Joel Ross

Joel Ross is one of the most distinctive vibraphonists of his generation, known for music that blends rhythmic sophistication, lyrical clarity, and deep collective interplay. Since his Edison Award-winning Blue Note debut KingMaker (2019), Ross has earned widespread acclaim for a body of work that treats improvisation as conversation and composition as storytelling. His subsequent releases, including Who Are You? and The Parable of the Poet, cemented his reputation as a thoughtful bandleader and a central voice in contemporary jazz. Ross' latest album, Gospel Music, draws from the spiritual and communal traditions of the Black church in Chicago, exploring ideas of service, renewal, and shared purpose through layered harmony and collaborative improvisation. Leading his ensemble Good Vibes, Ross creates music that is both technically expansive and emotionally direct. A sought-after collaborator and frequent headliner at major venues and festivals worldwide.