Joel Ross

About Joel Ross

Joel Ross is a highly acclaimed, Chicago-born and Brooklyn-based vibraphonist and composer, recognized as one of the most influential voices in modern jazz. He is celebrated for his thoughtful, intricate compositions that seamlessly blend elements of jazz with soul and blues. Ross often employs a distinctive two-mallet technique on the vibraphone, focusing on rhythmic expression and avoiding over-dictating harmony. A prolific artist on Blue Note Records, Ross has released several impactful albums as a bandleader, including "KingMaker" (2019), "Who Are You?" (2020), and "The Parable of the Poet" (2022). His latest album, "nublues," released in February 2024, showcases a deliberate shift towards greater accessibility with a strong emphasis on melody, ballads, and the blues. The inspiration for "nublues" came from his studies at The New School during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he delved into the history and feeling of the blues. Ross regularly performs with his quintet, Good Vibes, which features Immanuel Wilkins on alto saxophone, Jeremy Corren on piano, Kanoa Mendenhall on bass, and Jeremy Dutton on drums. His collaborative work extends to numerous renowned artists such as Makaya McCraven, Walter Smith III, Marquis Hill, and Wynton Marsalis. Ross's talent and innovative approach have earned him significant recognition, including being a recipient of the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship in 2022. Looking ahead, a new album is currently in the works and is slated for release in January 2026 on Blue Note.