September 18, 2020
Joel Ross has released “Gato’s Gift,” a melodic new single from the vibraphonist’s highly anticipated sophomore album Who Are You?, which comes out October 23. The track features Ross’ band Good Vibes with Immanuel Wilkins on alto saxophone, Jeremy Corren on piano, Kanoa Mendenhall on bass, Jeremy Dutton on drums, and special guest Brandee Younger on harp. The album can be pre-ordered on vinyl, CD, or download.
“This record is a culmination of our maturing – as people, as a band, within the music – it’s about figuring out who we are,” says Ross. The vibraphonist nurtures his artistry in a continuum. He lets melodies inform improvisation, and collective spontaneity inspire written composition. “I don’t believe in coming into anything with expectations,” he says. “As musicians, we’re just expressing ourselves.”
Inspired by communication through storytelling – a method he absorbed, in part, working with such creative forces as Ambrose Akinmusire, Marquis Hill and Makaya McCraven – and with input from producer Walter Smith III, Ross assembled the album’s narrative in halves. Tracks 1-7 provide setting, as well as character introductions; tracks 8-15, plot twists. Each artist advances the spirit of risk-taking, while maintaining Ross’ vision for story structure.
The track listing for Who Are You? is as follows:
- Dream (Jeremy Dutton)
- Calling (Kanoa Mendenhall)
- Home (Joel Ross)
- More? (Joel Ross)
- After The Rain (John Coltrane)
- Vartha (Ambrose Akinmusire)
- Marsheland (Joel Ross)
- Waiting On A Solemn Reminiscence (Joel Ross)
- King’s Loop (Emily King)
- The Nurturer (Joel Ross)
- Gato’s Gift (Joel Ross/Gabrielle Garo)
- When My Head Is Cold (Joel Ross)
- Harmonee (Joel Ross)
- Such Is Life (Joel Ross)
- 3-1-2 (Joel Ross)
