Winner of
the 2012 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Drums competition, Jamison Ross is
set to release his self-titled debut album, Jamison, via Concord Jazz, June 23,
2015 (international release dates may vary). The recording is a brilliant
presentation of Ross' artistry, not only showcasing his prowess as a jazz
musician who commands the drums, but also as a gifted composer, arranger and
more pointedly, a singer. Ross sings on
ten of the disc’s 12 tracks. “When I won
the Monk competition, no one there knew that I could sing,” says 27-year-old Ross. “When I took on the quest to record my first
record, I was torn between my heart as a drummer and my heart as a singer. Ultimately, I was compelled to take a journey
that incorporated my voice as part of my sound.”
Infused
with jazz, blues and genuine soul, the album filters music from multiple eras
through a contemporary approach, refreshing material such as Muddy Waters’ 1977
classic, “Deep Down in Florida,” an homage to Grady Tate with Gary McFarland,
Louis Savary’s soul-jazz classic, “Sack Full of Dreams,” and Eddie Harris and
Les McCann’s 1971 hit, “Set Us Free.” He also honors the great Carmen Lundy
with an earnest version of her 1994 composition, “These Things You Are to
Me.” Mixed in with these classics are
some of Ross’ own compositions including “Emotions,” a lyrical narration of
Ross’ personal perspective on the journey of life, supported by a danceable
rhythm and convicting melody.
Complementing
him on the album is a group of ingenious jazz musicians – guitarist Rick
Lollar, bassist Corcoran Holt, saxophonist Dayve Stewart, pianist Chris
Pattishall, organist Cory Irvin, and trumpeter Alphonso Horne III – all of whom
Ross has cultivated a soulful chemistry with dating back to his college
years. Also on deck is special guest
pianist Jonathan Batiste, who plays on four songs.
Jamison
embodies a joyous sound grounded in Ross’ distinct approach to music, which is
rooted in the church, but interpreted through his profound knowledge of
jazz. “I am often asked whether I am a
drummer who sings, or a singer that plays drums,” said Ross. “This record is an answer to that question;
it is an organic and honest expression of who I am as an artist. It’s Jamison.”
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