In vibraphonist Joel Ross’ relatively short time making forward-thinking jazz records, he’s racked up an extremely impressive discography. Still only in his early 30s, Ross released his debut album Kingmaker in 2019 and has not slowed down since. With 5 albums under his belt(including his newest Gospel Music), Joel Ross has also become the go-to sideman for artists like Makaya McCraven, Marquis Hill, Rob Mazurek, Peter Evans and Theo Hill to name a few.
With each release Joel Ross seems to dig deeper, trying to expose a truth in himself. 2022s The Parable of the Poet is a prime example of that, and even Ross’ last release, the covers collection nublues, opened a door into what inspires and influenced the vibraphonist. With his new album Gospel Music, Ross explores his own faith in God and the power of belief, as well as the tradition of the church. Especially as it pertains to Ross’ childhood growing up in the church in Chicago. A sprawling collection of original compositions that take us to the edges of musicianship and belief, and the bridges that connect them.
At nearly 80 minutes, Gospel Music isn’t a record you can just slip into and out of. It begs for your attention. It wants you invested in the world it has created, possibly finding something deeper and under the surface to connect to. “Wisdom is Eternal(For Barry Harris)” wastes no time locking in. It’s a stunning opener, with a winding melody that never relents. Subtle saxophone work from the great Josh Johnson keeps an urgency throughout the song. “Trinity(Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)” has an almost Afro-Cuban feel, bringing to mind Dizzy’s great Latin-fueled work from the 60s. “Protoevangelium(The First Gospel)” is heady and intricate, laying out both smokey jazz vibes with an almost mysteriousness aching sax lines.
Gospel Music never relents or sways away from its inspiration. Even those of us not religious can feel the spiritual pull in this stunning work. Ross follows in the giant footsteps of fellow jazz composers like John Coltrane, Dave Brubeck, Mary Lou Williamson, Duke Ellington and Alice Coltrane, artists that shared their belief in God through their music.
Does Gospel Music have what it take to hang with an album like A Love Supreme? I believe it does.
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