Joel Ross is the latest rising star of vibraphone. After the common thread uniting Lionel Hampton, Milt Jackson, Bobby Hutcherson and Gary Burton, this extraordinary instrument didn’t have a chance to rejoice. There were not many important players, until Joel Ross. Originally from Chicago, he shouldn’t be seen only as an expert in this instrument but also as a leader and composer jazzman. His talent as a soloist can be fully appreciated in the trio.
He is much talked about in America, where he has won significant awards and played at major festivals and jazz clubs. In a short space of time, he has worked with jazz stars such as Herbie Hancock, Christian McBride and Louis Hayes, together with some of the best of the younger generation of players including Ambrose Akinmusire, Gerald Clayton, Jon Batiste, Marquis Hill, and Immanuel Wilkins.
Meanwhile, Ross signed with Blue Note Records and released four albums for the label. His first album was entitled “KingMaker”. His latest one is “Nublues”: the roots of American music reinterpreted through the sense of innovation, which is one of the features of Ross’ artistic personality.
