If you want to find out more about the progressive jazz scene in New York City, you can't get past him: Joel Ross is not just a terrific vibraphonist. With his group Good Vibes, he stands for much of what is currently happening there in terms of style and sound.
This also includes a new awareness of the blues, which has always nourished jazz. "nublues" is the name of Joel Ross' newly released album. It is his fourth album and, like all the others, was released on the renowned Blue Note label. The label has long been committed to keeping its finger on the pulse of the times without losing sight of the great traditions. Joel Ross, now in his late 20s, quickly became the ideal choice. His guest appearances in other people's bands and projects also contributed to this.
When Good Vibes play the blues, it's not just about classic forms. Above all, the emotional and spiritual content of the blues forms the common thread for the vibes master from Brooklyn. During the pandemic, Ross studied the great African-American blues tradition more intensively. His findings and discoveries flowed into new compositions. It was important to him to remain true to his previous path and to develop something of his own in exchange with his band colleagues. An important aspect of the group is the open improvisational cooperation at eye level. The material on "nublues" also bears his signature.
Joel Ross comes from Chicago. He learned to play the drums as a young boy and later moved on to the vibraphone via the xylophone. An important stage in his training was a music institute specializing in jazz at the University of the Pacific in California. Top vibraphonist Stefon Harris had a decisive influence. The move to New York City opened up countless playing opportunities and contacts for Joel Ross. The list of those with whom he has played includes illustrious names such as Wynton Marsalis, but also younger musicians at home in contemporary stylistic crossover such as Makaya McCraven and Kassa Overall. Joel Ross will be making his Bremen premiere with the proven line-up of Jeremy Corren (p), Kanoa Mendenhall (b) and Jeremy Dutton (dr).
