Joel Ross's album “nublues” represents a significant milestone in the vibraphonist's career, marking his fourth release under the prestigious Blue Note label. In this musical endeavor, Ross explores the intersection of Blues and ballads, seamlessly blending elements of tradition and innovation to captivate listeners.
The album boasts Ross's vibrant quintet, Good Vibes, which includes Immanuel Wilkins on alto sax, Jeremy Corren on piano, Kano Mendenhall on bass, and Jeremy Dutton on drums. In addition, the accomplished flutist Gabrielle Garo makes notable guest appearances on several tracks, adding depth and texture to the ensemble's sonic tapestry.
The album eloquently showcases Joel Ross's virtuosity and creative vision, seamlessly navigating between his original compositions and beloved Jazz standards, thereby demonstrating his prowess as both a composer and interpreter. Each track within “nublues” possesses its own distinct personality and allure.
“Early,” serving as the inaugural piece, welcomes listeners with its radiant tones, setting the stage with a palpable sense of anticipation. Ross's rendition of John Coltrane's classic, “Equinox,” exudes soulfulness, as his vibraphone engages in a passionate musical dialogue alongside Immanuel Wilkins' alto saxophone, imbuing the piece with intensity and emotional depth.
In “Mellowdee,” Ross takes the listener on a journey of gentle melodies and evocative harmonies, fostering an atmosphere that invites reflection. Meanwhile, “Chant” captivates with its enveloping rhythm and hypnotic melody, evoking an aura of mysticism and trance-like immersion. In “What Am I Waiting For?,” the saxophone, flute, and vibraphone intertwine in seamless harmony, accompanied by subtle bass undertones and gentle percussion. This composition exudes a serene and contemplative ambiance evoking a sense of introspection and emotional depth.
In “Bach (God the Father in Eternity),” Ross pays homage to sacred music and the profound influence of J.S. Bach, skillfully weaving together classical and jazz elements in an innovative and emotive manner. The title track, “Nublues,” encapsulates the essence of the album, seamlessly blending Blues freedom and ballad influences with a contemporary avant-Jazz sensibility to craft a unique and evocative sonic landscape. In “Ya Know?,” Ross and his quintet delve into syncopated rhythms and intricate melodies, evoking an atmosphere of intrigue and mystery.
In the vibrant rendition of Thelonious Monk's classic “Evidence,” Ross demonstrates his technical prowess and his knack for reinventing jazz standards with a contemporary twist, presenting a dynamic interpretation that breathes new life into Monk's composition. The album concludes on an emotive note with Ross's poignant version of John Coltrane's composition “Central Park West.” Through his heartfelt performance, Ross pays homage to Coltrane's legacy while imbuing the piece with his own personal touch. This closing track serves as a fitting conclusion to the album, leaving listeners with a sense of introspection and emotional resonance.
Despite the profound and intuitive musical dialogue among the musicians, each instrument boasts its own distinctive sound. Ross's vibraphone sparkles with cascading chimes, while Wilkins's alto sax soars with melodic brilliance. Corren's piano contributes depth and richness to the ensemble's sound, complemented by Mendenhall's resonant bass lines and Dutton's dynamic drumming.
Ross reflects on his experience, stating, “I enjoyed the journey of diving into learning about the blues and understanding the history of the blues, really focusing on developing this band’s sound and band structure. It’s emotion, it’s expression. But I also want to stay true to the rhythmic ideations that we’ve already been developing. I don’t really tell the band how to play anything. What I do tell them is to stay connected and make everything we do coherent to each other. And play the blues, however that comes off.”
Ross's personal experiences and scholarly exploration of the blues resonate throughout the album, infusing the music with depth and meaning, and inviting listeners to connect with it on a personal level. Ross emphasizes, “I don’t want my personal experience to be what people are thinking about when they’re experiencing it. I generally want people to be able to come in and hear the music and interpret it through their own lens.”
The recording process captures Good Vibes' live performances, showcasing the band's improvisational skills and chemistry while imbuing the album with historical reverence and creative exploration. Ross collaborates with Garo on flute, adding complexity to the album's sonic landscape and creating moments of beauty and introspection. Reflecting on the album's journey, Ross remarks, “It’s a constant progression. It’s a snapshot into how we’ve continued to do the same thing we’ve been doing and how it’s been transforming,” highlighting the album's role as a testament to perseverance and artistic evolution amidst challenging times. Throughout the album, Ross explores the emotional depths of the genre with authenticity and reverence, infusing blues sensibility while also pushing its boundaries with his unique voice.
In summary, “nublues” demonstrates Joel Ross's development as a musician and composer, skillfully blending tradition with innovation, inviting listeners to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery, encouraging them to immerse themselves in the timeless elegance of Jazz.
Keep listening, keep dreaming, keep swinging!