Ben Shankland & Harben Kay - Dundee Jazz Festival

Ben Shankland and Harben Kay are two of Scottish jazz’s most exciting emerging voices. For a special commission at Dundee Jazz Festival, they unite in an intimate acoustic setting —with the audience seated around an open grand piano — to explore themes of Dundee, modern Scotland, and the joy of live performance and human connection.

Kay, recognised as one of the UK’s most creative and virtuosic jazz artists, has released two critically acclaimed albums, completed four UK tours, and performed at iconic venues including Ronnie Scott’s and the Royal Albert Hall.

Edinburgh-born pianist and composer Shankland brings a deep reverence for jazz tradition, infused with a distinct personal voice. Rooted in melody but unafraid to explore rhythmic and textural complexity, Shankland plays with a freedom that makes the piano sing.