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Joel Ross, the vibraphonist whose ascendant career has become a beacon for the new wave of jazz innovators, has released his latest album, Nublues. This work, a heady mix of tradition and experimentation, is quickly becoming a defining statement not just for Ross, but for the direction of contemporary jazz. Nublues is an album that bridges eras, reimagining the blues form while embracing the genre’s future.
Ross, who first gained attention for his work with artists like Makaya McCraven and Marquis Hill, has steadily built a reputation as a trailblazer. His previous albums, including the critically acclaimed KingMaker and Who Are You?, established him as an artist willing to push the boundaries of jazz while remaining deeply rooted in its history. With Nublues, Ross continues this exploration, crafting a soundscape that challenges and rewards listeners in equal measure.
The title track, “Nublues,” is a testament to Ross’s ability to reinvent the familiar. The piece begins with a nod to the traditional 12-bar blues form but quickly deviates, incorporating complex rhythms and unexpected harmonic shifts. Ross’s vibraphone is both lyrical and percussive, creating a sense of fluidity that blurs the lines between melody and rhythm. The track’s unpredictability is a signature of Ross’s style, where every note feels both deliberate and spontaneous.
In Nublues, Ross is joined by a stellar ensemble that includes Immanuel Wilkins on alto saxophone, Kalia Vandever on trombone, and Jeremy Corren on piano. The synergy between these musicians is palpable, each one contributing to the album’s dynamic range. Wilkins, a frequent collaborator of Ross, delivers a performance that is both fiery and introspective, adding emotional depth to the album’s more experimental passages. Vandever’s trombone provides a rich, warm counterpoint to Ross’s shimmering vibraphone, while Corren’s piano playing, at once dense and spacious, anchors the group’s more freewheeling moments.
One of the standout tracks, “Hues of Blue,” showcases Ross’s compositional prowess. The piece is a slow-burning meditation that unfolds gradually, with each instrument adding layers of texture and color. Ross’s use of space is masterful, allowing the music to breathe and evolve naturally. The result is a track that feels timeless, echoing the work of jazz greats like Bobby Hutcherson while carving out its own identity.
Nublues is also a deeply personal album for Ross, reflecting his own experiences and emotions. In an interview with The New York Times, Ross spoke about how the album was influenced by his upbringing in Chicago and his exploration of identity through music. “I wanted to create something that felt true to who I am, but also something that pushed me out of my comfort zone,” Ross said. “The blues are a big part of my musical DNA, but I wanted to explore what the blues could be, not just what they were.”
This exploration is evident throughout the album. Tracks like “Aftermath” and “Echoes” delve into darker, more introspective territory, with the ensemble creating a soundscape that is both haunting and beautiful. The interplay between the musicians is at its most intuitive here, with each member responding to the others in real-time, creating a sense of dialogue that is central to the jazz tradition.
NuBlues is not just an album; it’s a statement. It’s a declaration of where jazz is headed, a genre that refuses to be confined by labels or expectations. Ross has once again proven that he is not just a skilled
musician, but a visionary, someone who is not afraid to challenge the status quo and take risks in his art.
As Nublues continues to captivate audiences, it’s clear that Joel Ross is a musician who is redefining what jazz can be. In a genre that is constantly evolving, Ross stands at the forefront, leading the way with a sound that is as innovative as it is rooted in the tradition. Nublues is a testament to his artistry and a bold step forward in the ever-unfolding story of jazz.
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