Jules Ruben

Jules Ruben (February 11th 1912 - July 6th 2006) was a British jazz pianist, composer, recording artist, inventor and mentalist. Jules was born on February 11th 1912, at home in 122 Evering Road, Stoke Newington. When Jules was about eighteen his love was jazz...he'd been listening to Art Tatum, Fats Waller, Teddy Wilson etc., and his piano style was hugely influenced by them (especially Tatum). Credited as a great exponent and lover of stride piano, he was dubbed as "the man with the fast left hand", and for his amazing stretch for tenths with ease. Jules' first residency was at Mrs. Merrick's 43 Club in Gerrard Street (sometimes playing till 8.00am, when the last customer left)! He also played for many of the big publishing companies (such as Chappell, Francis Day & Hunter, Keith Prowse, etc.) as a song demonstrator, playing newly-published sheet music to the public, but with his own style and improvisation, and through many requests, it led to his own syncopated piano tuition, and lessons in modern improvisation...The Jules Ruben School of Modern Rhythmic Piano Playing. Prior to WW2 he released many jazz records. In 1936 he recorded Latin-American music appearing on television . He vacillated between the styles and played also with Hermanos Deniz Cuban Rhythm Band. Jules died peacefully at home in Hendon, London, on July 6th 2006, aged 94