Joel Ross: nublues (Blue Note)
Joel Ross: vibraphone
Immanuel Wilkins: alto saxophone
Jeremy Corren: piano
Kanoa Mendenhall: double bass
Jeremy Dutton: drums
Gabrielle Garo: flute
Although I’ve greatly enjoyed Joel Ross’ work with Peter Evans and the Exploding Star Orchestra, I haven’t really connected with the music he has released under his own name for Blue Note. Until now. For nublues, Ross went back to the source code, the blues, and together with regular compatriots like the altoist Immanuel Wilkins and flutist Gabrielle Garo, found a way to combine it with modern sensibilities and a noticeable sense of flow. Combining seven originals with interpretations of two John Coltrane tunes and one by Thelonious Monk, the albums connects the dots and segues nimbly and gracefully from one moment to the next, keeping things rhythmically propulsive and melodically inquisitive. Not to forget, highly enjoyable. Highlights include the almost reverent “Bach (God the Father in Eternity)” and a hot take on Monk’s “Evidence”, Ross and Wilkins exchanging bright solos.
Yep! Love it--listened to it yesterday and actually saw the combo live in December under Wilkins' aegis!