt right to name the project after someone who helped birth jazz.” Reuben shared. “We’re not trying to recreate what jazz was, we’re continuing its story.”
That story now includes an ever-growing catalogue of tracks that embody the freedom of live performance, the expression of jazz and the exciting pulse of house music.
The duo’s upcoming album, ‘Would appear to be jazz.’ takes its name from a line in Catherine’s university dissertation on gender inequality in the music industry. The project challenges rigid definitions of jazz while highlighting the genre’s barriers.
If you’d like to experience Bolden for yourself, their tour dates are as follows:
Europe (2025)
- 21st September – Berlin – Frannz Club
- 23rd September – Stockholm – Nalen Klubb
- 24th September – Helsinki – Kuudes Linja
- 8th October – Amsterdam – Tolhuistuin
- 9th October – Paris – Trabendo
- 23rd October – London – Village Underground
North America (2025)
- 13th November – Brooklyn – Baby’s All Right
- 14th November – Toronto – The Drake Underground
- 15th November -Montreal – Theatre Fairmount
- 18th November – Chicago – Schubas Tavern
- 20th November – San Francisco – Popscene at Brick & Mortar Music Hall
- 21st November – Los Angeles – The Moroccan Lounge (SOLD OUT)
- 22nd November – Los Angeles – The Echol (NEW DATE JUST ADDED)
For more on Bolden, visit the website here.