Joel Ross

Joel Ross is one of the busiest young jazzers of our time. He is constantly crisscrossing the globe bringing his gospel to fervent listeners who are moved by both his music and his message. Joel Ross is a vibes player who is committed to the playing with the same group of musicians whenever possible. In the March 2026 issue of Downbeat magazine he stated “The best bandleaders aren’t dictating every single thing that a person does. You’re observing. I study these people. I love these people. And so I care about the way they feel and what angers them, what fatigues them. I pay attention to them, to understand not just how to manipulate, but to know who they are and what’s going to happen and under what circumstances. And then I ask them to trust me. We trust each other in the creative process of making the music.” Ross’ sense of care comes across so clearly in his performance here at the Vermont Jazz Center – listen for the group’s unified sense of comfort, but also check out their virtuosity and relaxation even when swinging hard. This is a remarkable performance filled with “good vibes.”