Harben Kay, “The World I Live In” album tour, October 2025.

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Saxophonist and composer Harben Kay will release their new album on October 3rd 2025 and will be touring extensively in the UK throughout October. Press release and tour schedule attached.

We have received the following press release;

Harben Kay
The World I Live In
(Sulis Records, October 3 rd 2025)

Harben Kay is excited to announce the release of their highly anticipated new album, The World I Live In (Sulis Records, October 3rd 2025). This album represents a deeply
personal exploration of identity, transformation, and the way change influences creativity. Written over the past three years, during a time of frequent moves between London, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, The World I Live In reflects the shifts in Harben’s life and the profound impact they had on the music.

Inspired by the work of renowned writer Bernardine Evaristo, particularly her book Manifesto, Harben delves into how the process of moving, both physically and mentally, can shape creativity. “There has been a lot of change in my life over the past few years, and this album reflects that,” says Harben. “It’s about how change shapes who we are and influences the music we create.”

The World I Live In marks Harben’s first collaboration with a producer. They were delighted to work with incredible pianist and old friend Fergus McCreadie, who also had their musical beginnings in the Fife Youth Jazz Orchestra. “Fergus is so good at shaping his own music, I knew he would add so much to the music I’d written. We’ve known each other for such a long time and I trust his judgement completely.”

The three rhythm section players bring a sense of deep connection and synchronicity to the album. “We’ve played together for years in various settings, and they are a dream rhythm section,” Harben reflects.

A significant departure for Harben, this album combines spoken word with music for the first time. The title track, “The World I Live In,” is inspired by a Mary Oliver poem of the same name. While Harben was unable to use Oliver’s words, they wrote their own words to convey similar themes of identity, belonging, and connection to the world around us.

In addition to spoken word, Harben makes their debut playing the flute on the album, further enriching the sound and adding a new dimension to the music. The album explores both the beauty and complexity of change, and how it can unlock new creative possibilities.

Harben Kay | tenor saxophone, flute, alto flute, spoken word
Calum Gourlay | double bass
Peter Johnstone | piano
Alyn Cosker | drums

Artist website: http://www.harbenkay.com

more info: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Track Listing
1. The World I Live In (prelude) 3:34
2. Laylow 5:01
3. Virago (intro) 1:06
4. Virago 4:08
5. Twinship 2:07
6. Swolf 3:59
7. Blue Beetle 5:41
8. Winter Halo 6:01
9. Turning Tides 5:36
10. Turning Tides (postlude) 1:20
All composed by Harben Kay

Produced by Fergus McCreadie
Executive producer: Harben Kay
Recorded at Solas Sound 6th March 2025
Recorded and mixed by Gus Stirrat
Mastered by Alex Bonney
Artwork and design by Marily Papanastasatou

All compositions and words by Harben Kay
Copyright Sulis Records 2025

Huge thanks to everyone who contributed and
helped me to create this album:
Drake YolanDa Award, Peter Johnstone, Calum Gourlay, Alyn Cosker, Fergus McCreadie, Gus Stirrat, Alex Bonney, Marily Papanastasatou, Stephen Henderson, Sylvie Kay, Merran Kay, Philippa Baylis, William Kay, Mary Kay, Peter Baylis, Olivia Williams, Take Five, Directions in Music, all the venues we played at where this music was developed, and the audiences who came and connected with us. I am ever grateful for your support.

I will not be bound by the ropes of convention
I am too expansive to be tied down
Who needs an anchor when you have wings?
Let the winds of uncertainty blow you astray
To the most beautiful place within

Some things will come and go
Some will always remain
The waves of change come crashing in
Shifting the landscape once again
It turns you upside down
Where everything looks new
From there the ideas will grow
Starting from within you

TOUR DATES:

October

8 Mareel, Lerwick

9 The Blue Lamp, Aberdeen

16 The Queens Hall, Edinburgh

17 Perth Theatre, Perth

20 NQ Jazz, Manchester

21 The Glad Cafe, Glasgow

23 Peggy’s Skylight, Nottingham

24 Sheffield Jazz, Crookes Social Club

25 The Verdict, Brighton

26 The Vortex, London

Ticket links at;
https://www.harbenkay.com/tour-1