Joel Ross
Joel Ross has 2 upcoming shows in the Netherlands. The next one is on October 28, 2026 at BIMHUIS, Amsterdam. All 2 tour dates
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About
Joel Ross plays vibraphone like he has something to prove against the instrument itself. He openly admits it's his least favorite, describing a love hate relationship with what he calls "cold metal bars," and that tension is exactly what drives his playing. Rather than leaning on the usual four mallet approach, he works with two, keeping the harmony open and the notes crisp by going easy on the sustain pedal. Rhythm is central to everything he does: when he leads his band Good Vibes, players intentionally pulse against each other, drawing inspiration from Miles Davis's Second Great Quintet. Signed to Blue Note Records, Ross has built a steady run of albums as a leader, from KingMaker through Who Are You?, The Parable of the Poet, and nublues. Critics have taken serious notice, with multiple DownBeat Critics Poll wins in the vibraphone category and Jazz Journalists Association honors for Mallet Instrumentalist of the Year. As a sideman he's shown up on records by Makaya McCraven, Brandee Younger, and Johnathan Blake, among many others.
